Stay low and to the left to get the big view of the falls, then climb the stairs along the water for a more personal and often soaking visit. the Lake Serene/Bridal Veil Falls Trail. As the Lake Serene Trail begins to climb the views east open up. Lots and lots of stairs. Trip Report. Hike by WTA Correspondents: Since this hiking trail has a bit of everything (which can be reason enough for some folks to enjoy it), it's probably not recommended for newbies, noobs, new hikers, and/or anyone generally not in shape---and uncomfortable with steep drop-offs and/or heights. What the trail lacks in length, it makes up for in elevation gain. On the way up, take a .5-mile detour to visit Bridal Veil Falls, and then begin the switchbacking ascent to the lake, passing several smaller waterfalls on the way. Hope you enjoy this lovely hike of Lake Serene, Washington. Just as the road curves left to reveal a large bridge over the Skykomish River, turn right onto Mount Index Road. It is a 1,328-foot (405 m) waterfall that flows from Lake Serene to the South Fork Skykomish River. Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls compete for attention on this trail. Over stairs and a series of 23 switchbacks, the final 1.5-miles of the hike gains 1300 feet to the rim of the lake basin. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Type of Hike Day hike. While my three colleagues and I readied ourselves for the hike we spoke to a few different groups nearby. In an area as popular as Lake Serene it's important to practice the principles of Leave No Trace and good wilderness etiquette. Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls compete for attention on this trail. John Soltys. Lake Serene. Stay low and to the left to get the big view of the falls, then climb the stairs along the water for a more personal and often soaking visit. While there may appear to be ample parking, the lake's popularity, particularly on weekends, often results in more cars than the trailhead can accommodate. It meets with the Bridal Veil Falls trail within a half-mile. Photo by Tom. At 1.7 miles a signed trail to the right leads up to Bridal Veil Falls. Phase 2 trip. Just as the road curves left to reveal a large bridge over the Skykomish River, turn right onto Mount Index Road. Either would be a worthy destination by themselves and combined they are a great day on the trail.From the parking lot, where a Northwest Forest Pass is required, the trail follows an old road bordered by towering salmonberry bushes and deciduous trees. But the hike to get to the lake is worth it. Stick left to head up the Lake Serene Trail. Exercise caution near the water, especially with children. While there may appear to be ample parking, the lake's popularity, particularly on weekends, often results in more cars than the trailhead can accommodate. Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls is a very popular hike in the summer. Trailhead: Lake Serene trailhead off US 2, about 1.5 hours from downtown Seattle. But the hike to get to the lake is worth it. John Soltys. Please note the No Parking signs. Arrive early to miss the crowds on the way up, but practice good trail etiquette and yield to climbers as you descend.WTA Pro Tip: Round trip to Lake Serene only is 7.2 miles. It's a steady ascent using stairs, roots, and rocks for the final 1.5 miles gaining 1,300 feet.Keep your eyes open for patches of bunchberry and other shade-loving flowers, especially as you leave the dense forest for the sun-dappled traverse to the ridge.Once the trail crosses into the basin it's hard not to run down the hill to the lake, but stick to the trail. Share. Proceed on this dirt road a quarter mile. A couple of my local hiking friends were heading to Lake Serene, and I had never been, so I decided to go. The beginning portion of the trail is referred to as the “railroad grade” for good reason. Don't save it for the return as it's too easy to skip the steep climb when the trailhead is so close. The trail to Lake Serene has a smooth and gentle start, winding through alders, maples, and firs draped in moss. Central Cascades . Hike Description . The WTA app says this is an intermediate hike, but I beg to differ. Take heed of the sign posted at the trailhead before heading up. Across the water the cliffs of Mt. Just as the road curves left t… The trail splits near the falls forming a loop. The lake was crystal clear, and the mountain face was just extraordinary. Read About these trails in our Hiking Guide Lake Serene; What a lovely fall day! Stop there if you need a break before the hike gets tough. It's a half-mile up to the falls, much of it climbing steeply up stairs. It was my first time to Lake Serene and I was incredibly excited to make the 4.1 mile trek into the woods to see it with my own eyes. Description Get a look at Bridal Veil Falls approximately halfway up the trail to Lake Serene before you start the switchbacks up to the lake. The hike to lake Serene is a 7 Mile round trip with 1,300 feet of elevation gain. