Mount Lena & Upper Lena Lake
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Distance: ~ 20 miles roundtrip
Trailhead: 660 feet (GPS N 47.35.975 W 123.09.078)
Highpoint: 5968 feet (GPS N 47.38.370 W 123.12.868)
Elevation Gain: 5308 feet
Hike Difficulty Calculator: 31 - Extreme!
Trail Notes: Trail to Lower Lena very easy and groomed whereas the trail to Upper Lena is the opposite. It is not easy.
Pass/Parking: Northwest parking pass required
As always, click on the pictures for easier viewing.
All photos of this weekend's hikes are located here
Looking for something new, we set our sites on Upper Lena Lake. The weather forecast was conducive to an overnighter and the stories of a challenging trail, lead us to attempt Upper Lena Lake and the subsequent Mount Lena Peak. Also located next to Upper Lena Lake is Mount Bretherton. Both of these peaks can be climbed on a weekend with an early start and good weather.
The trail to Upper Lena Lake (ULL) begins right next to Lower Lena Lake's (LLL) Chapel Rock which provides a wonderful, theater-style view of the 55 acre lake. The LLL trail is a very popular day hike and is captured in several different previous posts. ( LLL1, LLL2 and LLL3). After hiking the gentle three miles to Chapel Rock, we unslung our packs for a refuel and a short break. Many other visitors were out enjoying the day and what Nature has to offer. People of all ages and locations from the Northwest, find the LLL trail and experience at the lake and Chapel Rock enjoyable. But some of Nature's more prized beauty lies up the more difficult trail to ULL.
Having done our research on the intended trail before we hiked it, we thought of a way to keep our pace acceptable while making progress up the steep trail. That was done by marking the GPS location and taking photos of the areas of trail requiring maintenance. Ever since my recent outing with the Washington Trails Association (WTA) I now views trails with a different set of eyes. So we would take a picture and log the GPA coordinates of a location that needed maintenance, whether it was a tree that had been blown over, a stopped up culvert that caused poor water drainage, or other trail maintenance projects that most hiking eyes overlook. This allowed us to progress up the tough trail while allowing many short rests. It was either that or hire a Sherpa. mLOL
Navigating blowdowns
Rested and eager from our Chapel Rock respite, we began the trek to ULL. Beginning along the boundary of the Brothers Wilderness, the trail to ULL continues at the same gentle grade for about a mile. Though the trail definitely needs some maintenance. Quite a bit of snow melt makes it way to LLL and it courses across the trail at its own choosing during its thermal-induced and gravity-aided journey. If you go up to ULL with new white sneakers, don't expect them to be clean when you return. mLOLm Vegetation continues to be standard Olympic fair with abundant salal, Oregon grape, Douglas Fir, accompanied by sprinklings of Cedar and the occasional Madrone or Madrona.
Treacherous trail MMMMLilium Columbianum (Tiger Lily)
After crossing into Olympic National Park around the six mile mark, the trail begins to get noticeably steeper and more rugged. A plethora of roots and rocks line the trail, all trying to grab your hiking boots and to affect your balance. Trekking poles or an ice ax is strongly recommended as an aid while climbing the remaining portion of the trail. Several snow melt trickles cross the trail as they cascade down, converging into Lena Creek, greatly aiding the supply of fresh water. The trail continues to be under the canopy of the forest with occasional breaks and teasing appetizers of alpine meadows. Only about a quarter of a mile from the lake does the trail begin to feel somewhat horizontal again.
As we climbed, stumbled and struggled our way upward, the blue sky we enjoyed at Chapel Rock yielded to clouds. The conditions were interestingly conducive to our climb. It was in the mid 60s with basically no breeze. With our loaded packs, we worked up a good sweat. When we stopped for a break, the cool air felt good, but if we lingered for more than a few minutes, we could feel our damp bodies getting a chill. So in essence, the cool air kept us from overheating and then informed us when to move on. After about the eight mile mark and over 15 downed trees later, the steepness of the trail was replaced by a more level grade that was very welcomed. Soon after that, we were finally at Upper Lena Lake. M:-)
Very serene surroundings MExploring the lake shore M Oreamnos americanus (Mtn Goat)
There are at least nine campsites circling the lake. We were recommended campsite #7 and completely agree. Very close to water source, about 20 yards to a bear wire, two minute walk to a toilet and a great view of the lake. We even made use of some large rocks and a little driftwood to construct an acceptable temporary bench to soak in an unobstructed view of the Lake.
