Backpacking Upper Lena Lake – Olympic National Park

Backpacking Upper Lena Lake- Olympic National Park
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Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful picturesque lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination for adventurous souls. The terrain is wild and rugged so at times adventurers will be crawling on hands and knees, and under trees or up and over them. But the views at the top make every step worth it. The views of Mt. Brethren looming over Upper Lena Lake casting its reflection on the calm surface of the water is absolutely breathtaking. The lake is crystal clear with vivid hues of blue and green. You can see every rock and even several large rainbow trout swimming. This strenuous 14-mile hike with 3,943 feet of elevation gain is not for the beginner hiker. But for those who wish to go on a journey and see some of Olympic National Park's untouched beauty, this is the backpacking destination for you. 

Backpacking Upper Lena Lake- Olympic National Park
Backpacking Upper Lena Lake - Olympic National Park in Washington State. Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful picturesque lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination for adventurous souls. The lake is crystal clear with vivid hues of blue and green. You can see every rock and even several large rainbow trout swimming. This strenuous 14-mile hike with 3,943 feet of elevation gain is not for the beginner hiker. But for those who wish to go on a journey and see some of Olympic National Park's untouched beauty, this is the backpacking destination for you.
Backpacking Upper Lena Lake - Olympic National Park in Washington State. Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful picturesque lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination for adventurous souls. The lake is crystal clear with vivid hues of blue and green. You can see every rock and even several large rainbow trout swimming. This strenuous 14-mile hike with 3,943 feet of elevation gain is not for the beginner hiker. But for those who wish to go on a journey and see some of Olympic National Park's untouched beauty, this is the backpacking destination for you.
Backpacking Upper Lena Lake - Olympic National Park in Washington State. Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful picturesque lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination for adventurous souls. The lake is crystal clear with vivid hues of blue and green. You can see every rock and even several large rainbow trout swimming. This strenuous 14-mile hike with 3,943 feet of elevation gain is not for the beginner hiker. But for those who wish to go on a journey and see some of Olympic National Park's untouched beauty, this is the backpacking destination for you.

About Upper Lena Lake

Quick Facts.

Miles: 14 Miles Round Trip

Elevation Gain: 3900 feet

Elevation of The Lake: 4600 ft

Trail Type: Out-and-Back Trail

Dogs: No Dogs Allowed

Toilets: Privy is available on the west side of the Lake

Level of difficulty: Strenuous

Permits: Yes Wilderness Permit Required: Recreation.gov

Parking Permit: Required: Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass

The Trail Getting to Upper Lena Lake

To backpack to Upper Lena Lake Trail #811 you begin your journey at the trailhead for Lower Lena Lake Trail #810. At the trailhead, there's a vault toilet and parking lot that can hold only about 30 cars. Make sure you get there early. This trailhead gives access to many trails and parking can fill up quickly on weekends and during the prime summer months.

To backpack to Upper Lena Lake Trail #811 you begin your journey at the trailhead for Lower Lena Lake Trail #810. At the trailhead, there's a vault toilet and parking lot that can hold only about 30 cars. Make sure you get there early. This trailhead gives access to many trails and parking can fill up quickly on weekends and during the prime summer months.

Trail to Upper Lena Lake. Soon after passing this moss-laden landscape you will cross some rustic wooden bridges through the woods. Next, you will come across a gigantic boulder that towers above the trail. There are several small boulders underneath this huge rock where people often sit to take a rest break and eat a snack. After the massive boulder, there is a larger wooden bridge going over a small stream.
You will follow the Lena Lake Trail #810 for the first 3 miles of your backpacking journey before hitting the trail junction where you split off to the left towards Upper Lena Lake Trail #811. The first few miles following the trail for Lower Lena Lake you will be on a well-maintained pathway through a forest canopy with long switchbacks. This part of the trail is fairly easy with only 1300 feet of elevation gain in 3 miles. Generally, this stretch of the trail is very popular. Be prepared to share the trail with many other hikers. Lower Lena Lake is very popular with families with young children and elderly folks.

You will follow the Lena Lake Trail #810 for the first 3 miles of your backpacking journey before hitting the trail junction where you split off to the left towards Upper Lena Lake Trail #811. The first few miles following the trail for Lower Lena Lake you will be on a well-maintained pathway through a forest canopy with long switchbacks. This part of the trail is fairly easy with only 1300 feet of elevation gain in 3 miles. Generally, this stretch of the trail is very popular. Be prepared to share the trail with many other hikers. Lower Lena Lake is very popular with families with young children and elderly folks. 

