Fishing, wildlife watching, and lakeside camping draw hikers to Lena Lake Campground, a hike-in site within Olympic National Forest that sits at the end of a 3.5-mile trail through old-growth forest. The approach follows switchbacks through dense fir and moss-draped terrain, gaining enough elevation that campers arriving at dusk have reported watching fish rise to the surface as the light fades. Mountain goats have been spotted along the trail. Sites are scattered around the lake's edge, each with a fire ring, and vault toilets are available on-site, though there is no potable water.
Crowd patterns are worth planning around. Weekend use is consistently heavy, with multiple reviewers noting that the lake draws significant numbers of visitors from the surrounding region, particularly in summer. Weekday visits tend to offer more room to spread out. Jenna W. describes it as a "very clean, natural, mossy green campground," which matches the photo record of dense vegetation and fir canopy throughout the area. The trail can also experience washouts seasonally, so checking conditions before departure is worthwhile.
Campers planning to extend their time in the area have options nearby. Upper Lena Lake -- Olympic National Park sits further up the drainage and is accessible via a connecting trail from the lower lake, where the elevation difference can mean dramatically different seasonal conditions between the two. Lena Creek Campground provides a drive-in alternative closer to the trailhead. A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent is required for parking at the trailhead. Lena Lake Campground is a good match for beginner and intermediate hikers comfortable carrying overnight gear on a moderate trail.
Description
This heavily used walk-in campground is accessed by hiking 3.5 miles on Lena Lake Trail #810. This backcountry primitive camping area is located along the west-shore of Lena Lake a large 55 acre lake in the Hamma Hamma drainage at 1,800 feet elevation. There are two pit toilets available on the west and north shores. Camp in designated sites located on either side of the lake. This area is heavily impacted by high visitor use! Campers must be familiar with Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, camp within developed sites, and respect other visitors. From the campground there is access to The Brothers Wilderness via The Brothers Trail #821 which ends at The Brothers Base Camp. Wilderness regulations apply within The Brothers Wilderness. View a Lena Lake Campground vicinity map (.pdf)
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLena Lake Campground is located in Washington near Lilliwaup
Directions
From Hoodsport, WA travel US Highway 101 north for 14 miles. Then take Forest Service Road 25 (Hamma Hamma Recreation Area) west for 8 miles to the Lena Lake Trailhead. Forest Service Road 25 is paved to the Lena Lake Trailhead. Hike the Lena Lake Trail #810 for 3.2 miles to Lena Lake Campground on the west-shore of Lena Lake.
Coordinates
47.62051316 N
123.16202467 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 18 min from Olympia, WA
- 2 hrs 28 min from Bremerton, WA
- 3 hrs 13 min from Seattle, WA
- 3 hrs 32 min from Mount Vernon, WA