Arriving and setting up our campsite put the hands of time around 3:30pm. If we had better weather conditions, we could have summited Mount Lena and returned for a hot dinner. But with low visibility and the unknown chance for rain, we took the less risky route and explored the lazy lake shore. Circling around the Southeast side without packs and in our cushy camp shoes, it was very pleasant to just stroll along and take in the sedate surroundings.
Like meeting an old friend during a summer saunter, we were pleased to be greeted by a young Mountain Goat. Probably attracted to the salty smell of my dried perspiration, he fearlessly approached us and gave us a good inspection. Then to show us how he earned his name, he quickly ascended a very steep cliff. It was as if he was putting on a show for us. We were so enthralled to be a part of his live audience, that I took only one photo. LOL Thankfully we were able to lure him back for some video footage. He soon finished his encore performance and left us to absorb the pretty alpine flowers in bloom. m:-)
About seven feet away MMMMNo idea...MMMMMMMM Cornucopia of color
Returning to camp, we ate dinner and lounged around, occasionally greeting some of the other overnighters that made it to the lake. The clouds were blanketing the sky, hovering above the lake between 75-150 feet. We were grateful for no wind nor rain. Around 9:00pm, the bats exited their unseen caves to swoop and dive the surface of the lake, catching insects with their amazing aerobatic maneuvers. A very relaxing and peaceful evening all around. A pleasant surprise occurred when I answered nature's call around midnight. The cloud cover had completely disappeared! I had to blink a couple of times to make sure the after effects of mountain moonshine weren't affecting me. It was an amazing sight. There were so many stars, everywhere I looked. It was so cool to try and find an area that had no stars just to see how contrastingly black the starless area of deep space could be. The sky was full with so many recognizable constellations. Far away from light pollution, I could even make out the Milky Way it was so clear. I tried to get someone to come out of their tent and see the spectacle, but they said their sleeping bag would get lonely. mLOL
Finally dawn approached. Believe it or not, but the toilet faces east and provides a nice view of the sunrise. I couldn't resist taking the opportunity. I finally was able to wake everyone up and get the morning meal started. It was very gratifying to have a cloudless sky after yesterday's conditions.
Morning in the Olympics MMM The sun greeting Mt Lena MMRoute taken & recommended
We were here to climb and climb we did. We headed over to the Northwest side of the Lake, looked up at Mt Lena and disappeared from the lakeside trail. We bushwhacked roughly straight up for roughly 30 minutes to break free of the treeline. Looking at the lay of the terrain, it seemed reasonable to oblique to the right, hit the ridge, and follow that to the peak. But Ms Sleepyhead was too full of energy and decided to go up, practically straight up. There is plenty of scree to contend with and the usual crappy Olympics rock (very brittle and easily broken). Here the properly used ice ax is more advantageous than trekking poles and my helmet cam would have given me both hands free. Lessons learned.
The morning conditions were perfect as we worked our way upwards. Beautiful blue sky, gorgeous views, beautiful alpine flowers, and, and, wow, it was just so awesome. There is a phrase that goes, "That which is not earned, has no value". The effort and sweat we put into reaching the peak was compensated with the sweet sensation of success. Check out some of the pics at the Flickr link at the top. I am really biased to the beautiful blue sky over the Olympics.
Rounding the lake MMMMMM Above the treeline MMMMM Looking down at ULL
Paintbrush MMM Marmot condo (Notice the cut greens)M U of W colors :-)
It took approximately two hours to ascend Mount Lena and about forty-five minutes to return to the lakeside trail. From the peak we were able to see both Milk and Scout Lakes. Both very close to Upper Lena. Mount Bretherton was capable of being done in the same day and the surrounding ridges of Lena were inviting, but we had other commitments that caused us to break camp and head back down.
All in all, a wonderful place made more sweet by the effort needed to get there.
Too beautiful MMMMMMMM Parting photo
Trail and surrounding area MMM Partial Route Profile MMMM Lakes and Peak
Video:
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Distance: ~ 20 miles roundtrip
Trailhead: 660 feet (GPS N 47.35.975 W 123.09.078)
Highpoint: 5968 feet (GPS N 47.38.370 W 123.12.868)
Elevation Gain: 5308 feet
Hike Difficulty Calculator: 31 - Extreme!
Trail Notes: Trail to Lower Lena very easy and groomed whereas the trail to Upper Lena is the opposite. It is not easy.
Pass/Parking: Northwest parking pass required
As always, click on the pictures for easier viewing.