Lower Lena and Upper Lena Lake Trail. Soon after passing this moss-laden landscape you will cross some rustic wooden bridges through the woods. Next, you will come across a gigantic boulder that towers above the trail. There are several small boulders underneath this huge rock where people often sit to take a rest break and eat a snack. After the massive boulder, there is a larger wooden bridge going over a small stream.
Lower Lena and Upper Lena Lake Trail. Soon after passing this moss-laden landscape you will cross some rustic wooden bridges through the woods. Next, you will come across a gigantic boulder that towers above the trail. There are several small boulders underneath this huge rock where people often sit to take a rest break and eat a snack. After the massive boulder, there is a larger wooden bridge going over a small stream.

In the first leg of the trail, you will begin the gradual climb on this wide path through the trees while hearing the sounds of Lena Creek making its way downhill. You will begin doing some gradual switchbacks gaining elevation while seeing old trees, ferns, and rhododendrons, and much more vegetation. About 1 mile from the trailhead you will start seeing large boulders entirely covered in moss in classic Olympic National Park fashion. Everything is so lush and green it's almost as if you had fallen through time or stepped into another world. In this old-growth forest, you will see some truly massive cedars. This beginning part of the trail is so peacefully serene that it is a great way to start an epic journey.

Lower Lena and Upper Lena Lake Trail. Soon after passing this moss-laden landscape you will cross some rustic wooden bridges through the woods. Next, you will come across a gigantic boulder that towers above the trail. There are several small boulders underneath this huge rock where people often sit to take a rest break and eat a snack. After the massive boulder, there is a larger wooden bridge going over a small stream.
Lower Lena and Upper Lena Lake Trail. Soon after passing this moss-laden landscape you will cross some rustic wooden bridges through the woods. Next, you will come across a gigantic boulder that towers above the trail. There are several small boulders underneath this huge rock where people often sit to take a rest break and eat a snack. After the massive boulder, there is a larger wooden bridge going over a small stream.
Lower Lena and Upper Lena Lake Trail. Soon after passing this moss-laden landscape you will cross some rustic wooden bridges through the woods. Next, you will come across a gigantic boulder that towers above the trail. There are several small boulders underneath this huge rock where people often sit to take a rest break and eat a snack. After the massive boulder, there is a larger wooden bridge going over a small stream.

Soon after passing this moss-laden landscape you will cross some rustic wooden bridges through the woods. Next, you will come across a gigantic boulder that towers above the trail. There are several small boulders underneath this huge rock where people often sit to take a rest break and eat a snack. After the massive boulder, there is a larger wooden bridge going over a small stream.

Getting to Upper Lena Lake. Soon after passing this moss-laden landscape you will cross some rustic wooden bridges through the woods. Next, you will come across a gigantic boulder that towers above the trail. There are several small boulders underneath this huge rock where people often sit to take a rest break and eat a snack. After the massive boulder, there is a larger wooden bridge going over a small stream.
Trail to Upper Lena Lake. Soon after passing this moss-laden landscape you will cross some rustic wooden bridges through the woods. Next, you will come across a gigantic boulder that towers above the trail. There are several small boulders underneath this huge rock where people often sit to take a rest break and eat a snack. After the massive boulder, there is a larger wooden bridge going over a small stream.

Not long after crossing the bridge in the picture above at around the 2.6-mile mark, you will come across the sign for the split for Upper Lena Lake. At this 3-mile mark trail junction, you can head left to diverge from the Lower Lena Lake Trail #810 on to Upper Lena Lake Trail #811. 

Just a couple feet past this sign is a great viewpoint for Lower Lena Lake. It's definitely worth the few extra steps and then backtracking to this sign to take in the beautiful green and blue hues of Lower Lena.

Just a couple feet past this sign is a great viewpoint for Lower Lena Lake. It's definitely worth the few extra steps and then backtracking to this sign to take in the beautiful green and blue hues of Lower Lena.

Lower Lena Lake makes for a nice quick stop to catch your breath, snap a few pictures, take in the view, and eat your first trail snack. After a quick break at the Lower Lena Lake viewpoint, the trail is gradual for another mile or so with views of Lena Creek. Over the next mile, you pass by many unique mushrooms growing on mossy logs and pass by a brushy meadow.

Lower Lena Lake makes for a nice quick stop to catch your breath, snap a few pictures, take in the view, and eat your first trail snack. After a quick break at the Lower Lena Lake viewpoint, the trail is gradual for another mile or so with views of Lena Creek. Over the next mile, you pass by many unique mushrooms growing on mossy logs and pass by a brushy meadow.

