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 Reporter |
Summary: The hike is very popular one and easy to get to, so expect to see several hikers on summer weekends and holidays. The trail is quite wide in the beginning and is very well maintained the entire route. A series of gentle sloping switch-backs will be found after the first .25 miles, but they are easy to traverse and weave through quiet, deep woods of 2nd grow Fir and Cedar. You will cross several bridges along the way, but most river beds are dry in late summer. Approximately .5 mi. from the lake, the trail splits to the left, for Upper Lena Lake. If you brought Fido, you will enter the Olympic National Park approximately 1/2 mile past Lower Lena and dogs are not allowed in the Park, so keep the pup at Lower Lena. The trail eventually opens up to a spectacular mountain lake, with several campsites along the west shore and heavy boulders on the eastern side. Many hikers dive off these rocks, but caution is the word of the day. Overall - a GREAT hike for all! Trailhead: Pickup a one-day parking pass at the Quilcene or Hoodsport Ranger Station. The Hamma Hamma Recreational Area turn-off is 22.6 miles south on Hwy-101 from Quilcene or 13.5 miles north on Hwy-101 from Hoodsport. Turn into the Hamma Hamma Recreation. Area and follow a well-paved road for 7.3 miles. The trailhead is on the right and very well marked. Lots of parking is available and good weather and holidays will usually bring a lot of hikers as well. The trail ahead is an easy hike and definitely worth the effort. (Lat:47.59972 Lon:-123.15085) Trail Guides for Lower Lena Lake : Hiking Olympic National Park by Erik Molvar (Falcon Press Publishing) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Hoodsport Ranger District, Hoodsport, WA. (360) 877-5254 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Dan and Laura Eckstein, who has posted 1 other hike on this site Trail Reviews Page 2 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Robert on 2/21/2007 Beautiful Lake view and nice camp sites. 
Reviewed by Rachel on 10/30/2006 I took my two younger daughters, ages 8 & 7 on this hike with me. It was absolutely amazing. The first two bridges were so nice and well kept. The trails were well marked and easy traveling. I was surprised to find a third bridge that crossed over the stream entering the lake. Again, most prestine. Once you get close to the lake, the signs give you two options, down to the camp or up to the lake. We chose to follow on to the lake. Once you got close, the path was not as clear and we encountered one dead end(for kids) and the other was downed by a tree...but with little struggle found a way around it and down. The view was majestic and well worth it. Next time it's an overnighter and a hike to the upper for sure!!
Reviewed by Derek on 8/7/2006 Beautiful summer hike. My 5 year old boy handled with no problem.
Reviewed by G Watson on 7/27/2006 Lower Lena Lake is one of the most gorgeous places I have ever seen. Continuing on to Upper Lena in a single day if extremely strenuous, but very rewarding. Camping at the Lower Lake is great, altohugh the bathrooms are chronically disgusting.
Reviewed by RA on 7/17/2006 Once again an awesome day! We set out on a pace that left us exhausted in 20 minutes.. so much for breaking one hour. By the time we got to the lake (75 minutes) and found a place to drop our lines, we caught 9 brook trout and 1 cutthroat. In the past I have only caught brown trout. We stayed for a few hours, the only disappointment was an overcast day. The trail is clean as always.
Reviewed by Beth on 5/18/2006 Wonderfull hike with Trilim in bloom along the trail. Trail itself is in good condition with only a few minor tress blocks with easy detour. The lake level has risen in just the past few days with small trees along the shoreline under water. Great hike!
Reviewed by Jewls on 3/11/2006 We took this Hike for a prep- hike. Beautiful, has one of Washingtons endangerd Plants growing nicely (Trilium) and blooms in spring. Was great for over night, but...BEWARE OF ANIMALS EATING YOUR FOOD. We were off to the side of the lake for a couple hours and a "Woodland" friend came and took our big sausage/hotdogs and Cheese! Also you pack out what you packed in, so consider when you Pack...is it worth it? Trash load...elt. Side Note: IF you Plan to continue to UPPER Lena, DO NOT OVER PACK. as the trail gets much stepper going up past LOWER Lena. It makes it a tough one, specialy for the athsmetic sort. Bears are in Upper Lena.
Reviewed by jim and april on 2/10/2006 Great hike, not too strenuous and good length. We hiked to Lower Lena...encountered snow about 1/2 way there, but totally passable. The lake was frozen over. Still very pretty. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Mason County Hiking, Mason County Trails, Mason County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||