To Bridal veil falls: mostly snow free except for a few snow patches. You can do without spikes. The waterfall was gorgeous at this time. 
To the lake: a few intermittent snow until 2400ft(about 0.4 mile to the lake), after that you will see lots of snow on trail, better bring microspikes, hiking poles and even gaiters because the snow was more than 1ft deep around the lake. I did not go to the lunch rock as I had to break trail to reach there. The lake was frozen now. I just walked over the bridge a bit and turned around. There’s a nice resting spot at the lake. 

I decided to try and sneak in at least one more hike before the end of the year, and before the monsoons rolled through again. I reached the trailhead at 9:30am and counted about 10 other cars, plus a couple more arriving behind me. The bathrooms were locked, so be advised. The hike up was pretty straightforward, with a trail that was damp but not too muddy. The couple of stream crossings weren't too difficult despite the extra flow, but poles were a big help while rock-hopping. There are a few other small water crossings, but as long as you're wearing waterproof boots or watch where you step you won't get your feet wet. I did bring my set of gaiters but they weren't necessary. There are also a few small blowdowns here and there, but they are easily to dodge or hop over.

I had the trail mostly to myself all the way until I reached the upper falls, where I met a couple of small groups. The falls is flowing quite well and getting close to it meant getting drenched in spray. I backed off a bit, took some pictures then headed back down to check out the lower falls, which was equally impressive. The last falls before where the trail starts to climb up to Lake Serene was also flowing, but not as much.

On the way back down it started to rain, and I only encountered a couple of people heading up. I made it back to my vehicle just in time as by then the rain was coming down pretty hard. My total hike time including hanging around the various waterfalls was just under 2 1/2 hours.

P.S. Happy Birthday Cindy!!! ♥♥♥

I arrived at the parking lot around 11:45 AM - later than expected as my hiking buddy called out sick. There were about 6 other cars in the lot, plenty of parking.

GPS may lead one astray in finding the lot. If you follow google maps to Bridal Veil Falls, you could end up in a private community and have to turn back around. Instead, turn right at the yellow Smokey the Bear sign that says "drown campfires". Next to that you'll see a tiny brown sign that says Lake Serene.

I reached the falls in an hour flat. After a quick granola bar / photo break, I got back down to the Lake Serene junction at 1:00 PM and then hiked up towards the lake until 2:30 PM.

The trail was in good condition overall, with a few patches of ice and a light dusting of snow here and there. The only two exceptions to this were:

-The first stream crossing required a bit of gymnastics. Use caution approaching the log-bridge on the left side. There were some deep holes eroding through the soil - watch your footing. Waterproof boots and gloves for gripping rocks were both helpful tools on this hike. A few other hikers on trail brought poles.

-About a quarter mile from the top of the falls trail, there is a section that is icy and very close to a sheer cliff, move slowly and bring microspikes if you have them.

The stair construction on this trail was quite impressive. A few sections looked new.

After making it 3/4 of the way up the Lake Serene trail, I talked to some fellow hikers coming down about the forthcoming conditions. They explained the top was very icy.

With about an hour of good sunlight left, I decided to play it safe and turn back. Taking a leisurely pace down I got to my car at 3:30 PM. Overall a beautiful, aerobic, and restorative hike!

If you hike the Falls trail, I think it is still worth heading about a 1/4 mi up the Serene trail until you reach the foot bridge. At the far end, there is a scenic plunge pool that is beginning to freeze over and is quite beautiful. The water was crystal clear and had a deliciously fresh scent that would galvanize a soap manufacturer.

After your hike, I highly recommend the Bush House Inn in Index for pastries / burgers / accommodations, a 5 minute drive from the trailhead.

Hiked early this morning, stellar hiking with very rewarding goal at the falls!  Intermittent freezing conditions.  If you go early, be especially careful on the wooden bridge near the beginning of the trail, and the SECOND creek crossing was very icy and dangerous.  Less frozen/slippery ground the higher I went!  Beautiful winter conditions!

Hike up to the falls was an adventure. We counted 24 stream crossings on the way up. Wear waterproof boots and take your time.