Hike of the Week: Lena Lake
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| An inviting ledge above Lower Lena Lake |
Lena Lake
Enjoy an Olympic Favorite this holiday weekend
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
May 25, 2007
Quick Facts
Location: Hamma Hamma River Valley
Land Agency: Olympic National Forest
Roundtrip: 6.0 miles
Elevation gain: 1,300 feet
Contact: Hood Canal Ranger District, Quilcene (360) 765-2000; www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic
Green Trails Map: The Brothers, WA-No 168
Access: From Hoodsport, travel US 101 north for 14 miles. At Milepost 318, turn left (west) onto the Hamma Hamma River Road (FR 25). Continue for 7.5 paved miles to the trailhead located on your right.
Notes: NW Forest Pass required
The hike to Lower Lena Lake is one of the most popular in the Olympics. So don’t expect a wilderness experience here. You’ll encounter hikers from all walks of life on this wide and well-groomed trail. Nestled among old-growth firs and cedars in a scenic setting, coupled with its easy approach, its no mystery why Lena is a bustling place.
The trail takes off in second-growth timber climbing gently and carefree. Lena Creek can be heard crashing in the distance. The Forest Service has constructed railings along the way-not for safety, but to keep less-than enlightened trail users from cutting switchbacks. After an easy mile primeval forest is entered. Nearing Lena Creek, you may be in for a bit of intrigue if you find yourself standing on a handsome bridge with no water flowing beneath it. The creek occasionally makes for a subterranean passage, leaving you standing high and dry above a mossy rocky draw.
Beyond the cavernous creek bed continue, making one final push towards the lake. After 3.0 miles of enjoyable wandering you’ll come to a junction. Head right, making a beeline to a large sunny ledge providing a wonderful view of Lena Lake one hundred feet below.
A great spot for napping, snacking and contemplating, the ledge isn’t very handy however, if you want to fish, soak, or splash. Continue down the trail a little ways passing through a backcountry camping area, slowly descending to shoreline. Where Lena Creek tumbles into the lake is an especially nice area for staking out your afternoon retreat.
Hikers wishing to further stretch their legs and perhaps seek some solitude have two options. Continue 4.0 miles (gaining 2,700 more feet) up the Lena Creek Valley to Upper Lena Lake in Olympic National Park (dogs prohibited); or follow the Brothers Trail 3.0 miles along the East Fork of Lena Creek through primeval forest in the Valley of the Silent Men in the Brothers Wilderness. Of course there’s no rule saying you can’t while away your time at a sunny lakeside rock either.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Lena Lake visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula
