OverviewIt is officially unnamed. On the map it appears as Peak 5783. Above the northeast shore of Upper Lena Lake it stands prominently, attached by a ridge to Mount Lena (5995ft, 1827m), NNE of Mount Bretherton (5960ft, 1817m) opposite the lake. Peak 5783 would be a sufficient label, but on account of the summit register left by Fay Pullen, Mount Lena (East Peak) satisfies. This peak not only provides a tremendous view of much of the Olympic interior, but above all provides a supreme vantage of The Brothers on the eastern fringe of the Olympic Range showcasing the distinctive double-summit peak in splendid isolation with the channels of Puget Sound and the Cascade Range as a backdrop.
Though Mount Lena rises to a higher elevation, the character of its counterpart to the east is more rugged and rocky. The summit is the highest point of the rocky ridge which extends to the northeast for about a half mile. From Upper Lena Lake the ascent is varied and quite enjoyable. The route leaves the trail just above the lake where meadowed slopes can be accessed. Once at the low point in the ridge it is necessary to cross and descend slightly on the north side. From here, manuever straight up the ridge through trees and easy terrain for several hundred feet. The final several hundred feet above is rocky and quite fun; it is possible to remain on the ridge crest which requires a traverse of a short but exposed knife-edged section. Otherwise, one could drop a short distance to the left to bypass this.
From the summit gander down to Upper Lena Lake and over to Milk Lake, nestled under the bulk of Mount Bretherton. Gaze toward the ridges of Mount Lena and Mount Stone beyond and have a long look at The Brothers. The view of The Brothers from the east peak of Mount Lena is unmatched, its twin summits towering nearly 5000ft above the valley floor of Lena Creek.
 The Brothers from the summit. Getting ThereFrom the Lena Creek trailhead on the Hamma Hamma River the trail travels a moderate three miles to Lena Lake. From there, the trail branches and continues 3000ft in elevation gain and four miles to Upper Lena Lake into Olympic National Park. The ascent of the mountain begins at Upper Lena Lake.Red TapeA Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the Lena Creek trailhesd. Permits are required for all overnight trips into the Olympic wilderness backcountry which cost $5, plus $2 per person per night. Obtain permits with the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles ((360)565-3100) or at the trailhead.CampingCamp can be made at Lena Lake in the Olympic National Forest without restiction but a permit is required otherwise within Olympic National Park. During the summer months, Upper Lena Lake is a quota area so check for availability beforehand. External Linkshttp://www.nps.gov/olym
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/welcome.shtml
The East Peak of Mount Lena (right) stands above Upper Lena Lake |
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