16. LENA LAKES TRAIL in OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST & PARK
The Lena Lakes are located above the Hamma Hamma valley. Despite having the same name, the two lakes have distinct differences. The lower lake is a simple, family and pet-friendly walk through old, tall trees in Olympic National Forest. The upper lake is a tough climb to a beautiful high area in Olympic National Park. The lower lake is usually crowded, while the upper lake offers more solitude. Access to both lakes is the same.
Highlights: Old-growth forest, Lower lake good for new backpackers; Upper lake in high wilderness basin.
Distance: Lower Lake: 6.0 miles round trip, 1225 ft elevation gain; Upper Lake: 14.0 miles round trip, 4100 ft elevation gain.
Difficulty: Lower Lake: moderate; Upper Lake: strenuous.
Permits: Northwest Forest or Interagency Pass required.
Hiking Season: Lower Lake: Mar-Dec; Upper Lake: Jul-Nov.
Notes: Camping at Upper Lake requires National Park Wilderness Camping Permit.
Kid-Friendly: Yes Lower Lake; Upper Lake no.
Dog-Friendly: Yes Lower Lake; Upper Lake prohibited.
Trailhead Amenities: Privy available.
Trailhead GPS: N47 35.984, W123 09.055.
Contact: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District.
Map: Green Trails Olympic Mountains East 168SX.
Directions: From Hoodsport, travel north on US 101 for 13.7 miles, turn left at milepost 318 onto FR 25 (Hamma Hamma River Road). Continue for 7.5 miles to trailhead.
Start the hike from the trailhead by climbing through new trees. Continue up to old forest groves. Near Lena Creek, cross it on a strong bridge. The creek might be hidden underground. At 3.0 miles, reach a junction. Go right for the lower lake, passing a ledge with a nice view. Descend past campsites to another junction. Go right to reach the shoreline.
For the upper lake, skip Lower Lena, go left at the first junction. Then veer left at another junction. Follow Lena Creek in a beautiful forest. The trail goes into the park (dogs not allowed). Keep going up a tight valley. It gets rocky and very steep. Climbing gets easier after a rocky ledge. Cross Lena Creek again.
Keep walking through the forest to reach Upper Lena Lake. You can see Mount Rainier in the distance. Enjoy the view of Mount Bretherton reflecting in the lake. In autumn, colorful hills reflect in the lake. There are lots of huckleberries. If you're up for it, take a half-mile trail to Milk Lake below a glacier on Mount Bretherton.