We got to the trailhead around 8 am with only two cars in the parking lot. Easy two hour hike up to the lake with only a few people there. Little over an hour down. My 8 year old twins did great and had no issue with the trail. 

Great trail to hike on! Not very steep, and mostly smooth. It would be a great hike on a hot day, as there is a lot of shade. Not too many views before you get to the overlook of the lake, but it is a pretty hike with lots of big old trees amidst a lush green understory.

We arrived at the trailhead at 2pm on Sunday, which turned out great. Easily found a place to park. Most people were heading down from the lake as we went up. Very quiet at the lake overlook - no road or plane noise. No bugs either, although we didn't actually go all the way down to the lake.

Flowers: there are a couple of patches of rhododendrons, but they will be finished flowering soon.Some beargrass, and berries starting to flower.

Birds: woodpeckers and whisky jacks at the lake.

Total hiking time was about 2.5 hours. We spent about 30 minutes at the overlook and were back at our car at 5pm.

Well-maintained trail to a beautiful view of Lena Lake. We arrived around 9am, lots of cars (30-40) at trailhead but able to find a space. Hiked with my reactive dog - saw many other dogs but respectful owners who kept their dogs leashed or asked if I wanted them leashed.

Trail starts with somewhat steep switchbacks which level out in intensity as you go towards the lake. Beautiful mossy boulders peppered the trail. Approachable hike for all levels & experiences.

We hiked to Lena Lake for a quick overnight backpack with 2 Moms, 2 teenage boys, and 2 Doggos.  This was a gear shake down hike to prep for longer hikes in the season.  The trail is popular and well maintained but be warned that while we reached Lena Lake at 3 miles on the dot as advertised, we probably hiked another mile to pitch our tents securing the very last camper's spot.  This location is next to a raging creek feeding Lena Lake.  

From Lena Lake there are 2 off shoot hikes.  The Brothers or Upper Lena Lake. Going to The Brothers requires you to cross the raging creek. Our evening entertainment was watching hikers forge the rushing water to and from The Brothers but, as we wagered, we eventually observed one burly man dump in.  His friend helped him get upright. I would not attempt without water shoes and hiking poles.  I have both and did not attempt....

The last camp spot was nice but not much sun and constant white noise of the rushing water.  It would have been better to cross the creek to get a campsite on the other side to catch the late afternoon sunshine.  There is an open air pit toilet at Lena Lake (sheltered compost toilet is out of commission). So if you did camp on the far side of the creek, unless you wanted to dig a cat hole, you would have to forge the water again roundtrip to do your business. The teenage boys crossed multiple times and caught several trout which we ate with dinner.  One draw back to this destination if you are looking to fish or swim, is that it did not seem easy to find access to the actual lake shore unless you scored the very first camp spot or the ones beyond the creek.  

We considered Upper Lena Lake, another 4 miles up, as our back up option to pitch the tents as it wouldn't kill us to go further, but realized on site that this would not be an option at all as the sister lake is inside ONP which is a no dog zone.  Keep that in mind if you have dogs with you as the optional day hike Upper Lena Lake option would be a no go too. The Brothers is not inside ONP. 

Overall a great trip.

Trail in beautiful shape. Easy ride up, not many people on the trail for a Sunday, which made the day all the more enjoyable.