Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,400.00 ft (426.72 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
6.00 mi (9.66 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Without having to venture into the depths of forests or scaling mountain heights, visitors to Lena Lake get a taste of the Olympic Range's old-growth forests, alpine lakes and viewpoints. Accessible via a paved road, the trailhead leads visitors of many ages and ability levels through stands of western red cedar and Douglas fir. In most places the trail is well-maintained, wide, and has a moderate grade.

Hikers will pass over two footbridges and through a series of switchbacks along the way. After just 3 miles, visitors will reach the 55-acre lake created 1,300 years ago after an earthquake damned Lena Creek.  At this point, the trail forks to the right and leads to a sunny rock outcropping perched 100 feet above the lake. It's here that Lena Lake comes into full view, as do the mountain peaks in the distance. Either head back from this viewpoint or reconnect with the main trail that follows the perimeter of the lake and passes several backcountry campsites, each with a campfire ring. 

Lena Lake is an especially popular hike from early spring through the summer months. Day hikers and backpackers use the trail to access Lena Lake, Upper Lena Lake, and the Brothers Wilderness. Help keep this ecosystem healthy and intact by leaving no trace and staying on the trail at all times. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Accessible portion of Olympics. Old-growth. Continuation hikes. Great views.

Cons

Very heavily used.

Trailhead Elevation

650.00 ft (198.12 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Waterfalls
Big vistas
Old-growth forest

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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