Overview  Morning alpenglow on Mt. Bretherton from the shore of Upper Lena Lake.
Mt. Bretherton is located in the southeast Olympic Mountains of Washington State. It is one of two peaks readily accessible from Upper Lena Lake (Mt. Lena is the other one) and rises up imposingly from its southern shore. At only 5960 feet, Mt. Bretherton does not stand out compared to its higher neighbors nearby -- Mt. Stone and The Brothers -- but it is high enough to provide a commanding view of the entire SE portion of the range with views extending as far as some of the glaciers on Mt. Olympus (though the bulk of the peak is hidden from view. It is also a nice place to look down on Lena and Milk Lakes.
 Milk and Upper Lena Lakes
Mt. Bretherton is a tortuous peak, with an elongated ridge extending north to Upper Lena Lake (which viewed from the lake is quite imposing), a ridge with a prominent gendarme extending SW, and another extending SE which curves northward, making an impressive cirque in which lies a permanent snowfield and Milk Lake at its base. The name of the lake is derived from its milky appearance resulting from the rock powder suspended in its waters.
Mt Bretherton is composed of sedimentary rock which includes much loose shale which makes for stressful, non-protectable scrambling. The main route from Upper Lena Lake has one particular 10 foot section that consists of loose pebbles over loose lichen over loose dirt over loose rock which slopes downward. Alaska yellow cedar and mountain hemlock provide some of the holds on this particular route. Still, once the summit is attained, the views are worth the effort.
Since there is so much loose rock on this peak, don't forget your helmet!
Getting There
Take US 101 to the Hamma Hamma Road (#25) to 2.3 miles north of Eldon. A large FS sign marks the area as the Hamma Hamma Recreation Area. Follow the well marked road 7.5 miles to a large parking area on both sides of the road. Don't let the numerous cars discourage you. By far, the vast majority of them are for people destined only for Lower Lena Lake, 3 miles up the trail. Some of them for The Brothers.
(This section completed with a little help from the Olympic Mountains Trail Guide by Robert Wood).
Red TapeA Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. Once can be picked up at the Ranger Station in Hoodsport. For other locations to purchase one, click here. You can order them online at www.naturenw.org. You can also call 1-800-270-7504. A Golden Eagle Passpost will is acceptable.
A Wilderness Permit is required for all overnight stays in Olympic National Park. This does NOT include the money you paid to park your vehicle at the trailhead. There is a $5 administrative fee plus $2 per person per night fee as well. Click here for more info. The fee can be mailed in a small brown envelope provided by the ONP park service.
When To ClimbMay through October are good months to climb Mt. Bretherton. However, the cirque above Milk Lake can be prone to late spring and early summer avalanches. Pay attention to the conditions.
CampingIf you are hardcore, you can do Mt. Bretherton in a day. But why? Upper Lena Lake and the surrounding countryside (especially the trail to Scout Lake) is a place that anyone with any taste would loathe to leave early. Go in late August and early September and have fresh blue berries (actually huckleberries) to throw in your oatmeal. Catch a few fish out of Upper Lena Lake, watch for bears in the meadows high on Mt. Lena, or watch for one come visit you at camp.
 Looking North from Bretherton
If you can't take a hint, then I'll just say that it is best to camp at Upper Lena Lake, 7 miles from and 3,900 feet higher than the trailhead. There are 9 campsites. Camps 1 and 7 can hand 2-3 tents each. Upon reaching the lake, study the map on the sign to decide which one you'd like to camp at. You'll notice that camps 4-9 give the most ready access to the trail leading to Milk Lake (along your route). For convenience, 9 is the best.
Make sure to take advantage of the bearwire to keep your food yours. Also, in case you want to pull a fast one and not obtain a wilderness permit, there is often a backcountry ranger who will help you do the right thing.
Mountain ConditionsGo to the Olympic National Park Trail Conditions Page for current info on the situation in that area.
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