Hike to Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls in Washington

Challenge yourself with a hike to Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls, where breathtaking views and serene waters await just outside Seattle.

Last updated: May 2024

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Free, but a Northwest Forest Pass is required
More than 500 Miles from you
National Star: Exceptional experiences within the country that are must-dos for adventurers
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Description

Experience the beauty of Washington's alpine wilderness with a hike to Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls. This popular trail, located near Index, offers an 8.3-mile round trip filled with challenging staircases, rocky paths, and stunning scenery. Begin your journey at the trailhead off Stevens Pass Highway and climb through lush forests and boulder fields. Reach the clear blue waters of Lake Serene surrounded by the towering Mount Index, then explore the cascading Bridal Veil Falls. This hike, best enjoyed from summer to fall, provides an unforgettable adventure for those prepared for its demanding terrain.

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Itinerary

Start: Arrive at the trailhead off Stevens Pass Highway, park, and prepare your gear.
Trail Beginning: Follow the flat, gradual trail with two creek crossings.
Bridal Veil Falls Junction: Continue up to the junction and decide whether to visit the falls first or head straight to Lake Serene.
Ascent: Navigate through the boulder field and climb numerous staircases.
Arrival at Lake Serene: Enjoy the lake views, have a snack at Lunch Rock, and use the vaulted toilet if needed.
Optional Bridal Veil Falls: On the way back, visit Bridal Veil Falls if not done earlier.
Return: Head back to the trailhead, ensuring you pack out all trash and follow leave no trace principles.

Location

Lake Serene Trail #1068, Gold Bar, WA 98251

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Packing List

Backpack with the 10 essentials (navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid supplies, fire, repair kit and tools, nutrition, hydration, emergency shelter)
Water and water filter
Insulated water bottle or water bladder
Hiking shoes or boots
Bug spray
Hiking poles
Mosquito net
Extra layers of clothing
Camera

4.9 ● Google reviews

Beyond beautiful and definitely worth the hike up! Be prepared as this is roughly a 3,500ft elevation gain according to the trails map clocking us today. It took us roughly 2 hours and 45 min to get to Lake Serene with a few stops to take a breather and rest. This climb is tougher than some reviews lead on. Hiking shoes are a must. There are lots of rock boulders and wood stairs on this climb. The hike past Bridal Veil Falls to Lake Serene is truly the hard part of the journey, but it’s beyond worth it once you make it. Definitely pack water and snacks as you will get thirsty and need the energy to head back. It only took us 1 hour 45 min to get down so overall a total of roughly 4.5 hours round trip not including time spent at Lake Serene. I wouldn’t suggest starting this hike past 2pm as it will get darker in the forest quicker and you do not want to be making the hike down those rock boulders in the dark. Have fun, be safe and remember what you pack in, make sure to pack out!

The lake is absolutely beautiful and Lunch Rock is a great place to rest before heading back down. The hike is pretty challenging and rocky so make sure to watch your step and bring shoes with good ankle support.

Beautiful lake! Trail is steep with lots of boulders and wood stairs.

Started our day at 9AM and we were actually the first car in the parking lot. Right from the first half mile there was a good bit of ice to deal with. Started out the day with just my poles but made the decision to put those on the way down from Bridal Veil Falls. Would highly recommend putting your spikes on before you start going up to Bridal Veil, it was very slick and there was a good chunk of snow. The hike up to Lake Serene was pretty straight forward and the spikes did there job the whole time. Once you get to the last half mile there is A LOT of snow right now and seems like it could potentially be dangerous here in the near future. Spent about 15 minutes at the lake and had it all to myself. Only saw 6 others on the trail today. Round trip 8.8 miles and 2,808 feet elevation gain.

Great hike after going to Bridal Veil Falls, the way up is iknd of demanding but not so much if you are prepared physically. The trail is narrow and would recommend to arrive very early if you want to avoid crowds and traffic in the parking lot.

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