At a glance
- 6.4 mi round trip
- 1,300 ft
- Out & back
- Moderate
- National Forest
Sources cite roughly 6-7 miles round trip depending on the turnaround; best May to October. The trail reaches the Olympic National Park wilderness boundary at the lake — dogs are not permitted beyond it.
Lower Lena Lake is one of the most popular dog-friendly hikes on the Olympic Peninsula. The trail climbs through old- and second-growth forest to a lake in the Olympic National Forest, and is a moderate, rewarding half-day. Published distances vary by turnaround (roughly 6 to 7 miles round trip); figure on about 6.4 miles round trip with around 1,300 feet of gain.
The boundary matters
This is a trail where knowing exactly where you are protects your dog. The hike to Lower Lena Lake is on Olympic National Forest, where leashed dogs are welcome. But the route reaches the Olympic National Park wilderness boundary at the lake — and dogs are not permitted beyond that point (the trail continues to Upper Lena Lake inside the park). Turn around at Lower Lena Lake and you are squarely in dog-friendly territory.
With your dog
Dogs must be on leash. It is a popular trail, so keep your dog close near other hikers, and carry water — the lake is the main reliable water source near the top.
Gear for this hike
Ruffwear
$99.99Ruffwear Approach Pack — Research Review
The Ruffwear Approach Pack is a compact dog‑pack built on Ruffwear’s WebMaster harness frame. It pairs radial-cut saddlebag construction and a weight-forward design with two zippered saddlebags (each with a smaller pocket) for about 13 L of total carrying volume. The pack is offered in four girth-based sizes (XS–L) and includes multiple adjustment points, leash attachment options, and trail-oriented load-tuning.
Ruffwear
$49.99Ruffwear Roamer Bungee Dog Leash — research review
The Ruffwear Roamer is a 1-inch webbing bungee leash offered in two length ranges that combines Wavelength stretch webbing, a padded adjustable handle with a side‑release buckle, a traffic handle for quick restraint, and an anodized 6061‑T6 aluminum Talon Clip. It’s presented by Ruffwear for running, hiking, hands‑free walking and biking and can be worn at the waist, carried by hand, or looped around a post without unclipping; the waist fit adjusts up to 48 in. The longer 7.3–11 ft option is noted as not ideal for crowded or high‑traffic sidewalks.
Ruffwear
$24.99Ruffwear Quencher Bowl: Sizes, Capacity & Alternatives
The Ruffwear Quencher Packable Dog Bowl is a collapsible square bowl designed for food and water on the go. It is made from a durable water-resistant shell fabric with a lightweight waterproof lining and includes reflective trim. The Quencher comes in three capacities (Small 0.75 L, Medium 1 L, Large 2.5 L), folds flat for pocket or pack storage, and—because its fabric construction is not rigid—must be held or placed on level ground to maintain shape. Ruffwear provides a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Related
- Murhut Falls
- Mount Ellinor
- Olympic Peninsula Road Trip
Sources & research
Read our research methodology and editorial standards →
- Trail reference Lena Lake