John Guilford's Hikes

Date: 2015-06-13

Location: Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls

People: (including myself): Pam

			  	Alt.	Miles
Trailhead:		11:50	600	0
Trail to Falls:		12:30	1200	1.7
Bridal Veil Falls:	12:45	1500	2.1
Back to Main Trail:	1:10	1200	2.6
Bridal Veil Creek:	1:15	1120	2.8
Lake Serene:		2:20	2521	4.8
Leave Lake Serene:	3:15	2521	5.2
Bridal Veil Creek:	4:30	1120	7.3
Trail to Falls:		4:35	1200	7.6
Trailhead:		5:10	600	9.3
Note: this mileage was based on GPS and is probably 
somewhat higher than it should be.

Much of the trail has stones set into the ground.  I'm sure this helps contain the mud in the wet season and gives firm ground to walk on, but it also made me want to watch my footing for most of the hike.  That was unfortunate as the forest the trail climbs through is quite beautiful.  Take the time to pause and look about so you don't miss it. 

To get to the trailhead, take US 2 to near milepost 35.  Just west of where US 2 crosses the South Fork Skykomish river you'll find the Mt. Index road on the south side of US 2.  The trailhead is on the right in less than a half mile. 

These days, the hikes (either to Bridal Veil Falls or to Lake Serene) are very popular, especially on the weekend.  We got there a bit before noon and wondered about parking.  I think we got there late enough that some of the earlier folks were leaving thus opening up parking spots.  There were a number of vehicles parked out on the Mt. Index road, but when we drove into the trailhead parking, we found a spot without undo difficulty. 

The trail is well marked and starts off along an old road.  The grade climbs consistently though the slope is relatively gentle.  About a mile and a half in, a side trail leads off to Bridal Veil Falls. 

From here, a half mile trail climbs to the Falls.  The entire 1328 foot falls consists of 4 discrete tiers, two of which are 250 and 350 feet high.  From the end of the trail, you can climb over rocks to near the base of one of these tiers.  There is a small pool there, and at times the falling water lands in the pool with a sound akin to surf on a beach. 

After checking out the falls and taking some photos, we retraced our path back down to the main trail.  The trail descends a bit before crossing Bridal Veil creek on a good sized bridge.  Shortly afterwards the more serious climbing starts.  In many places they've put in "stairs" that control erosion and makes the passage much easier.  It boggles my mind to think of the labor it took to construct this trail. 

After climbing 23 switchbacks in another hour, you arrive at Lake Serene.  The main trail runs along the right side of the lake after crossing the lake's outflow on a friendly log bridge.  That trails ends up at "Lunch Rock", a large flat rock that makes a good (and popular) destination for lunch.  When we were there, there was quite a crowd of mostly younger people.  More than a couple were brave enough to take a swim in the lake (which must have been just above freezing). 

After eating and resting for a while we got ready to head down.  Just across the log bridge (away from the main trail) is a short (one minute) side trail that leads to the top of the uppermost falls.  We found the hike back down to be not nearly as crowded as it had been on the way up.  Perhaps it was the time of day? It was nice to have it a bit quieter. 

The parking lot was much emptier when we got back down, though there were still people starting up the trail.  Perhaps they were only going to Bridal Veil Falls?

It had been a lovely June day, warm but not too hot, with sun and great views.  It is easy to see what this trail is so popular now. 

Bridal Veil Falls. 

Bridal Veil Falls from the other side of Bridal Veil creek. 

Bridal Veil Falls from near the pool at the base of the falls. 

Bridge over Bridal Veil creek. 

Pam approaching one of the myriad "stairs" on the trail. 

Lake Serene from Lunch Rock.  If you look carefully you can see a swimmer out in the middle of the lake. 

View down valley from upper trail. 

Log bridge at the outflow of Lake Serene.