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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.

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. Beyond 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 drainage ways. 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.

Regulations

• 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.
• 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

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

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 Grade and surface information

• Primary: Soil, compacted
• Average Width: 24 inches
• Minimum Width: 24 inches
• Grade - Average: 8% - maximum 10%

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