Great hike, took just under two hours and is great for new hikers.

Beautiful hike to Bridal Veil Falls (https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/bridal-veil-falls), with extra hike up to Lake Serene. Trail was filled with people (Easter Sunday) and was gorgeous and well-maintained, although there are lots of rocks!

On the trail to lake serene there is intermittent snow and ice starting about a mile from the lake. Be careful climbing over the rocks so you don't slip. The ice can be hard to spot. Otherwise, definitely can get over it (we were wearing normal hiking shoes,  no microspikes)

Lake is frozen over and covered in a sheet of snow. Absolutely stunning.

We arrived around 8:10 and the parking lot was only 1/4 full. The trail was snow free with peek a boo views of Mt Index. We had the falls to ourselves for about 10 minutes. On the way down it was a procession like I've never seen on a trail. At one point an endless stream of people heading up. Plenty of dogs too. Arrived back to the car around 11:30. The parking lot was full and people were circling, looking for parking. 

Busy day on the trail in a warm, sunny weather.

Getting There & Trailhead

Access road is a bit bumpy but never concerning. Large parking lot was full at 11 am, but people come and go all the time, so wait for the spot was very short. Restrooms are near overflowing.

Hike

This trail is very doable. First 1.5 mi are hardly breaking sweat. There’re a few stream crossings requiring easy rock hopping. Muddy spots here and there. Nice views of towering peaks through the trees and signature PNW mosses will make this stretch even easier.

Last 0.5 mi to the falls is steeper and rockier. Stair stretches get jammed easily on a crowded day, creating delays as large groups are waiting for even larger oncoming groups to pass. Closer to the top, there’s an opening in the forest with beautiful views of Index Town Wall.

The waterfall is running full, and so are crowds at the top. Don’t expect to have it to yourself on a nice weekend. On a sunny day, afternoon hike will definitely get you better light for pictures.

Timing

55 min to the top (including multiple delays throughout the last stretch)

20 min at the falls

45 min back

Got to the trailhead around 9:45 am on Good Friday, March 29. Bathrooms were still locked for the winter season. The climb up to Bridal Veil Falls was snow-free but included a few stream crossings. I decided to hike up to Lake Serene as well and encountered some deep snow on the trail. Unfortunately, the snow was a bit too treacherous to make it to the lunch rock, so I’ll have to return in the summer. Lake Serene was still covered in snow but absolutely gorgeous.