Lena Lake
Olympic PeninsulaBest Year-round
A steady climb through old-growth forest to a large mountain lake on the east side of the Olympics.
About This Trail
The trail gains elevation through second-growth and old-growth forest, passing enormous Douglas fir trees and crossing creeks on footbridges. Half a dozen switchbacks climb rocky, rooted terrain before the path levels near the lake. A junction about one mile in splits right toward the lake viewpoint and left toward quieter Lena Creek. Take the right fork for the main destination.
Lower Lena Lake sits in a wide glacial basin with established campsites and mountain views. The lake draws steady traffic year-round, making it one of the most popular hikes on the Hood Canal side of the Olympics. Summer weekends fill the parking lot early, though midweek visits offer more solitude.
The trail holds up well in early spring and late fall when higher-elevation destinations still sit under snow. Recent trip reports consistently note snow-free conditions into late November and again by late March. This makes Lena Lake a reliable shoulder-season option when the alpine is locked up.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- Rocky and rooted trail surface requires careful footing
- Popular trail: expect crowds on summer weekends
Getting There
Trailhead lot holds about 30 vehicles. Northwest Forest Pass required. Fills early on summer weekends. Pit toilet at trailhead.
From Hoodsport, drive north on Highway 101 for 14 miles. Turn left onto Hamma Hamma River Road at milepost 318. Continue 7.5 paved miles to the trailhead. At the trail junction about one mile in, bear right for the lake.
A morning start avoids the parking crunch on weekends. The hike takes 3-5 hours round trip at a moderate pace. Works as a half-day outing.
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