- 100 Classic Hikes of Washington
Comprehensive Trail Guide to Lake Serene (+Bridal Veil Falls)
Located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Lake Serene is a popular destination for day hiking in Washington. It is described as a “Jewel of the First Order” by Ira Spring and Harvey Manning in the famous trail guide “100 Classic Hikes of Washington.”
If you’re searching for a stunning, but challenging hike near Seattle complete with waterfalls, an alpine lake, and panoramic mountain views, Lake Serene is for you!
In this trail guide, I will share everything you need to know before hitting the trail, what to expect along the way, if Lake Serene should be a 100 Classic Hike, and other popular trails in the area. If that sounds good to you, let’s get into it!
Why this blog? Hi! My name is Sarah, and I have been hiking in Washington since 2018. In 2020, I started my journey to hike all 100 Classic Hikes of Washington. Lake Serene was one of the first trails I did in the book!
Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links, which means I could earn a small kickback on purchases made at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Hiking Guide: Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls Trail in Washington State
The Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls Trail is a two-in-one adventure! You can complete both trails for a longer adventure or your can complete one or the other.
Whatever you decide, it will be worth it for the views!
Know Before You Go
Let’s get some facts straight before you head out on this beautiful trail!
Here is everything you need to know before you get to the trail. Might I also suggest grabbing a coffee from the Espresso Chalet on your way to the trailhead?
General Information
Region: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie Forest
Distance: 8.0 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,200′ Gain
When to go: June – October (year-round with proper equipment)
Pass/Permit?: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs Allowed?: On Leash
Bathroom: Yes
Where is the trailhead located?
Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls Trail is located on the traditional lands of the Skykomish, Snohomish, and Coast Salish peoples, who have lived in and stewarded these lands since time immemorial. As visitors and outdoor enthusiasts, we recognize our responsibility to respect the land and its caretakers.
Getting to the Trail
If you’re coming to the hike from Seattle, take 1-5 North to Highway 2 East. Driving through the town of Gold Bar, turn right onto Mount Index Road. While a dirt road, the road is in good condition. The Lake Serene Trailhead is located next to a gravel parking lot and is well marked.
Arrive early on weekends since parking can fill up quickly.
When to hike lake serene?
Due to the high elevation of this trail, snow lasts on Lake Serene into the summer.
For optimal conditions, complete the trail from Late June through September.
In Spring, melting snow can be dangerous to hike across. Avalanches on Mount Index are common.
If you plan on hiking this trail in the off season, check NWAC for avalanche conditions and pack microspikes.
For the most up-to-date trail conditions, I like using the user-generated trail reports from Washington Trails Association.
Passes/Permits
Since the trail is located in the Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, you will need a Northwest Forest Pass.
Northwest Forest Passes have an annual fee of $30 and grant parking access to all national forests in Washington and Oregon.
If you do not have a Northwest Forest Pass, you can also use an America the Beautiful Pass. This is an annual pass for $80 with unlimited access to all National Parks and Forests in the United States.
Park staff have been issuing tickets to people for not having a park pass visible in their car at popular trailheads including this one.
Hiking Lake Serene
This 8.0 mile trail has been enjoyed by many and continues to be a popular hike year-round. In conjunction with Bridal Veil Falls, Lake Serene has some spectacular views throughout the hike.
Beginning at the trailhead the hike slowly meanders with little elevation change for the first 1.5 miles before the trail splits. This gives hikers an option to continue towards Bridal Veil Falls or Lake Serene. This is also where the stairs begin.
Check Out Another 100 Classic Hike: Steamboat Rock Hike
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls in only 0.5 miles from the split from the main trail with an additional 500’ gain in elevation. The falls cascade down a large slab of granite in a sheet of water. In total, it adds 1.0 mile to the hike, and it is the first taste of the elevation gain that is to come.
Not Sure What to Bring on Your Hike? Read This Next:
Lake Serene
Back on the main trail, hikers will climb hundreds of stairs to reach the final destination. Shortly after the split from Bridal Veil Falls, hikers will find themselves climbing over large boulders. This section of the trail is easily lost when crossing over the boulder field and it is easy for hikers to get their feet wet from slippery rocks.
Up the stairs you go until you reach a section of the final push with an elevation grade around 30%. Surprisingly, this elevation grade is a relief because after reaching this portion of the trail you only have 0.7 miles of hiking before reaching the lake.
The trail was once part of the property of the world’s largest private timberland owners, who agreed to sell the land for conservation if proper funding was provided. It cost a little more than $800,000. Unable to provide the full funding, falling short nearly $250,000, the land owners agreed to sell for the provided funds given the opportunity to harvest portions of the property prior to sale.
Upon reaching the lake, hikers are struck by the impressive crown of mountain peaks surrounding the lake. The grandeur of this view is beloved by many.
But then you need to walk back to your car. The trek down the trail is taken step after step, stair after stair. This trek can be devastating on the knees and tiresome on the feet. After passing the fork that splits between Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene, you know that it is an easy flat hike from that point forward. However, after gaining over 3,000ft of elevation and hiking 6.5 miles already, that flat 1.5 miles feels like 4.0.
Should Lake Serene be a 100 Classic Hike?
If you have made it this far, you might already know what I am going to say.
No, Lake Serene should not be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington. While the end of the trail is beautiful, the trail to the top is laborious. In the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, there are hundreds of alpine lakes. Many of which did not make the 100 Classic Hikes list.
I understand that Lake Serene-Bridal Veil Falls is loved but what I cannot understand is why the trail seems to be forgotten. There are numerous large trees fallen across the path, and stairs that are missing planks. A stream that hikers need to cross that can sometimes be overflowing with water and is in desperate need of a bridge.
With the lack of trail maintenance, I would almost argue that the trail is unsafe for some visitors.
If you want to check out the 100 Classic’s for yourself, you can buy the trail guide here!
What should replace Lake Serene as a 100 Classic Hike?
My favorite lake hike near Serene Lake has to be Lake 22. It is a little shorter of a trail and less of a challenge but the views are immaculate and hikers can take the trail around the lake during the summertime. Lake Serene does not have a trail around the lake.
Lake 22 is more popular than Lake Serene and is extremely well taken care of. Lake 22 even has its own waterfall that hikers can enjoy similar to Bridal Veil Falls.
Honorable Mentions to Replace Bridal Veil Falls:
There are so many trails to choose from and while Lake Serene-Bridal Veil is a good hike, it needs some TLC. I also do not believe that it is better than Lake 22.
What to do post Lake Serene:
Stop by the Espresso Chalet! If you are frequently in the area, you’re likely familiar with the Espresso Chalet, a delicious coffee shop off of Highway 2 with a large Sasquatch carving. This espresso chalet has some of the best views I’ve ever seen for a coffee shop.
This quaint coffee shop has friendly staff and with each cup of coffee, they give you a chocolate covered espresso bean! It is a necessary pick-me-up after a long hike.
Save for Later:
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
