Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls
Gold Bar, Washington
Details
Distance
7.74 miles
Elevation Gain
2569 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Scott Kranz
Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls is a fantastic hike to see a hidden lake in between two peaks.
Consider this a must-do if you are in Seattle and feel like knocking out two amazing hikes AND getting to see a hidden lake all along US 2.
The trail starts out on an old road with the typical amazing forest surrounding you. After roughly 2 miles the road will end and you can go right (signage is easy to see) to Bridal Veil Falls or you can keep going and go straight to Lake Serene. This is where I would suggest going up to Bridal Veil since it's only an extra mile and totally worth it. Plus there's nothing like swimming under a waterfall.
For Bridal Veil, it's a staircase to the top (1/2 mile up, 1/2 mile back) and if the falls are flowing, you can hear them all the way up. There will also be water on the trail itself, so make sure you have good hiking shoes (possibly waterproofed) with a good tread. As with any falls, the rocks around it are slick, so be careful and if you are brave, don't hesitate to jump on in. There's nothing like a cold waterfall beating down on you to make you feel alive.
Once back on the main trail you'll cross over a bridge, good place for a photo, and then start to climb. It will be a combo of stone steps, rocks and trail, but just be prepared to push (gaining 1300' in 1.5 miles). Along the way you will see a bunch of peaks in the Wild Sky Wildnerness.
At the top you will see the stunning Lake Serene and all its glory. There is a 3000 vertical foot wall that sits behind the lake, so venture around a little bit before stopping to each your snacks/ lunch. If you're up for it, don't hesitate to jump in! Go back down the same way you came and take it slow, you've done all the hard work already.
This hike will be WAY less crowded in the winter, but be very prepared with your gear if you do. Snowshoes, snow gear, micro-spikes, etc. are all very good investments if you wanting to go up during this time.
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Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls Reviews
Did this with two of my friends today while the weather in the Pacific NW is still cooperative! Got to the trailhead around 11:30am with a mostly full parking lot. Chugged pretty quickly up to the top and were back to our car by ~3:30pm. The path can get mucky and wet at certain spots, so watch your footing so as to not slip. Lots of rocks, lots of huge steps. Your glutes will thank you/make you cry by the end. Great for the views, the peacefulness, and the enjoyment of nature!
5.0
Doing this is more of an all-day than half day adventure especially if you check out the falls and then the lake. It's a pretty strenuous hike but the views and appropriately named lake at the top are well-worth it.
5.0
Leave No Trace
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