Lena Lake Campground

Within the expansive category of Campgrounds & RV Parks, Lena Lake Campground distinguishes itself as a premier destination for those seeking a genuine backcountry experience. Unlike many drive-up campgrounds, Lena Lake Campground offers a primitive, walk-in setting, making it an ideal choice for hikers, backpackers, and nature enthusiasts looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the Olympic National Forest. This comprehensive guide will detail the environment, services, features, and important promotional information to help local users plan their unforgettable wilderness adventure.

Lena Lake Campground is spectacularly situated along the west shore of Lena Lake, a large, pristine 55-acre lake nestled at an elevation of 1,800 feet in the Hamma Hamma drainage. This iconic lake is a centerpiece of the Olympic National Forest, renowned for its clear waters and picturesque setting. The environment surrounding the campground is characterized by a mix of mature and old-growth forests, creating a lush, verdant canopy that provides ample shade and a sense of deep wilderness.

The trail leading to the campground, the Lena Lake Trail #810, traverses through a beautiful progression of forest types. Hikers begin in younger second-growth timber and gradually ascend into impressive stands of old-growth trees, including towering Douglas-firs, Western hemlocks, and Western red cedars, often draped with moss. The constant sound of Lena Creek, tumbling over rocks and occasionally disappearing into subterranean passages, accompanies much of the hike, adding to the serene ambiance. The lake itself is fed by clear, cold mountain waters, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm summer day.

Wildlife is an integral part of the Lena Lake environment. While specific sightings vary, the area is home to numerous bird species, and larger mammals such as deer are frequently observed. The undisturbed nature of this backcountry location offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. The geological history of the area is also evident, with massive boulders left behind by retreating glaciers serving as silent witnesses to the millennia of natural processes that shaped this stunning landscape.

As a primitive, walk-in campground, Lena Lake Campground provides essential services tailored for backcountry camping within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category. It is important for visitors to understand that this is not a full-service RV park; rather, it offers a more rugged experience. The campground has approximately 28 to 29 designated campsites spread along the lake's shoreline, providing ample space and a sense of privacy, especially for those willing to explore beyond the initial cluster of sites.

Key amenities include:

• Pit Toilets: There are two pit toilets available, located on the west and north shores of the lake. While basic, these facilities are crucial for managing human waste in a heavily used backcountry area and contribute to Leave No Trace principles.

• No Potable Water: Visitors must bring all their drinking water or be prepared to filter/treat water from the lake or Lena Creek. There is no potable water source provided at the campground.

• No Picnic Tables or Fire Rings: Unlike many developed campgrounds, individual campsites at Lena Lake do not typically have picnic tables or established fire rings. Campers are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles, which includes minimizing impact. If campfires are allowed (check for burn bans), they should be small and contained within existing fire scars, if present.

• No RV Access: As a hike-in campground, RVs are not permitted at the Lena Lake Campground itself. Parking for vehicles is available at the Lena Lake Trailhead, approximately 3.2 to 3.5 miles away.

• Pet-Friendly (Trail): Dogs are permitted on the Lena Lake Trail and at the Lena Lake Campground, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Note that dogs are generally not allowed within Olympic National Park, which can be accessed via trails from Lena Lake.

The emphasis at Lena Lake Campground is on self-sufficiency and adherence to backcountry ethics, ensuring the preservation of this heavily visited natural gem. Campers are strongly advised to pack out all trash and practice proper waste disposal.

Lena Lake Campground serves as an excellent base for a variety of outdoor activities, making it a highly desirable feature within the Campgrounds & RV Parks sector for a specific type of user:

• Hiking: The primary access to Lena Lake Campground is via the Lena Lake Trail #810, a National Recreation Trail. This moderate 3.2 to 3.5-mile hike with a gradual elevation gain of about 1,200 to 1,300 feet is popular for both day-hikers and backpackers. Beyond Lower Lena Lake, more strenuous trails diverge, including the Upper Lena Lake Trail, which leads into Olympic National Park (requiring permits and no dogs allowed), and The Brothers Trail #821, providing access to The Brothers Wilderness and climbers' base camps for Mount Lena and Mount Bretherton.

• Backpacking: Lena Lake is an ideal introductory backpacking destination due to its relatively moderate trail and established (though primitive) camping area. It offers a taste of wilderness camping without requiring extensive off-trail navigation.

• Swimming: The clear, cold waters of Lena Lake are perfect for swimming during warmer months, offering a refreshing respite after a hike.

• Nature Viewing and Photography: The diverse forest, abundant wildlife, and stunning lake and mountain views provide endless opportunities for nature observation and photography.

• Fishing: While not explicitly detailed, fishing opportunities are often available in mountain lakes within the Olympic National Forest, subject to Washington State fishing regulations and licenses.

The historical significance of Lena Lake, once home to Boy Scout Camp Cleland, adds another layer of interest, with a memorial plaque near Chapel Rock commemorating its past. The overall heavy use of the campground underscores its popularity and the need for all visitors to practice responsible recreation to maintain its pristine condition.

Lena Lake Campground is a "first-come, first-served" campground, meaning individual campsites cannot be reserved. This is a crucial piece of information for prospective visitors, especially during peak seasons (typically late spring through summer). Due to its heavy usage, particularly on weekends, arriving early is highly recommended to secure a site. While there is no fee for camping at Lena Lake Campground, a valid Recreation Pass (such as a Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Recreation Pass) is required for parking at the Lena Lake Trailhead. The day-use fee for the trailhead is currently $5 per vehicle per day if a pass is not used. These fees are subject to change, so checking the latest information from the Olympic National Forest Service is always advised.

The open season for the campground typically runs from mid-spring through summer and into early fall, though the trail itself may be accessible year-round, often requiring snowshoes in winter months. Current conditions, including trail closures or toilet status, should always be verified with the Hood Canal Ranger District before planning your trip. For those venturing into Olympic National Park from Lena Lake (e.g., to Upper Lena Lake), a separate wilderness camping permit from the National Park Service is required and reservations for these permits are highly recommended.

Visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Leave No Trace principles, which are paramount at Lena Lake due to its heavy use and primitive nature. This includes packing out all trash, properly disposing of human waste (burying it 6 inches deep and 100 feet from water sources and trails), and minimizing campfire impacts. Bear canisters are generally not required at Lena Lake Campground itself, but are mandatory in many Olympic National Park wilderness areas if you venture further.

Lena Lake Campground offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest backcountry camping experience, combining a challenging yet rewarding hike with the serene beauty of an alpine lake. Its designation within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category emphasizes its role as a key outdoor recreation hub, inviting adventurers to discover the wild heart of the Olympic National Forest.