Well, decided to head out on Friday and see what all the fuss was about anytime anyone talked about The Valley Of The Silent Men.
I got to the Lena Lake TH around 8:30 and was surprised that the parking area was not jam packed with cars.
Lena Lake TH
Lena Lake
The Lena Lake trail is ... in a word ... boring. I will say that I didn't see as much litter along the way as I have in the past but still. This is just a boring hike. I had it all to myself.
Lena Lake Trail
004
Got to the lake in an hour. Stopped for a breather and the customary photos.
Customary Lake Shot
A big rock and a backpack. My backpack.
Boot shot - Lena Lake
Headed around the lake and only saw one tent set up. Again ... odd since this was a big holiday weekend.
This way to The Brothers
Love these kinds of crossings
Found the turn off and headed up the Valley Of The Silent Men. Maybe it's just me. But as I started in I kept thinking ... Really? This is just walking through the woods. Trees look the same. Trail looks the same.
Interesting burn pattern
Valley Of The Silent Men
Valley Of The Silent Men
Cedar planks
The smell of cedar here would almost knock you down
Damn!!!
Washout
Avalanche
Where the hell did all the bark go?
Sturdy Hand Rail
Interesting trail scramble
Along the Trail
Well I kept going thinking ... well ... at least when I get to the base camp that will be worth it right?
This better not be the base camp
Well as the miles ticked by and the clock ticked by I kept saying ... maybe around the next turn. Oh wait ! Look up ahead ! Clearing ! Oh wait ... never mind. More trees.
You know ... I don't know what I expected. Actually that's not true. I know what I expected. I expected THIS !
Expectation
Instead ... I finally stumbled into base camp and was greeted with this
Reality
You've got to be kidding me.
Spoke to a couple who tried to summit that morning and were turned around when they lost the trail in the clouds. When I asked where I could go to see the "mountain" then both looked at me with this odd expression as if to say .... Ummmmmm yea. You can't see it from here.
So I proceeded to plop myself down in an empty camp spot ...
Base Camp
Change my socks and start back.
Was I in the woods hiking? Yes.
Did I see anything that I could not have seen walking down my driveway to get the mail?
Not really ...
But at least I did it and know that I don't have to go back. Maybe someone else can read this and pick an alternative destination.
Note: I did have one bright spot for the day. When I say it, every guy ... and maybe some women ... will know what I'm talking about.
Under Armour Compression Shorts
I agree that he lower trail is boring.. but the valley trail is nice.. are you trolling or did you not notice the lovely little waterfall way up the Brothers trail? To see a mountain you'll have to climb the mountain.. Base camp is dark and spooky and haunted by nocturnal woodpeckers.
I agree that he lower trail is boring.. but the valley trail is nice.. are you trolling or did you not notice the lovely little waterfall way up the Brothers trail? To see a mountain you'll have to climb the mountain.. Base camp is dark and spooky and haunted by nocturnal woodpeckers.
What do you mean, trolling? He posted a trip report. And included his feelings about the trip.
I tend to agree, based on my visit to Lena Lake many years ago.
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