Originally had planned to summit The Brothers this week but Covid-19 pretty much ruined those plans. Instead did a day hike to asses conditions and plan for a future climb. We started at the Lena Lake trailhead and hiked to the burned out area above climbers camp. The trail was in relatively good shape but there are multiple trees down across the trail that make navigating with a full pack more challenging.
Blow down area...can't emphasize enough to stay to the right of the stream on the way up. Going up, we followed markers that lead us more to the left of the stream. This lead to a good amount of bushwacking through devils club. Not impossible, but not necessary. We passed another day hiker coming back who turned around for the same reason. Coming back down, we stayed to the left of the stream (right going up) and it was a much easier route. There are flags but they lead both ways as they are not all from this year.
Once through that area, it is relatively straightforward. there are some new blow downs to contend with and some of the old stream crossing bridges are sketchy at best. We avoided one on the way up since it was wet in the early morning, but crossed it dry on the way down.
19 mile round trip. Absolutely gorgeous day was topped off with a piece of pie at the Halfway House!
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