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Every kind of trail activity is represented in the listing of designated NRTs. Besides hiking and bicycling, the system includes water trails, motorized routes, snow tracks, greenways, and equestrian paths. The NRT program showcases the diversity of trails across America, from our cities and suburbs to the deserts, waterways, and high mountains.

Lena Lake Trail, Olympic National Forest, Washington

Climbing through thick conifer woods to a scenic lake, the Lena Lake National Recreation Trail is managed by Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal District. (photos by Stuart Macdonald, September 2008)

photo of trail through trees

On the Lena Lake Trail, Olympic National Forest

This trail provides access to the largest backcounty lake (55 acres) on the Olympic Peninsula. It also provides access to the Olympic National Park (Upper Lena Lake) and to The Brothers Wilderness. Lena Lake is a popular destination for fishing and Boy Scout camp outs. Beyobnd the lake, the trail connects to Upper Lena Lake Trail, which is in the Olympic National Park.

Activities in the area include camping, fishing, family day
hiking, and bird and wildlife watching. Only hiking and wheelchair access are allowed on the trail. Horses, pack stock, bicycles, and motorized recreation vehicles are all prohibited.

There are two impressive bridges built of poles and logs along the trail crossing over rocky drainageways. The trail climbs through second growth Douglas fir and into old growth forest. Numerous switchbacks lead the hiker up over a thousand feet of elevation gain to the lake. The lake is hidden in the dense forest so even after glimpsing it, hikers need to continue quite a ways on the trail before actually being able to see it well or get down to the lake.

photo of log bridge

crossing one of The two large log bridges on the trail

REGULATIONS

-Be sure to fill out a backcountry permit for overnight trips (available along the trail at the Park boundary.)
- Firearms and pets are prohibited in the Park. Stoves only, no fires above 3,500’ elevation.

TOPO MAPS

The Brothers - Mt. Anderson Custom Correct Map or The Brothers USGS Quad.

Trail Log

Destination............................. Miles... Elevation
Trailhead .................................. 0.0...... 650 feet
First bridge................................ 1.9... 1,600
Second bridge............................ 2.6... 1,800
Junction with Upper Lena Trail... 3.0.... 1,900
Lena Lake Campground............. 3.2.... 1,800
Jct. with Brothers Trail............... 3.6.... 1,800

CAMPGROUND: There are 28 rustic campsites around the lake, with a composting toilet and metal fire rings.

Keep fires confined to metal fire rings
Attend fire at all times.
Make sure fire is dead out before leaving.
Camp in existing camp sites.
Leave no trace of your visit.
Treat all water before drinking.

photo of trail by cliff

Rock outcrops along the trail

Accessibility

The trail to Lena Lake is well maintained and is a moderate grade with long switchbacks. Please stay on the trail. Cutting switchbacks will save only seconds, while the destroyed vegetation will take years to recover. This is a National Recreation Trail and is heavily used during the summer months. Beyond Lower Lena Lake, the trails are much steeper and receive less maintenance.

Trail Surface

Primary: Soil, compacted
Average Width: 24 inches
Minimum Width: 24 inches

Trail Grade

Average: 8%
Maximum: 10%
Date Designated

PASS REQUIRED

A NW Forest Pass or a Golden Passport (Eagle, Age or Access) is required on each vehicle parked at trailhead. Day and Annual NW Passes are available at FS offices and vendors, but not at trailheads.

Directions

Travel Highway 101 to FS Road #25 (Hamma Hamma Recreation Area) 14 miles north of Hoodsport. Turn west on FS Road #25 go for eight miles to the Lena Lake Trailhead. Road is paved to the Lena Lake Trailhead.

For more information:

Olympic National Forest
Hood Canal District - Quilcene Office
295142 Highway 101 S. P.O. Box 280
Quilcene, WA 98376 (360) 765-2200

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic/

We frequently add NRT information, photos and maps to these pages. Send suggestions and information requests to American Trails. Research additional NRTs in the NRT database. Trail managers can update online trail information in the NRT database. You may also e-mail information on minor changes or to update Featured NRT pages.

Related Pages:

Featured National Recreation Trails

Lena Lake Trail, Olympic National Forest, Washington