Lower Lena Lake

With significant precipitation forecasted for Western Washington over the New Year’s holiday, I decided to stick to lower elevations for my New Year’s Day hike. Wanting a change of scenery, my friends and I headed over to the Olympic peninsula to hike at Lower Lena Lake. This hike had been on my list for a while, but I was saving it for a rainy day when I wouldn’t want to be chasing summits. 

Before we even got to the trailhead, I was enjoying the beauty around us. Highway 101 follows the curves of the Hood Canal as it travels north on the edge of the peninsula. Once we turned onto the forest service road, we followed the blue-green Hamma Hamma River to the trailhead. Unlike other forest service roads, this one was paved all the way to the trailhead, so we didn’t have to deal with potholes or rocks in the road.

Rocks covered in moss along the trail

It was lightly raining when we got to the trailhead, so we all put on our rain jackets before setting out. The trail was very moderate. Gentle switchbacks guided us through the forest towards the lake. Like many other hikes, vibrant ferns covered the forest floor and the rocks and trees wore lush, mossy coats. 

As we walked, we passed several small waterfalls next to the trail. The waterfalls were very pretty, but made the trail very wet. Thankfully, wooden bridges had been constructed over several of the larger creeks.

Wooden bridge over Lena creek

The elevation gain was so moderate on this hike that I didn’t realize that we were gaining elevation until we started seeing patches of snow on the trail. I was a little worried since I’d left my microspikes as home, but it was never icy enough to need them. In fact, some of the snow was melting, creating a slushy, muddy mess. 

The trail was so lovely and enjoyable that I didn’t notice that we were getting closer to the lake. All of a sudden, the trees opened up and we were standing on a rock overlooking Lower Lena Lake.

View from rock overlooking Lower Lena Lake

I know I say this a lot, but it happens a lot when I’m hiking: I was speechless. The surface of the lake appeared like glass, reflecting the trees on the far shoreline. Wisps of fog hovered over the trees and the lake, creating a moody, whimsical atmosphere. The rain was still falling lightly, absorbing noise to create a quiet, peaceful scene. I took as many photos as I could, which of course couldn’t capture the full beauty of the view. 

Finally, we forced ourselves to leave the rock and continue around the lake to search for a place to take a break. We found a campsite on the shore of the lake and set up for lunch. Unfortunately, the rain began to pick up and we got cold quickly since we stopped moving. I wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy the lake, but the rain and cold forced us to finish our food and pack up quickly.

The fog created a moody, whimsical atmosphere

I had hoped that once we were back in the forest, we might have some cover from the rain, but that was not the case. The rain continued to pick up. I have never hiked in rain that heavy before. And unfortunately, even things that are “waterproof,” are only waterproof to a point. Gradually, water began to leak through my raincoat at my wrist cuffs, soaking my gloves. My backpack also grew damp as rain began to absorb into my rain cover. In an effort to protect my phone, I wrapped it in a beanie and pushed it deep into my pack.

One of many small waterfalls next to the trail

The cute waterfalls that I had admired on the way up began to flood the trail so it felt as if we were actually walking in a creek instead. My boots became so saturated that they began to leak. At first, my socks were just a little damp, but eventually, they were completely soaked. I could feel my toes squishing in my socks with each step I took. As much as I enjoyed the hike and the lake, I was so happy to reach the trailhead. I have never been that soaked on a hike and it was not enjoyable.

Lena Creek

I have hiked to many alpine lakes, and I think Lower Lena is one of my favorites. I LOVED this hike. The trail itself was beautiful and interesting and the lake was amazing. I also really liked that this hike wasn’t too steep. I overheat quickly in my raincoat on steep hikes, but didn’t have that problem on this hike. I will definitely return to this lake, but hopefully on a day that is slightly less rainy!