This was a beautiful overnight trip on the Lena - Putvin Traverse I did with Cheryl and some friends from the Peninsula Wilderness Club. The following are the notes I took immediately after the trip. "Take the Lena Lake trail to Upper Lena Lake, then take the Scout Lake Way Trail to near a point where the trail drops down to Scout Lake. At this point go off trail staying at near the 4800-4900 foot level towards Saint Peter's Gate on Mt Stone. You will soon be back on a way trail, this time the Stone Ponds Way Trail. Saint Peters Gate will be the snow filled route on the right. Climb over Saint Peter's Gate, which is the high point of this route and then drop down to Lake of the Angels. From LOA, utilize the horrible Putvin Trail back down the to the Hamma Hamma valley floor."
So I guess I really hated that Putvin Trail so much that I called it horrible in my notes, HA! Usually my memory of how horrible a trail is fades so much until all I remember about it is the good stuff. At least until the next time I hike it, that is. But sitting here right now reminiscing, yes, the Putvin Trail really sucks. I had a hard time walking for about a week after coming down that trail. Did something to my achilles. I'm sure I've been on trail as bad, but with the overnight pack, I probably pushed it more than I am normally used to.
I normally don't share my GPS tracks, but because so much of this is off trail, I will share this one. You can find the download link below the map at the bottom of the page. Keep in mind these are tracks created with my cell phone so they will not be spot on but they should get you where you need to go.
The whole group at the trailheadHeavenly light on the way upLena Lake snack break at Lunch RockThe footlog crossing on Lena CreekWhen you reach this sign, you have arrived at Upper Lena LakeThe group sets up camp. Cheryl, Steve and Myself opted to set up camp near here but not with the main group.The big group campSocializing with the groupIt was a little chillyEveryone was in a great mood.Enjoying some hot beveragesBig meadow by the lakeWatching the weather move in and out. It was supposed to be nicer the following dayUpper Lena LakeFall colors on Upper Lena LakeI took a side trip up the mountainside near the lake to get a different perspective. This is a panorama of the scene.The next morning proved to be clear, but it also was very cold over night and everything frosted over.Sunrise on Upper Lena LakeSunrise on Upper Lena LakeWatching the sunrise above Upper Lena LakeWatching the sunrise above Upper Lena LakeSunrise above Upper Lena LakeSunrise above Upper Lena LakeSoon, after packing up and having a hearty breakfast, we were traversing the Scout Lake Way Trail. This section is very beautiful and scenic.Traversing the Scout Lake Way Trail amidst the fall colors.Traversing the Scout Lake Way Trail amidst the fall colors.Traversing the Scout Lake Way Trail amidst the fall colors.Traversing the Scout Lake Way Trail amidst the fall colors.Traversing the Scout Lake Way Trail amidst the fall colors.Traversing the Scout Lake Way Trail amidst the fall colors.Deerheart Lake with Mt Stone and St Peter's Gate in the distanceDeerheart Lake with Mt Stone and St Peter's Gate in the distanceScout Lake. This was the only view we had of it as we traversed the Scout Lake Way Trail.A little tarn on the Scout Lake Trail. One leaves the Scout Lake Trail near here in search of the Stone Ponds Way Trail. According to the Olympic Mountains Trail Guide, "At this point one should leave the trail and travel cross-country, going left through easy terrain to meadows, thus avoiding the steep descent to Scout Lake via the trail. The route is longer but much safer. The hiker should go south as far as the big meadow, where the Stone Ponds Way Trail can be followed north to its intersection with Scout Lake Way Trail." To be sure you're on the correct route, you may download my tracks that I saved. You can find the link under the map below.St Peter's GateSt Peter's GateSt Peters Gate. Don't be tempted to go to the lower spot on the left. St Peters is the snow filled section on the right.Fall colors on the Stone Ponds Way TrailFollowing the Stone Ponds Way TrailFollowing the Stone Ponds Way TrailFollowing the Stone Ponds Way TrailFollowing the Stone Ponds Way TrailFollowing the Stone Ponds Way Trail. St Peters Gate directly aheadOne of the Stone Ponds. Mt Rainier in the distance.The beginning of the ascent to St Peter's Gate.Looking back from where we came. One of the Stone Ponds below.Climbing the Glacier (or maybe it's just a permanent snow field?) just below St Peter's Gate. You will definitely want traction for this section because it is solid ice.Looking back from St Peter's Gate. One of the Stone Ponds directly below and Scout Lake in the distance.Having a break at St Peter's Gate.The view of Lake of the Angels from St Peter's Gate.Mt Washington. Bet you can't guess why its called Mt Washington.Almost October and Zac decides to go for a swim in Lake of the Angels.That had to be cold.Parting shot of LOA. A panorama.Leaving the wilderness area on the drop down the Putvin TrailOne of the few views going down the Putvin Trail. A shot across the Hamma Hamma Valley of Jefferson Peak.
