Lake Serene and Bridal Falls, Mt. Baker National Forest-Snoqualmie Trip Report
April 10, 2004
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John Munyan
126 Review(s) to Date
John is an avid hiker, spending a goodly portion of his time up in the hills, or sitting in front of a computer.
Either way, most of what finds his eye is green, or blue, - organic, or lcd. John likes this website, hopes you do too, and invites you to write a review of a couple hikes you've done!
Driving Directions: From Gold Bar, drive east on U.S. Hwy. 2. Turn south at milepost 35.2 (just before the second bridge across the Skykomish River) onto Mt. Index Road #6020. Drive 0.3 mile and bear right. Continue 600 feet to parking area on the left.
What a hike! I really have to recommend this hike highly. Normally I have found trails running on old logging roads really never seem to deliver the goods in the end. Lake Serene is the exception that defines the rule. The first 40 minutes or so are spent walking along a second growth Alder and Cedar trees in sort of a boggy setting. The understory is made up of Vine Maple and one gets the sense that during the summer it would be best to get through this first section before the sun turns it into a sauna.
After the 40 minutes on the logging road/trail the trail drops down a ravine and continues for about 5 minute to the junction of Bridal Falls and Lake Serene. I opted to make my way to the top and visit Lake Serene and visit Bridal Falls on the return. Just past the junction (going towards Lake Serene) the trail loses maybe a hundred feet to go under a the outflow of Bridal Falls. Beyond this point the trail becomes rocky and covered with scree and begins a series of switch backs that last for about 1 to 1.5 hours. The ascent of the switchbacks is broken up by log stairs fairly often. If you like stair master you will probably love this hike as without doubt it has the most steps I have seen on a trail. The going is tough during this time and the grade varies wildly. Sometimes at least a portion of the switchback is level, on other occasions it is quite steep.
While the switchback section might not be your cup of tea, there is more than enough to keep your mind occupied going up the trail. There are new views of the valley and looking East into the cascades, and many very large Western Red Cedar trees. Really, this section is not that bad, though I will warn you that there are several times I thought I was near the top when in fact it was off a bit. Still not bad.
Ultimately the forested cover you have been thanking for it's northern exposure yields an open area. Avalanche chutes I think, but the winter snow lingered covering the ground so I am not sure. In any event this opening marks the 15 minute mark to the saddle.
The lake itself, in the shadow of Mt. Index is incredible. It just can't be taken in with a cameras normal lens especially in the early afternoon given the angle of the sun. There are ample areas to have lunch or just generally hang out and enjoy the wonderful surroundings. If you can stomach a little more elevation ( and you can ) follow the established trail to the clearly signed Lunch Rock which is a large 100 by 200 ft rock slab at an angle towards Mt. Index. This day is was especially welcome since the breeze blowing off Mt. Index is still cool and the black Lunch Rock was warm. Sunning yourself isn't just for reptiles anymore!
There is a signed overlook near the outlet of Lake Serene. I found the view to be less than impressive. From my perspective the best view comes right as you crest the saddle to Lake Serine’s basin.
The return was uneventful save for the side trip to Bridal Falls. Once at the spur to Bridal Falls you are looking at about 10-20 minutes to make your way to the waterfall which is really worth the extra effort. Bridal Falls is maybe 200-300 feet tall and has considerable flow. If when passing by the waterfall en route to Lake Serene seemed big just wait until you see the real deal. The only local waterfall that I think ranks above Bridal Falls is Snoqualmie Falls.
As a finally note when ascending or descending the main trail to Lake Serene take care to ensure a good footing. If this means stopping, stop. I saw a couple people go down and one of them got a pretty nice gash. Oh and respective of people well this one is pretty crowded, but the people themselves proved to be some of the most considerate I have come across.
Enjoy!
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Well Worth the Work!
Reviewed By: Ruth on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 @ 03:47:18 PM
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We did this hike yesterday. We're in our early 60's and in OK shape. With hiking, eating, and photographing, it took us eight hours round trip, including the BV Falls. Starting up in midafternoon and going on a Monday meant there were no real crowds. The trail is in good repair, but quite rocky in some places and lots of steps as others have mentioned. We were very glad of good boots and walking sticks. Using our headlamps after dark made the nighttime exit a breeze.
