Pros & cons
PROS
- Designated camps with bear wires and toilets right at the upper lake
- Noticeably quieter beyond the Lower Lena junction for a real wilderness feel
CONS
- Lena Creek crossing can be hazardous in early season high water
- Upper miles can hold snow into summer and demand real navigation skills
Park at the Lena Lake/Brothers Trailhead (USFS). A Northwest Forest Pass (or equivalent) or day fee is required; buy ahead as there’s no pay station at the trailhead. Reports note occasional theft—don’t leave valuables visible.
Steep, less‑maintained upper trail with stream crossings; snow can cover higher sections any season—carry map/compass and, when snow is present, an ice axe and self‑arrest skills. No dogs past the national park boundary.
Why go
If you’re after a true Olympic backcountry feel without days of travel, Upper Lena delivers. You start on the popular Lena Lake Trail and quickly leave the crowds behind, climbing into old‑growth forest, wildflower meadows, and a glacially carved subalpine basin wrapped in rugged peaks. It’s strenuous and long, but the payoff—clear water, big mountain views, and relative tranquility—is worth the grind.
Route and mileage
This is an out‑and‑back that begins at the Lena Lake/Brothers Trailhead on Lena Lake Trail #810, then turns onto Upper Lena Lake Trail #811 to reach the lake. Plan for about 14.6 miles total (7.3 miles one way). The lower trail is well‑maintained; the upper section is steeper, rougher, and more rugged. Expect stream crossings (notably Lena Creek) and rooty, rocky tread near the top. Most hikers do this as a long day (8–12 hours total) or an overnight.
What you’ll see and feel
The first miles wind through dense second‑growth and pockets of old‑growth, with rushing water close by. As you climb higher, the forest opens to occasional peek‑a‑boo views and seasonal wildflowers—trillium, avalanche lilies, columbine, and bleeding hearts in early summer. The lake itself sits in a classic glacial basin ringed by ridges that can hold snow into midsummer. It’s quieter than the lower lake, and the wilderness character really kicks in after the junction.
Camping and regs
Upper Lena has designated campsites with community bear wires and simple toilet facilities. A backcountry/wilderness permit is required for any overnight stay, and campfires are prohibited—bring a stove. Water is plentiful (Lena Creek and the lake), but treat it. You’ll cross from national forest into the national park on the way up—no dogs are allowed past the park boundary. Stock and bicycles are not permitted in the park segment.
Season and conditions
Best window: early/mid‑July through September for snow‑free travel and prime wildflowers. Earlier, expect lingering snow on the final approach and potentially high water at creek crossings. In any season, the upper trail can be snow‑covered; you may need map/compass skills and, when snow is present, an ice axe and the ability to self‑arrest. Weather flips fast here—pack rain layers even on bluebird mornings.
Tips from a friend
- Start early. The lower trail can be busy, and you’ll want daylight for the steep upper miles and any creek fords.
- Trekking poles help on the steeps and crossings.
- Parking requires a pass; buy ahead—there’s no pay station at the trailhead—and secure your vehicle (break‑ins have been reported at times).
- If you only want crowds and easy strolling, turn around at Lower Lena; if you want solitude and alpine scenery, keep grinding to the upper lake.
Elevation
14.6 mi · 10 hrWhere it starts
47.5998, -123.1509Wildlife on this trail
Near Upper Lena Lake Trail
All places →All trails →
3.5 mi awayUpper Lena LakeSecluded alpine lake reward after a tough, waterfall-laced climbRestroom · Campground
4 mi awayPutvin Trail #813Brutally steep climb to a high alpine lake with big viewsChallenging · 6.7 mi · 6 hr
8.3 mi awayWagonwheel LakeBrutal climb to a quiet alpine bowl with optional big viewsCampground
9.3 mi awayFlapjack LakesTwin alpine lakes in a rugged basin, worth the burly climbRestroom · Campground
9.5 mi awayDosewallips CampgroundRemote, riverside walk-in campground on the old Dosewallips RoadCampground · Restroom
10.1 mi awayNorth Fork Skokomish River TrailClassic rainforest river walk with a suspension bridge and high country optionsChallenging · 15.2 mi · 16 hr
10.1 mi awayNorth Fork Skokomish River Trail to Big Log CampLush river walk to a roomy camp in prime old growthEasy · 10.4 mi · 5 hr
10.2 mi awayStaircase Rapids LoopShort, lush loop with roaring river, big bridge, and old growth.Easy · 2.1 mi · 1.5 hr