Brushy meadow along trail to Upper Lena Lake
Mushrooms along trail for Upper Lena Lake. Lower Lena Lake makes for a nice quick stop to catch your breath, snap a few pictures, take in the view, and eat your first trail snack. After a quick break at the Lower Lena Lake viewpoint, the trail is gradual for another mile or so with views of Lena Creek. Over the next mile, you pass by many unique mushrooms growing on mossy logs and pass by a brushy meadow.

The next 4+ miles become a brutal climb going straight up the hillside. Gone are the maintained paths. From here on out you have to watch every step you take. There are at least 8-9 large fallen trees that you have to climb up and over or climb on your hands and knees under. Sometimes the trail is hard to see. Look for where the ground is worn down from prior hikers and try to spot the orange trail markers along the way.

Upper Lena Lake Trail

Entering Olympic National Park. (No Dogs Beyond This Point)

At the 4 mile mark, you will cross into Olympic National Park where dogs are prohibited. Lower Lena Lake is still in national forest and you will see many hikers with their pups, but Upper Lena Lake crosses into national park and it is important to remember that there are absolutely no dogs allowed.

At around the 5-mile mark, you will pass over a small creek. There is one particularly steep section of trail going through a thick patch of salmonberries that you have to bushwhack out of your face a bit. But if you go at the right time of year they make for some great trail eating. There are also some delicious wild blueberries along this trail. There should definitely be some berries for you to eat by mid-July maybe even earlier for the salmonberries. Perhaps August for the blueberries. 

Upper Lena Lake Trail
Upper Lena Lake Trail

After the salmonberry patch, the trail becomes even more rugged. There is one massive system of roots you have to climb over and lots of loose rocks. The ground is very steep, and rocks and dirt slide down with every step. It is critical to watch your footing. In this section of trail, trekking poles are extremely handy.  After this, everything evens out a bit and you go past a gorgeous meadow filled with beautiful Avalanche Lillys. At the 6.5 mile mark, you will see the sign for Upper Lena Lake and begin to get your first glimpses of the water.

Backpacking Upper Lena Lake - Olympic National Park in Washington State. Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful picturesque lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination for adventurous souls. The lake is crystal clear with vivid hues of blue and green. You can see every rock and even several large rainbow trout swimming. This strenuous 14-mile hike with 3,943 feet of elevation gain is not for the beginner hiker. But for those who wish to go on a journey and see some of Olympic National Park's untouched beauty, this is the backpacking destination for you.
Backpacking Upper Lena Lake - Olympic National Park in Washington State. Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful picturesque lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination for adventurous souls. The lake is crystal clear with vivid hues of blue and green. You can see every rock and even several large rainbow trout swimming. This strenuous 14-mile hike with 3,943 feet of elevation gain is not for the beginner hiker. But for those who wish to go on a journey and see some of Olympic National Park's untouched beauty, this is the backpacking destination for you.

Hurray! You Made It!

Once you reach the sign for Upper Lena Lake you can head down towards the water to the right. Following the trail to the right, you will come across some campsites and a privy located on the far side of the Lake.

But if you go left at the sign, you will come across other campsites overlooking the lake and an easier-to-find outdoor toilet.

It's now time to find a camp spot, then kick back and relax. There are 8 designated campsites but there are other hard rocky surfaces that are perfect for tents and plenty of trees where you can hammock camp too. This is a challenging hike but definitely well worth the effort.

Watch Our Backpacking Trek to Upper Lena Lake

Fishing

Looking for something fun to do up at the lake?

Why not go fishing?

High elevation lakes (above 1,300 ft) in Olympic National Park allow fishing, and Upper Lena Lake sitting at an elevation of 4600 ft definitely falls within this category. With Mt. Bretherton looming up over the lake this makes for a very picturesque spot to kick back and relax and try catching some tasty alpine trout.

Backpacking Upper Lena Lake - Olympic National Park in Washington State. Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful picturesque lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination for adventurous souls. The lake is crystal clear with vivid hues of blue and green. You can see every rock and even several large rainbow trout swimming. This strenuous 14-mile hike with 3,943 feet of elevation gain is not for the beginner hiker. But for those who wish to go on a journey and see some of Olympic National Park's untouched beauty, this is the backpacking destination for you.

A Washington State Fishing License is not required to fish in Olympic National Park except when fishing in the Pacific Ocean from shore. Meaning that even if you do not have a fishing license, here in the wilderness you can still get to enjoy fishing. Your daily limit is no more than 5 fish total. Could be a combined total of 5 rainbow and/or cutthroat trout.