Fantastic photos, very pretty area. I have to agree that the Putvin Trail is horrible. I started going up it once but gave up pretty quickly. Not just steep but the tread is very narrow and unstable too. Love the shots of St Peter’s Gate.
Very nice! I’ve seen a couple maps with a path called “Boulder Creek Route”, which begins 2 miles from Upper Lena, and runs southeast just before the turn off to Scout Lake. It may have connected with an old logging road, which is now totally washed out in several places. Is anyone familiar with “Boulder Creek Route” off of the Scout Lake Way Trail?
Hi Ryan, I think I may have seen that route on a map somewhere. Probably a pretty rough route. Old TOPOs show the road you mentioned going a ways up Boulder Creek. I believe the lower part of the Putvin trail either crosses or follows along part of that road if I remember correctly.
Thank you for replying! And you’re right! Putvin does cross/use part of that old road. In July 2021, I attempted to hike to Scout Lake via that old road to the Boulder Creek Route, but was stopped by a massive washed out gulley about 2 miles in on that road (didn’t have any gear to climb down and then up that washout.) Before seeing your report, I had no idea a person could hike a loop of Lena Lakes to Putvin Trail! So cool and thanks so much for posting your GPS trail! Do you still organize hikes? Over the past 12 months, I’ve hiked more than 1,000 miles on trails and decommissioned logging roads (capturing my GPS tracks) and would really enjoy and benefit from hiking with people of your experience level. Ryan
I hiked up the old road starting from the Putvin trail in summer of 2017. About two miles up the old road there is an old wooden bridge. There is a faint path heading uphill just past the bridge. The path had some ribbons marking the way. I followed the ribbons until I came to the top of the ridge and met up with the stone ponds way trail. Then I made my way up to Saint Peters Gate and down to Lake of the Angels. It was quite an adventure.
That’s pretty cool. I’m looking at a map and I’m guessing you took the road up and then the faint path goes up through the Boulder Creek drainage. That would indeed make for an epic adventure!
Fantastic photos, very pretty area. I have to agree that the Putvin Trail is horrible. I started going up it once but gave up pretty quickly. Not just steep but the tread is very narrow and unstable too. Love the shots of St Peter’s Gate.
Did this trail yesterday but in the opposite direction. Thanks for your trip report!
You’re welcome. Nice trail, I hope you enjoyed it!
Very nice! I’ve seen a couple maps with a path called “Boulder Creek Route”, which begins 2 miles from Upper Lena, and runs southeast just before the turn off to Scout Lake. It may have connected with an old logging road, which is now totally washed out in several places. Is anyone familiar with “Boulder Creek Route” off of the Scout Lake Way Trail?
Hi Ryan, I think I may have seen that route on a map somewhere. Probably a pretty rough route. Old TOPOs show the road you mentioned going a ways up Boulder Creek. I believe the lower part of the Putvin trail either crosses or follows along part of that road if I remember correctly.
Thank you for replying! And you’re right! Putvin does cross/use part of that old road. In July 2021, I attempted to hike to Scout Lake via that old road to the Boulder Creek Route, but was stopped by a massive washed out gulley about 2 miles in on that road (didn’t have any gear to climb down and then up that washout.) Before seeing your report, I had no idea a person could hike a loop of Lena Lakes to Putvin Trail! So cool and thanks so much for posting your GPS trail! Do you still organize hikes? Over the past 12 months, I’ve hiked more than 1,000 miles on trails and decommissioned logging roads (capturing my GPS tracks) and would really enjoy and benefit from hiking with people of your experience level. Ryan
I hiked up the old road starting from the Putvin trail in summer of 2017. About two miles up the old road there is an old wooden bridge. There is a faint path heading uphill just past the bridge. The path had some ribbons marking the way. I followed the ribbons until I came to the top of the ridge and met up with the stone ponds way trail. Then I made my way up to Saint Peters Gate and down to Lake of the Angels. It was quite an adventure.
That’s pretty cool. I’m looking at a map and I’m guessing you took the road up and then the faint path goes up through the Boulder Creek drainage. That would indeed make for an epic adventure!