All photos of this weekend's hikes are located here
Looking for something new, we set our sites on Upper Lena Lake. The weather forecast was conducive to an overnighter and the stories of a challenging trail, lead us to attempt Upper Lena Lake and the subsequent Mount Lena Peak. Also located next to Upper Lena Lake is Mount Bretherton. Both of these peaks can be climbed on a weekend with an early start and good weather.
The trail to Upper Lena Lake (ULL) begins right next to Lower Lena Lake's (LLL) Chapel Rock which provides a wonderful, theater-style view of the 55 acre lake. The LLL trail is a very popular day hike and is captured in several different previous posts. ( LLL1, LLL2 and LLL3). After hiking the gentle three miles to Chapel Rock, we unslung our packs for a refuel and a short break. Many other visitors were out enjoying the day and what Nature has to offer. People of all ages and locations from the Northwest, find the LLL trail and experience at the lake and Chapel Rock enjoyable. But some of Nature's more prized beauty lies up the more difficult trail to ULL.
Having done our research on the intended trail before we hiked it, we thought of a way to keep our pace acceptable while making progress up the steep trail. That was done by marking the GPS location and taking photos of the areas of trail requiring maintenance. Ever since my recent outing with the Washington Trails Association (WTA) I now views trails with a different set of eyes. So we would take a picture and log the GPA coordinates of a location that needed maintenance, whether it was a tree that had been blown over, a stopped up culvert that caused poor water drainage, or other trail maintenance projects that most hiking eyes overlook. This allowed us to progress up the tough trail while allowing many short rests. It was either that or hire a Sherpa. mLOL
Navigating blowdowns
Rested and eager from our Chapel Rock respite, we began the trek to ULL. Beginning along the boundary of the Brothers Wilderness, the trail to ULL continues at the same gentle grade for about a mile. Though the trail definitely needs some maintenance. Quite a bit of snow melt makes it way to LLL and it courses across the trail at its own choosing during its thermal-induced and gravity-aided journey. If you go up to ULL with new white sneakers, don't expect them to be clean when you return. mLOLm Vegetation continues to be standard Olympic fair with abundant salal, Oregon grape, Douglas Fir, accompanied by sprinklings of Cedar and the occasional Madrone or Madrona.
Treacherous trail MMMMLilium Columbianum (Tiger Lily)
After crossing into Olympic National Park around the six mile mark, the trail begins to get noticeably steeper and more rugged. A plethora of roots and rocks line the trail, all trying to grab your hiking boots and to affect your balance. Trekking poles or an ice ax is strongly recommended as an aid while climbing the remaining portion of the trail. Several snow melt trickles cross the trail as they cascade down, converging into Lena Creek, greatly aiding the supply of fresh water. The trail continues to be under the canopy of the forest with occasional breaks and teasing appetizers of alpine meadows. Only about a quarter of a mile from the lake does the trail begin to feel somewhat horizontal again.
As we climbed, stumbled and struggled our way upward, the blue sky we enjoyed at Chapel Rock yielded to clouds. The conditions were interestingly conducive to our climb. It was in the mid 60s with basically no breeze. With our loaded packs, we worked up a good sweat. When we stopped for a break, the cool air felt good, but if we lingered for more than a few minutes, we could feel our damp bodies getting a chill. So in essence, the cool air kept us from overheating and then informed us when to move on. After about the eight mile mark and over 15 downed trees later, the steepness of the trail was replaced by a more level grade that was very welcomed. Soon after that, we were finally at Upper Lena Lake. M:-)
Very serene surroundings MExploring the lake shore M Oreamnos americanus (Mtn Goat)
There are at least nine campsites circling the lake. We were recommended campsite #7 and completely agree. Very close to water source, about 20 yards to a bear wire, two minute walk to a toilet and a great view of the lake. We even made use of some large rocks and a little driftwood to construct an acceptable temporary bench to soak in an unobstructed view of the Lake.
Arriving and setting up our campsite put the hands of time around 3:30pm. If we had better weather conditions, we could have summited Mount Lena and returned for a hot dinner. But with low visibility and the unknown chance for rain, we took the less risky route and explored the lazy lake shore. Circling around the Southeast side without packs and in our cushy camp shoes, it was very pleasant to just stroll along and take in the sedate surroundings.
