Lilliwaup and Hamma Hamma

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. I probably feel that way more than most as my postal career winds down. Today was my day. Forecast called for 60’s and sunny, even at Hoodsport, so I jumped at the chance to flee.
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I’m guessing I drove longer than I hiked today. Most folks probably wouldn’t do that, but I have a different perspective than most folks. I think that when there is a new experience to be had that there is no such thing as too much effort. Or too long a drive. I will always (and all ways) put it in the win column. How will we ever know what we like … what we want … if we don’t try new things ?
Today I drove north on Hwy 101. I made a short detour on the Old Olympic Hwy as I chased a glimpse of the rising sun. I drove to a place called Wildcat Cove and ended up on a dead-end street with a view between houses of the sun coming up over the water. Beautiful ! Always worth an adventure to see dawn break. I drove back the way I came and eventually merged back onto the highway and drove along Hood Canal.
It’s a pretty drive and with areas of fog settling over the canal it was other-wordly. Of course the fog eventually gave way to full sun and I was almost blinded as the rays shot streaks of light through the trees.
I had the window down a bit and the radio cranked. Definitely a Bonnie Day. I smiled non-stop as I drove through Lilliwaup. What a cool name ! ( only later did I discover there was a Lilliwaup Falls I might have looked for. Next time ).
Next turn: Hamma Hamma Rd. I smiled even bigger.
Hamma Hamma 😊
The road all the way to the Lena Lake trailhead is lovely. And paved. THAT is rarely the case in my experience, but a wonderful treat.
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It is a moderate hike, around 7,2 miles round trip. The trail is snow free and in mostly good shape.
On the last mile to the lake you will see a ginormous ( is that a word ? ) boulder on your left. Between that boulder and the lake it gets tricky.
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A couple notable blow-downs and significant water over the trail in a few spots. It is all passable and made for an interesting hike in.
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A good friend did this hike last year and had a few fun surprises too. Read her Adventure Log here.
I’ll let my pictures tell the rest of the story.
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 Trillium, Avalanche Lilies, yellow flowers, pink buds, fungus and extraordinary examples of decay. Nature is the brilliant one, lest we ever forget.
Lower Lena Lake is a stunner too. Lots of spots for camping or just a lovely spot to take in the natural landscape on a sunny day. Depending on where I was taking a picture from, the lake cast a different shade of green/blue. Clear as a bell throughout. I followed the lake trail to its source. I’m saving the climb to Upper Lena Lake for when I’m in a little better shape. My body loves to move but it definitely lets me know when it’s had enough. I’ll be back !
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It was a nice walk back to the car as many more people were heading up. I saw only two women and one crazy labrador retriever on my way up. Perfect day !
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3 Comments on “Lilliwaup and Hamma Hamma

  1. Thanks for giving me a sense of what it will be like when I go there tomorrow. The photos were really lovely and helpful, as was your text.

  2. Thanks for allowing me a ginormously beautiful, albeit vicarious hike in the PNW. I miss thise and you, too.

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