Upper Lena Lake Trail

Lena Lake is a scenic, relaxing spot. Upper Lena Lake is even more remote. You’ll hike through a lovely mature forest, seeing waterfalls, creeks, old-growth trees, and wildlife as you hike. The second portion of this hike is quite difficult, so come prepared. Also, note that dogs are permitted to Lower Lena Lake on leash but not on the trail to the upper lake.

This trail can be wet because of all the rivulets and creeks that cross it. Trail crews are continually working to divert water flow away from the hiking path, but waterproof footwear is the best choice if you’re planning a trip.

Start from the trailhead off the road. You’ll hike uphill into the forest on a fairly well-maintained trail. Listen for Lena Creek flowing downhill as you switchback through the trees.

Move away from the creek. There are plenty of water crossings to navigate, but the larger ones offer bridges to keep you dry. In the springtime when the water flow is high, you might need to do some hopping over rivulets. After a mile, you’ll begin passing through an old-growth and second-growth forest. In here, there’s a bit of an oddity to be found: look for a genuinely massive boulder many, many years old. It was likely dropped off by a glacier.

Shortly after the boulder, you’ll (curiously enough) cross a bridge over a dry creekbed. You’ll hike around the west side of Lower Lena Lake and get onto Upper Lena Lake Trail. Here, things get more complicated. The trail is very steep and unrelenting. The trail can be rocky and overgrown at times. Grind it out to the upper lake, and then consider quickly heading down to Milk Lake before carefully making your way back. It’s a slick, steep trip down.