Hike description: The high point on this trail is 1,450 feet, providing a longer window of accessibility than is found on trails with similar stunning features. Bridal Veil Creek drains Lake Serene down the side of Mount Index to the South Fork Skykomish River. On the way, the creek drapes itself over granite slabs, creating the “veiled” falls.
Starting on an old road, the trail takes you through the forest and at 1.7 miles you will be at the junction with the trail to the falls. Follow this trail to the right and in a half mile you will be at the falls.
If you are viewing the falls when the creek is running at high volume with snow melt, you will know you have arrived when you feel the falls’ spray. Enjoy the views of the falls as well as the views of the valley below you. The side creeks offer opportunities (wanted or otherwise) to get your feet wet.
Find a place to perch for your lunch while enjoying the falls before heading back down the trail, having soaked up (and perhaps been soaked by) these breathtaking falls.
One caveat: For those seeking solitude in their hiking experience, pick a midweek day in the fall. The Lake Serene trail is a popular hike. The parking lot is huge by mountain standards but on sunny, summer days cars will overflow down the access road.
Directions: From U.S. 2, about seven miles east of Goldbar, turn north on Mount Index Road (at about milepost 35, just west of the Skykomish River). Mount Index Road is a dirt road that you will take for 0.4 of a mile, turning right on the spur road signed “Lake Serene Trail 1068.” In about 500 feet you’ll be at the trailhead parking area.
Difficulty rating: 2 (1 is easiest, 5 is most difficult)
Miles round-trip: 4.4
Elevation: 850 feet
Best time of year: March-December
Map: Green Trails No. 142 Index
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Also: The 10 Essentials, including adequate food, water and clothing plus the extras, should always be in your pack for any wilderness travel adventure. Plan for the anticipated and the unexpected. Hiking poles are recommended for trips such as this one with water crossings, and with elevation gain for gentle-on-the-joints treatment both uphill and down. Vault toilet at the trailhead.
Info: Contact the ranger station for current trail and road conditions: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest Skykomish Ranger District, 360-677-2414, fs.fed.us/r6/mbs; “Day Hiking Central Cascades,” Mountaineers Books.
Hike of the Week is presented by The Mountaineers Tacoma Branch Hiking/Backpacking Committee.
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Check out our database of hikes throughout the region. Go to http://wwwb. thenewstribune.com/hikes/ to get ideas for your next trek.
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