 

Fly fishing up in the mountains is a great relaxing way to take in the mountain splendor around you. While up at Upper Lena Lake my friends and I saw some large rainbow trout, but unfortunately we only caught the little fish in the picture below.  We released our tiny catch back into the lake to grow up bigger for next time. Fishing in Olympic National Park is restricted to artificial lures with single, barbless hooks. No Bait allowed, use only lures. Bait is defined as any artificial or natural substance that attracts fish by scent and/or flavor. 

Click Here To Find Out More About Fishing Regulations  in Olympic National Park

High elevation lakes (above 1,300 ft) in Olympic National Park allow fishing, and Upper Lena Lake sitting at an elevation of 4600 ft definitely falls within this category. With Mt. Bretherton looming up over the lake this makes for a very picturesque spot to kick back and relax and try catching some tasty alpine trout. A Washington State Fishing License is not required to fish in Olympic National Park except when fishing in the Pacific Ocean from shore. Meaning that even if you do not have a fishing license, here in the wilderness you can still get to enjoy fishing. Your daily limit is no more than 5 fish total. Could be a combined total of 5 rainbow and/or cutthroat trout. Fly fishing up in the mountains is a great relaxing way to take in the mountain splendor around you. While up at Upper Lena Lake my friends and I saw some large rainbow trout, but unfortunately we only caught the little fish in the picture below. We released our tiny catch back into the lake to grow up bigger for next time. Fishing in Olympic National Park is restricted to artificial lures with single, barbless hooks. No Bait allowed, use only lures. Bait is defined as any artificial or natural substance that attracts fish by scent and/or flavor.
Upper Lena Lake Fishing High elevation lakes (above 1,300 ft) in Olympic National Park allow fishing, and Upper Lena Lake sitting at an elevation of 4600 ft definitely falls within this category. With Mt. Bretherton looming up over the lake this makes for a very picturesque spot to kick back and relax and try catching some tasty alpine trout. A Washington State Fishing License is not required to fish in Olympic National Park except when fishing in the Pacific Ocean from shore. Meaning that even if you do not have a fishing license, here in the wilderness you can still get to enjoy fishing. Your daily limit is no more than 5 fish total. Could be a combined total of 5 rainbow and/or cutthroat trout. Fly fishing up in the mountains is a great relaxing way to take in the mountain splendor around you. While up at Upper Lena Lake my friends and I saw some large rainbow trout, but unfortunately we only caught the little fish in the picture below. We released our tiny catch back into the lake to grow up bigger for next time. Fishing in Olympic National Park is restricted to artificial lures with single, barbless hooks. No Bait allowed, use only lures. Bait is defined as any artificial or natural substance that attracts fish by scent and/or flavor.

No Campfires! Camp stoves Only

In Olympic National Park campfires are not allowed above 3,500 feet. Upper Lena Lake sits at around the 4600-foot elevation level and campfires are absolutely Not Permitted. If staying overnight at the lake, you will have to use a Camp stove to cook your food. If you wish to have a campfire you can always camp at Lower Lena Lake that is at an elevation of around 2000 feet and day hike to Upper Lena from there.

Backpacking Upper Lena Lake - Olympic National Park in Washington State. Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful picturesque lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination for adventurous souls. The lake is crystal clear with vivid hues of blue and green. You can see every rock and even several large rainbow trout swimming. This strenuous 14-mile hike with 3,943 feet of elevation gain is not for the beginner hiker. But for those who wish to go on a journey and see some of Olympic National Park's untouched beauty, this is the backpacking destination for you.
Backpacking Upper Lena Lake - Olympic National Park in Washington State. Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful picturesque lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination for adventurous souls. The lake is crystal clear with vivid hues of blue and green. You can see every rock and even several large rainbow trout swimming. This strenuous 14-mile hike with 3,943 feet of elevation gain is not for the beginner hiker. But for those who wish to go on a journey and see some of Olympic National Park's untouched beauty, this is the backpacking destination for you.

Storing Food.

Good to note, if you are staying overnight at Upper Lena Lake it is highly encouraged that you bring a Bear Cannister to store your food. There are several installed bear wires at some of the campsites that you can hang your food from as well. If you want to use the bear wire to hang your food, I'd advise getting there early because not all sites have one. If you do not have a bear canister you can check one out for free from the ranger station when you are picking up your permit or you can bring your own.

For more information you can call

Olympic National Park (360) 565-3100

Backpacking Upper Lena Lake - Olympic National Park in Washington State. Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful picturesque lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination for adventurous souls. The lake is crystal clear with vivid hues of blue and green. You can see every rock and even several large rainbow trout swimming. This strenuous 14-mile hike with 3,943 feet of elevation gain is not for the beginner hiker. But for those who wish to go on a journey and see some of Olympic National Park's untouched beauty, this is the backpacking destination for you.