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association To reach the trailhead from Everett, follow Highway 2 east to the small town of Gold Bar. Continue on Highway 2 for seven more miles. Level of Difficulty: Hard. Go Hiking Trip Reports Lake Serene. From the Lake Philadelphia Mountain is a nice winter to early spring scramble. After about 3 km the road ends and you can take a 1-km staircase to Bridal Veil. The trail to the lake starts with the lush surrounding forest. Seattle, WA 98104. Serene Lake Trail #512 (USFS) Serene Lake Trail 512 (Trail Advocates) Grouse Point Trail #517 (USFS) Grouse Point Trail 517 (Trail Advocates) Rock Lakes - Serene Lake Loop Hike (Northwest Hiker) Rip & Go: Rock and Serene Lakes Loop – Mt. Trip will initially open to Tacoma Branch Conditioning Hiking Students. It's only a 1/2 mile hike up to the falls from here but beware not only is it up hill, it has stairs. Index rise 3,000 feet straight up and snow is piled at the base after a winter full of avalanches.Follow the trail along the shore to a huge rock perfect for a seat while you contemplate the serenity of nature.The Lake Serene trail is immensely popular resulting in scarce parking on nice days. Index rise 3,000 feet straight up and snow is piled at the base after a winter full of avalanches. Make sure to get an early … It was rare to be able to go this time of year. Turn right again, following the sign to Lake Serene Trail 1068 and the parking lot 500 feet ahead.Consider visiting Lake Serene on a weekday. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Thank goodness we were prepared for a hike with the masses as Lake Serene is not a hike for those seeking solitude. Trail Conditions Trail in good condition. Find the Serene Lake Trail #512 on the right, near the tall Frazier Turnaround sign. Continue on Highway 2 for seven more miles. Best Hike Near Seattle: Serene Lake. Once the trail crosses into the basin it's hard not to run down the hill to the lake, but stick to the trail. In fact, there are two sections of them totaling 13 staircases in all. The berries ripen in early to mid June and the best ones are found high above your head. The berries ripen in early to mid June and the best ones are found high above your head.Once the trail leaves the old road bed it enters a dense forest and begins climbing. Lake Serene. Once back on the main trail, cross the creek and brace yourself: this is where the real climbing begins. The Mukilteo version of Lake Serene is just a little pond surrounded by houses. The trail also offered an optional 1/2 mile spur trail to Bridal Veil Falls. Across the water the cliffs of Mt. Road Road suitable for all vehicles. The creek can sweep hikers off their feet and down the hill.Back on the main trail to Serene Lake the route crosses the creek then begins the final climb. To reach the trailhead from Everett, follow Highway 2 east to the small town of Gold Bar. The trail heads up thickly forested slopes past Bridal Veil Falls to a secluded lake. This hike was one of my favorites, mostly because I hadn’t looked up pictures ahead of time and had no idea what to expect. Since this hiking trail has a bit of everything (which can be reason enough for some folks to enjoy it), it's probably not recommended for newbies, noobs, new hikers, and/or anyone generally not in shape---and uncomfortable with steep drop-offs and/or heights. The path is rich with thimbleberries, huckleberries, and blueberries by mid-summer. The Lake Serene hike is a moderately strenuous 8 mile round trip hike up Mount Index to the tarn for which the hike is named. Lots and lots of stairs. FlowerChild Hiked Aug 19, 2009. The side trail climbs up a hill to Middle Rock … Central Cascades. Bugs No bugs. Trip Report. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Skykomish Ranger District. Lake Serene. Lake Serene is an alpine lake nestled in the Cascade mountains of Washington State. The winter weather has taken a toll on trail #1068 and the fallen trees over the trail are too numerous to count. As you can imagine that's a lot of climbing. Mt. If you decide to include the detour to Bridal Veil Falls, do so on the way to the lake. Most of the hike is a steep ascent up switchbacks along a well developed and groomed trail. Hiking to Lake Serene We arrived at the parking lot of the trailhead in the early morning hours. The trailhead can be accessed off of Mount Index Road near Stevens Pass. Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene are each pretty enough to merit this trail’s 8-mile, 2000-foot uphill slog on its own right; put the two destinations together, and you’ve got a recipe for a truly memorable day. If you decide to include the detour to Bridal Veil Falls, do so on the way to the lake. Distance: 2.3 miles to Lake Serene. To reach the trailhead from Everett, follow Highway 2 east to the small town of Gold Bar. Day Hike - Lake Serene. Normally, the trail and lake are under feet of snow in late February. Serene Lakes is the name given to two lakes — Serena and Dulzura — that sit on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in northern California, one mile south of Soda Springs and I-80. Seattle, WA 98104. Take a narrated tour of Lake Serene off Highway 2 in Washington State. Day Use Only within a quarter mile of Lake Serene. Arrive early to miss the crowds on the way up, but practice good trail etiquette and yield to climbers as you descend.WTA Pro Tip: Round trip to Lake Serene only is 7.2 miles. The trail leaves from the Frazier Trailhead and starts out with 0.8 miles of moderate downhill hiking … This popular trail is a must-see. