Lake Serene - Bridal Veil Falls

First real day hike of the season. We decided on Lake Serene - Bridal Veil Falls. The forecast for Sunday looked amazing and we set it up. Got out a little later then we wanted from Graham, WA but made it to the trailhead at 11:30, by that time it was virtually completely full.

We had lunch packed in the camelbak, a hearty breakfast already consumed, our goal was a later lunch up at the lake. First stop was Bridal Veil falls. The abundance of sunshine wasn't enough to clear the trail of mud yet, and with the Pacific NW rainshowers, I'm sure those will stick around for a bit. Looks like a large blowdown and washout had taken down part of the trail before the cutoff to Lake Serene/Bridal Veil Falls. There is a makeshift ladder down across, mud is slick so be careful getting to it.

The short but steep trail to the falls provided great landscape views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Definitely affirmed our decision to do this hike today, and gave a brief respite to our already sore legs. The falls were in full force, a nice mist cooling us off from our hike. We explored a little and headed back down the trail.

A few nice falls on the way to Lake Serene, lots of water coming off the mountain, very pretty. LOTS of people on the trail, some prepared for the conditions, most not. To be expected with the weather and relatively short distance from locales such as Seattle and Bellevue.

I had read a few trip reports heading out, and was relatively sure that we didn't need traction devices. I was correct, although if you have yak trax or trekking poles, they certainly wouldn't have hurt. We made it to the lake about 2:45, so the late afternoon sun had softened the snow. Post holed once or twice, but for the most part the trail itself was hard pack, but slick. Lots of hikers and single track made passing difficult, and the lack of trail etiquette from those not your "all the time" hikers also was frustrating.

Lake Serene was gorgeous, just a small slice of the lake free of snow. Avalanches were abundant during our 45 minute stay for lunch (Tortilla wrap with coleslaw, sprouts, hummus and tuna for those wondering. ;) The snow falling from the mountainside sounded like thunder and was a great respite from noise created from some of the people there at the time.

As previously mentioned, the trail up was very steep, but it seemed like our soreness dissolved as soon as we made it to the lake. To be surrounded by all that snow, and the mountains and still be able to bask in the sun was amazing. I just wore my dri-fit shirt and hiking shorts and was comfortable the entire time.

The way down was relatively quick, and coming back you could see more of the falls. The falls near the bottom of the trail, before you get to the wooden bridge was a great stopping point to rest joints from the jarring trip back down the mountain.

All in all, a great way to spend Sunday. And definitely a trail recommended.