Mount Bretherton is one of the several peaks that surround the perched basin of Upper Lena Lake at the head of Lena Creek within the boundary of Olympic National Park. The other peaks are Mount Lena and its counterpart, Peak 5783 also referred to as the East Peak of Mount Lena, both situated north of the lake. From the vantages of other mountains in the range, this cluster of peaks can be easy to overlook as one's gaze is drawn toward others that rise higher with more striking profiles. But this is in no way detracts from the beauty of the area once a visit is paid. While the lake basin is carved from sedimentary layers of slate and sandstone, the multiple summits of Mount Bretherton are composed of resistant basalt and rise high over the south shore. Most striking from the lake is the peak's false summit which is in closer proximity, but the main summit ridge can be seen lurking behind it.

Mount Bretherton from Upper Lena Lake

It is an elongated mountain with the main summit ridge trending from south to north, from the area of the true summit to the false summit which overlooks Upper Lena Lake. In addition, there is a minor sub-peak just southwest of the summit and another ridge that stretches out toward the northeast for a half mile. Nestled beneath the steep northeast cliffs reside a permanent snowfield and tranquil Milk Lake with its turquoise waters that subsequently spill into Upper Lena Lake. A path follows this connecting creek between the lakes and is one means of access to the mountain via the snowfield. From the summit, the views are spectacular of the surrounding mountain scenery near and far, and of the beautiful lakes just below. Mount Bretherton was named for Bernard J. Bretherton, curator for the Oregon Alpine Club and one of the naturalists that accompanied the O'Neil Expedition of 1890.

Milk Lake & Upper Lena Lake

Climbing

If one is to scale the heights of Mount Bretherton, it will likely be via Lena Creek and Upper Lena Lake. Follow the path above the east side of the Lake that leads to the inlet stream on the southeast shore; from here you have two main options. To follow the path to the left leads to Milk Lake and the snowfield. This is a class 2 route to the summit. Ascend the snow toward the obvious saddle above and from there easy slopes lead to the summit. The other option from the lake shore is not as straightforward but more rewarding; it is first a climb of the false summit then a traverse of the main summit ridge to the true summit.

Main summit from near the false summit

It is primarily class 3 terrain once on the main ridge with some possible 4th class moves that could be worked in on the varied crest. Walk south from the shore through the small meadow strewn with boulders toward the chute that seems to head toward the false summit. Trend left to a protruding bench then ascend the false summit. Once on the main ridge, the terrain is a series of rocky outcrops interspersed with easier sections; there is no one way to go. As the summit block draws near, a headwall is encountered that may look imposing at first sight. Upon closer inspection there is a 12ft chimney that permits passage, which is not terribly difficult; this is the final obstacle to the summit. A climb of Mount Bretherton can be completed in a single day but more can be completed with additional time.

Getting there

Access the Hamma Hamma River Road (FR25) 2.3 miles north of Eldon from US 101. It is 7.6 miles from the highway to the Lena Lake trailhead. By trail it is just over three miles to Lena Lake and the junction with the Upper Lena Lake trail. It is an additional four miles of strenuous hiking to reach the upper lake.

Camping

The camping options are numerous. As the peak and Upper Lena Lake are within the National Park, some may not like to pay the requisite fees. These people could car camp or hike the three miles to lower Lena Lake, located in the national forest. If indeed camping within the national park, there is camping at Upper Lena Lake. Backcountry permits are required and a reservation may be as well. Another option near the trailhead is the Lena Creek CAmpground.

Red Tape

Mount Bretherton and Upper Lena Lake are located within the confines of Olympic National Park. This means that if you wish to backpack into the area, a backcountry permit is required. Permits (good for the entire hiking group) cost $5, plus $2 per person per night. Obtain permits with the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles ((360)565-3100). Also, Upper Lena Lake is a quota area during the summer so a reservation may be required. The parking area at the Lena Lake trailhead requires a valid Northwest Forest Pass.

External Links

http://www.nps.gov/olym

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