Like meeting an old friend during a summer saunter, we were pleased to be greeted by a young Mountain Goat. Probably attracted to the salty smell of my dried perspiration, he fearlessly approached us and gave us a good inspection. Then to show us how he earned his name, he quickly ascended a very steep cliff. It was as if he was putting on a show for us. We were so enthralled to be a part of his live audience, that I took only one photo. LOL Thankfully we were able to lure him back for some video footage. He soon finished his encore performance and left us to absorb the pretty alpine flowers in bloom. m:-)
About seven feet away MMMMNo idea...MMMMMMMM Cornucopia of color
Returning to camp, we ate dinner and lounged around, occasionally greeting some of the other overnighters that made it to the lake. The clouds were blanketing the sky, hovering above the lake between 75-150 feet. We were grateful for no wind nor rain. Around 9:00pm, the bats exited their unseen caves to swoop and dive the surface of the lake, catching insects with their amazing aerobatic maneuvers. A very relaxing and peaceful evening all around. A pleasant surprise occurred when I answered nature's call around midnight. The cloud cover had completely disappeared! I had to blink a couple of times to make sure the after effects of mountain moonshine weren't affecting me. It was an amazing sight. There were so many stars, everywhere I looked. It was so cool to try and find an area that had no stars just to see how contrastingly black the starless area of deep space could be. The sky was full with so many recognizable constellations. Far away from light pollution, I could even make out the Milky Way it was so clear. I tried to get someone to come out of their tent and see the spectacle, but they said their sleeping bag would get lonely. mLOL
Finally dawn approached. Believe it or not, but the toilet faces east and provides a nice view of the sunrise. I couldn't resist taking the opportunity. I finally was able to wake everyone up and get the morning meal started. It was very gratifying to have a cloudless sky after yesterday's conditions.
Morning in the Olympics MMM The sun greeting Mt Lena MMRoute taken & recommended
We were here to climb and climb we did. We headed over to the Northwest side of the Lake, looked up at Mt Lena and disappeared from the lakeside trail. We bushwhacked roughly straight up for roughly 30 minutes to break free of the treeline. Looking at the lay of the terrain, it seemed reasonable to oblique to the right, hit the ridge, and follow that to the peak. But Ms Sleepyhead was too full of energy and decided to go up, practically straight up. There is plenty of scree to contend with and the usual crappy Olympics rock (very brittle and easily broken). Here the properly used ice ax is more advantageous than trekking poles and my helmet cam would have given me both hands free. Lessons learned.
The morning conditions were perfect as we worked our way upwards. Beautiful blue sky, gorgeous views, beautiful alpine flowers, and, and, wow, it was just so awesome. There is a phrase that goes, "That which is not earned, has no value". The effort and sweat we put into reaching the peak was compensated with the sweet sensation of success. Check out some of the pics at the Flickr link at the top. I am really biased to the beautiful blue sky over the Olympics.
Rounding the lake MMMMMM Above the treeline MMMMM Looking down at ULL
Paintbrush MMM Marmot condo (Notice the cut greens)M U of W colors :-)
It took approximately two hours to ascend Mount Lena and about forty-five minutes to return to the lakeside trail. From the peak we were able to see both Milk and Scout Lakes. Both very close to Upper Lena. Mount Bretherton was capable of being done in the same day and the surrounding ridges of Lena were inviting, but we had other commitments that caused us to break camp and head back down.
All in all, a wonderful place made more sweet by the effort needed to get there.
Too beautiful MMMMMMMM Parting photo
Trail and surrounding area MMM Partial Route Profile MMMM Lakes and Peak
Video:
Driving Directions:
North of Hoodsport on US 101, turn west onto the Hamma Hamma River Road/Forest Road 25 (GPS N47 33.917 W123 01.038). Follow FR 25, which is paved all the way to the Lena Lake Trailhead parking area at approximately eight miles.
5 comments:
We were just up there monday-tuesday doing a cross country over nighter from upper lena to lake of angels and back around to the lena lake trail head. We must have saw you across the lake.
richey and nathan
P.s. you sang good at wta royal basin. o.-...small world
Good job Mike. Maybe next time I can go with you and we can bag Bretherton.
Jay
Richey, we certainly could have used your rock bar on that ULL trail. LOL Glad to hear you and Nathan had a good traverse. Nice route. I came up short on LOA my first attempt.
No problem Jay, though I'd like to try Bretherton with a lighter pack. ;-)
Mike, thanks for the excellent trip report! This will be very helpful for when I do this hike. This is the first trail outside of the Quinault Trail System that Im going to hike and this report will help me, ALOT! Thanks again. Happy Hiking! =)
Thank you Dane, my pleasure. You should have some wonderful views and perhaps a visit by the goats. A mile or so onto the ULL trail the steepness really kicks in.
R/ Mike
Post a Comment