Bug spray

Don't forget to bring bug spray! Mosquitos are pretty bad right at dusk. During the day they are not too bad but there was a horsefly that bit my leg so hard that it drew blood! Ouch!

Still Up for More Hiking?

Required Permits

Backpacking Upper Lena Lake - Olympic National Park in Washington State. Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful picturesque lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination for adventurous souls. The lake is crystal clear with vivid hues of blue and green. You can see every rock and even several large rainbow trout swimming. This strenuous 14-mile hike with 3,943 feet of elevation gain is not for the beginner hiker. But for those who wish to go on a journey and see some of Olympic National Park's untouched beauty, this is the backpacking destination for you.

Getting Olympic National Park Wilderness Backpacking Permits

Upper Lena Lake is located within Olympic National Park and thus requires a Backpacking Permit during the prime backpacking months of June through October. You can see if the date that you want to go backpacking is available at Recreation.gov and pay and reserve a spot for your party there. You can reserve your permit up to 6 months in advance.

 

In addition to reserving a spot online at least 24 hours before your trip, you must pick up the physical permit from the Hoodsport ranger station.

Just a heads up, they do not open until 9 am. So if you are wanting to get an early start on your backpacking trip it would be best for your backpacking party leader to pick up the permit the day before.

 

Reserve Your Olympic National Park Wilderness Permits

Reservations are required during June - October

To Reserve online Visit Recreation.gov: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4098362

For more information you can call

Olympic National Park (360) 565-3100

 

Pick up your Wilderness Backpacking Permit at Hoodsport

Hoodsport Wilderness Information Center

Phone Number: (360) 460-0087

Location: Right inside the Hoodsport Visitor Information Center, 150 N Cushman Rd., Hoodsport, WA 98548

Open During the Summer Months Most Day’s 9am-4pm

Directions:  On U.S. Highway 101 from either direction to Hoodsport Washington, turn on to N. Cushman Road. The Information Center will be 500 feet ahead on the right-hand side.

For more info visit: https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wic.htm

Parking Permits

The Trailhead for Lena Lake requires a parking permit or you can receive a fine.

You can get a Day Pass online or for ($5) Click to Get

 

You can get an Annual Northwest Forest Pass that is good for all National Forest Land In Washington and Oregon for $30 Click to Get

 

Or You could get the America the Beautiful Pass for ($80) This pass is honored at all National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands in the United States Click to Get

Directions:

Getting to the Trailhead

Coming past the town of Hoodsport continue on US 101 north for about 14 miles. When you reach milepost 318 make a left (west) turning onto Hamma Hamma River Road (Forest Road 25). Continue straight for 7.5miles on paved road to the trailhead.

Backpacking Upper Lena Lake - Olympic National Park in Washington State. Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful picturesque lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination for adventurous souls. The lake is crystal clear with vivid hues of blue and green. You can see every rock and even several large rainbow trout swimming. This strenuous 14-mile hike with 3,943 feet of elevation gain is not for the beginner hiker. But for those who wish to go on a journey and see some of Olympic National Park's untouched beauty, this is the backpacking destination for you.
Backpacking Upper Lena Lake - Olympic National Park in Washington State. Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful picturesque lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination for adventurous souls. The lake is crystal clear with vivid hues of blue and green. You can see every rock and even several large rainbow trout swimming. This strenuous 14-mile hike with 3,943 feet of elevation gain is not for the beginner hiker. But for those who wish to go on a journey and see some of Olympic National Park's untouched beauty, this is the backpacking destination for you.
Backpacking Upper Lena Lake - Olympic National Park in Washington State. Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful picturesque lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination for adventurous souls. The lake is crystal clear with vivid hues of blue and green. You can see every rock and even several large rainbow trout swimming. This strenuous 14-mile hike with 3,943 feet of elevation gain is not for the beginner hiker. But for those who wish to go on a journey and see some of Olympic National Park's untouched beauty, this is the backpacking destination for you.

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2 Comments

  1. […] you have hiked all the way out to Upper Lena Lake and are still up for more hiking make sure you don't miss Milk Lake. This tiny glacier-fed lake is […]

  2. […] Ready to start planning your summer backpacking adventures? Check out these 25 Photos of Upper Lena Lake to Inspire Your Next Backpacking Trip! If these pictures have convinced you that this is a destination you want to go backpacking to this summer and you want to read more info, check out this post on Backpacking to Upper Lena Lake.  […]

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