The views and lake are spectacular, and the wildflowers were a beautiful highlight. Also ripe huckleberries and salmonberries! The lake is still half frozen over with lots of snow on the opposite shore.
Great hike, be in shape
Reviewed By: haley on Monday, June 27, 2011 @ 04:10:35 PM
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The trail was in good shape and easy to follow. Not too crowded early in the AM, so suggest getting an early start. Things were getting really backed up as we made our way back down.
The Lake and Falls are both amazing, let's be honest though, it's a tough hike. not the worste of the worste, but probably best left for a late season hike when your calves and hamstrings are a bit more conidtioned. There are numerious sets of man made staircases that come in handy to cover tough ground, but do a number on those quads. Lake view well worth it, pictures don't do it justice. Be prepared for snow and mud!!!
Good hike overall, would love to go back in August or so when the lake is 'warm' enough for a dip.
Peaceful
Reviewed By: Anonymous on Friday, May 14, 2010 @ 08:44:42 AM
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Trail up to Bridal Falls is easy, with hardly any elevation gain. But the few miles after that are steeper; according to a friend, there are around 60 switchbacks. There's also some slippery, wet or icy snow for the last half or 3/4 of a mile to Lake Serene. It's really cold once you get to the lake, which is frozen and beautiful; don't wear shorts or running shoes!! Great view of Mt. Index :)
Great Workout and Good Fun!
Reviewed By: Shelby Campbell on Thursday, September 17, 2009 @ 09:57:13 AM
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A friend and I, neither of us avid hikiers but both relatively fit, set out on this hike at the end of August, and had a blast. The trail is in great shape, the views on the way up keep you motivated to reach the top, and the lake, in spite of being located high up in the mountains, was warm enough for a quick dip late in the summer. The climb is a tough one, to be sure. Having gone a few go-rounds with a stairmaster or some stadium stairs before this trip would have better prepared me for the climb, but nevertheless, we both made it to the top and in decent time. Another perk with this hike is that the trailhead is located just off Highway 2, so there is very little gravel road to cover. My little Hyundai and I like that very much as "Little Car" is not much of an off-roader. Have fun, but bring water and a snack. You are going to work up a sweat!
Serene for sure
Reviewed By: Zinger on Friday, June 19, 2009 @ 02:32:44 PM
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Review: This is truly a beautiful hike. The trail is good, the side trip to the falls is well worth it, and the lake is, well, serene.
We lunched at the falls, which was perfect. I'd also recommend going early, mainly, though, because of this trails popularity. The few times I've hiked it, the crowds grew as the day wore on. If you're at the trailhead by 9:00 or so, you'll have the trail mostly to yourself, although this is most often the case no matter where you go. The slackers stay in bed, while the hikers are on the trail.
Close to Seattle and Beautiful
Reviewed By: Becca on Monday, June 1, 2009 @ 11:58:50 AM
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Did this hike May 9, 2009. Trail is in good shape. Last part of the hike was hard packed snow, but without tracking poles, a bit tricky at a crossing. Conditions probably are easier now that it's a month since I've written this. Lake Serene was almost all ice, which was a minor disappointment, but only reason to come back in late summer. This is a great strenuous hike with rewarding views at the edge. Take a lunch and perch on a rock at the top to soak in the views.
Gorgeous, logs are deadly
Reviewed By: Anonymous on Thursday, March 5, 2009 @ 09:28:33 AM
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I actually went on this hike in the summer, but since I just found this site...
The first part of the trail is very dark and mysterious - there were people filming little creeks and pools for art projects or something. Once you get to the switchbacks.. well, I am not exactly in shape, but it was difficult. There were some very pretty spots to it, though, especially through the new growth areas. Lake Serene is definitely worth all the effort. Half the lake was covered in ice when I was there. I tried taking pictures, but somehow all the pictures make the lake seem small and not nearly as spectactular as it is in person. Definitely a good place to have lunch and relax for a while, as long as you don't mind the cold. The lake near the end of the trail is covered in floating logs. I couldn't resist hopping among them, and nearly got myself killed in front of a large audience. I loved this hike, but it was so crowded that I can't give it 5 stars - the viewing area at the lake is a circus during the summer. As for Bridal Falls .. I didn't go see it on the way up, and on the way down I was too tired to care, so I recommend going to see it on the way up.
