Lower Lena Lake

The hike from the trailhead to Lower Lena Lake, in the Olympic National Forest, is 7.2 miles (11.6 km) roundtrip, with an elevation gain of about 1,300 feet (396 meters).  The path is wide and switchbacks gently at first, then a little more steeply, uphill through old- and second-growth forest to a large lake (Lower Lena Lake) surrounded by huge old-growth fir trees.

Path starts up

After the first few switchbacks, we gain enough elevation to see nearby peaks, some covered in snow.

Nearby peaks

The trail continues

We cross several small streams with narrow bridges stretching over them.  Smaller streams run across the trail and we hop from rock to rock to keep our shoes dry and avoid the mud.

Bridges

Small streams

After a few hours, we start to get glimpses of Lower Lena Lake and reach a fork in the trail, with the right fork descending to Lower Lena Lake and the left fork coninuing on for another few miles to Upper Lena Lake (much higher on the mountain). 

Glimpses of the lake

The trail comes out on a rocky bluff overlooking the lake and we stop to admire the view before descending to the water.

Overlooking the lake

Old-growth trees

At the shore of the lake, we stop for lunch and then wander a ways around the lake.  Several other hikers are swimming or relaxing in the water, many of them are spending the night camping on the shore.

On the beach

We're not staying, so we start back down the trail, meeting many individuals, families, and groups hiking up in the afternoon to spend the night.  We're truly impressed by some of the large trees that have fallen across the trail and been cut through to allow our passage.

Starting back down

Fallen trunks

The trail continues down

Another big trunk

On our way back home from the hike, we stop at the Hamma Hamma Oyster Company, on the Hood Canal at the edge of the national forest, to purchase fresh oysters for dinner.

Oyster shells

Dining at Hamma Hamma

Grilling our own at home

Lower Lena Lake is a great hike for people of all levels and a good introduction to hiking in the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park near our home (Upper Lena Lake is more strenous and challenging - another time).  Now to plan some more hikes!