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Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls

Gold Bar, Washington

4.8/5
based on 25 reviews

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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Features

Photography
Hiking
Lake
Scenic
Waterfall

Reviews

Stunning views and quite woods surround this trail, but don't be deceived. This is a steep hike, and I firmly recommend boots with well fitting ankle support. The Bridal Veil Falls can be reached via the main trail, and once you have ascended the ladder-walkways, it's a fantastic opportunity to rest and relax. Ascending to Lake Serene requires you to backtrack down the trail, and to then hike back into the mountain pass. Round trip, the hike was 5hrs. 🏔

Fairly hard hike but the reward at the top is worth the effort.

After work on a Thursday, I just did a spontaneous hike. Got at the parking lot around 05:30. Check out the video on my Instagram: pduero Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10213550047406235&id=1253767396&substory_index=0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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