1-19-09
Reviewed By: AR on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 @ 11:07:50 PM
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Tried to do this hike this past Monday. Trailhead is shut down due to construction or cleaning up after a mudslide. They were turning everyone back around.
stinging knettles does serene
Reviewed By: guade00 on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 @ 05:25:18 PM
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Time up--1hr 33min, time down, including side trip up to Bridal Falls, 1 hr 50 minutes. 3 breaks up, 2 back, 1 liter of water up, refill on the way down at the Falls (with tablets, don't trust the water). The forest service rates this hike as "most difficult" and also as heavily used. I wouldn't rate this as most difficult, to be sure, and the presence of any number of children on the way supports that conclusion. Wonderful hike, anyway, with a treat at the end. The path is adorned with many hikers aids, to include signs, wooden bridges and stairways. The lake shore is strewn with reinforced pathways, almost looked like Disneyland. The lake itself suggests Lake 22 and Heather Lake, small and cozy. No snow except on the south shore of the lake. This hike is ideal for an extremely hot day, especially if the Falls are all you're up to, because that cold mist will frost your heinie! Most of this hike (after the easy first 2 mile walk in) is significantly rocky, so beware, and go with hiking pole(s). I can tell this hike gets heavy traffic, as a midweek morning hike saw a lot of small groups and a trailhead lot with about 15 cars
Great Summer Hike
Reviewed By: psbadventures on Sunday, June 22, 2008 @ 12:39:04 AM
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I did this hike today with my 9, 7 and just turned 4 year old boy. I started the hike at 6:00 pm and we made it to the upper snow field before the lake at 8:00. It was too difficult to traverse with my kids, so we headed back down. Bridal veil falls was full and beautiful. The views from the top were spectacular. I really wanted to make it to the lake. My four year old actually did the best. He never complained and seemed to fully enjoying himself by having to climb these big steps. We got back to the car at 10:10 pm. Good thing this was the longest day of the year. It was dark but we could still see the path. My son last year was three when he did Mt. Pilchuck. Mom and dad wanted to turn around half way up, but he kept pointing to the top and the lookout tower. He walked the majority of both trips. I will have to work hard to keep up with him as he gets older.
Nice Quick Hike
Reviewed By: Anonymous on Saturday, June 21, 2008 @ 10:31:48 AM
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I did this hike on the first day of summer, June 20, 2008.
Great day for a hike, it was just warm and sunny enough to feel the warm breeze coming down off the mountain. Usually I try to hike when it is a little overcast but the canopy gave just enough break to keep you from burning up. I did get the feeling that later in the year, the vegetation would be ideal for flies and mosquitoes. None on the day that I went though.
I found this to be a very interesting hike in that the first half is more of a walk than a hike, with a great payoff. I actually found the waterfalls at the bottom the best part of the trip. As the first part is easy, the second part is equally tough. The first 7/8th of the second half is mostly stairs, which are so well built that it is not tough as much as just a good stairs workout. The last 1/8th was very difficult when I went (I would have ranked the hike a 3 difficulty if not for this part). At this point the trail was about half snow half mud. Since the snow was well melted and in direct sunlight it was about a 50/50 shot as to if it would hold your weight or break free dropping you onto whatever was below.
Finally reaching the lake it was almost completely under snow. Quite an awesome sight but I felt like giving it a month or so to melt the lake would have made it more spectacular. The trail to Lunch Rock was completely under snow and not knowing the way I chose to not try this last part. I will go back later in the summer.
Overall it was a good hike. There really was not as many people as I thought I would see (it was a Friday). I think most groups only went to the falls and didn't try the lake. By the time I got down the falls was teaming with highschool kids, having fun in the water ... not such a bad idea for a nice day.
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