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. The trail heads up thickly forested slopes past Bridal Veil Falls to a secluded lake. In an area as popular as Lake Serene it's important to practice the principles of Leave No Trace and good wilderness etiquette. Lots of people walk their dogs there every day, but this isn't a hiking trail. Mt. If you must park on the side of the dirt road, pull well off the road so that traffic and emergency vehicles can pass and other hikers can exit the lot. Lake Serene Trail and Bridal Veil Falls is a 7.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gold Bar, Washington that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. Across the water the cliffs of Mt. Beyond, a ragged pinnacle of rock pierces the cobalt sky amidst the imposing cliffs that shield the scene from the low October sun. Trip Report By. Lake Serene. Laurenf17 WTA Member 5 Hiked Oct 29, 2020. It's a half-mile up to the falls, much of it climbing steeply up stairs. Please note the No Parking signs. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from May until October. If you do the full hike to Lake Serene and back, it’s 8.2 miles roundtrip. If you must park on the side of the dirt road, pull well off the road so that traffic and emergency vehicles can pass and other hikers can exit the lot. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Lake Serene, Washington. Exercise caution near the water, especially with children. At 1.7 miles a signed trail to the right leads up to Bridal Veil Falls. Trip will open for registration to all Mountaineers, based on availability, 7-10 days prior to date of the hike. The hike begins at the Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls Trailhead, just off highway 2. Learn more about how WTA is supporting iconic trails like this one. As of Jun 4, 2016, camping and campfires are still prohibited within 1/4 mile of Lake Serene. Share. If you decide to include the detour to Bridal Veil Falls, do so on the way to the lake. The Lake Serene Trail is a challenging and exhilarating hike, but it comes with a beautiful reward: The chance to cool off with a swim in a gorgeous lake. Hike the Grassy Mountain Trailhead 0.2 miles, and continue straight following signs for Lake Serene. At the top you will see the stunning Lake Serene and all its glory. It's a steady ascent using stairs, roots, and rocks for the final 1.5 miles gaining 1,300 feet.Keep your eyes open for patches of bunchberry and other shade-loving flowers, especially as you leave the dense forest for the sun-dappled traverse to the ridge.Once the trail crosses into the basin it's hard not to run down the hill to the lake, but stick to the trail. I would recommend coming here on a weekday to enjoy its full beauty. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 As you climb the view will fade and return, but each time it gets more entrancing. Info COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. At an elevation of 6800-7200 feet, the spring-fed lakes cover around … Continue down the trail to the aptly named Lake Serene’s rocky shores. Using the Washington Trails Association (WTA) website we found just the thing for us. We rejoined the Lake Serene Trail and hiked a ways to the trail sign pointing up the hill. Note that mosquitoes can be bad at Serene Lake through mid-summer. We have had an incredibly low snow fall in Western Washington this year though so a lot of the hiking trails are still snow free. Go Hiking Trip Reports Lake Serene. The falls are well worth doing as part of your Lake Serene hike or as a hike unto itself. 100 reviews of Lake Serene - Bridal Veil Falls "This is an UH-MAZE-ING hike! Print. ***** Thank goodness we waited to do this hike when the trail was dry; we saw signs that the trail to Lake Serene could get a bit muddy with some tough stream crossings in the winter. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Skykomish Ranger District. From the Lake Philadelphia Mountain is a nice winter to early spring scramble. This hike includes four beautiful blue alpine lakes and is a recommended excursion for first time backpackers. For … Read About these trails in our Hiking Guide Lake Serene; My boyfriend and I left Seattle at 8am, and arrived at the trail head around 9:30. Contact Us. Since this hiking trail has a bit of everything (which can be reason enough for some folks to enjoy it), it's probably not recommended for newbies, noobs, new hikers, and/or anyone generally not in shape---and uncomfortable with steep drop-offs and/or heights. ↠ Lake Serene is 8.2 miles roundtrip and located in the Central Cascades. Lake Serene is a strenuous, 7.2 mile in-and-out day hike with 1,920 ft in elevation gain. As you can imagine that's a lot of climbing. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 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