Arrived at trailhead in light rain around 915am. Only one other vehicle in the lot. Sad to see the privy "locked for the season" at the trailhead, with lots of garbage and feces.

Our initial intent was to hike only to the Falls so we left lunch in the car and only took 2 oranges and a water bottle. Later, we contemplated going all the way to Lake Serene, but 2 oranges alone would make for very short rations.

It was just as well because this was the first serious hike on difficult terrain for me (65 y.o.) since my total knee replacement in January.  We ended up hiking about a half mile past the falls, climbing over the gigantic cedar tree carnage blocking the trail. This  was a bit tricky with the wet conditions making the tree trunk very slippery.

Before we even saw the pile of debris, the air was suddenly full of the aroma of cedar. The smell of forest death was never so sweet. I had remembered there were some giant cedars next to some switch backs just as the trail got steeper and wanted to say hello to my old friends again. This made a good turn around spot.

On our way back, we climbed up the .5 mile side trail to the middle of the Bridal Veil Falls. Cold air rushing down from the lake and the snowy peaks above! Saw about a dozen parties total - perhaps 30 people?

Trail is in good condition for the most part, just very wet and muddy. There is a giant cedar that fell across the trail just past the turnoff to Bridal Veil, it takes a little climbing to get over but definitely doable the tree is very sturdy. No snow all the way up to the lake and didn’t need spikes. Poles maybe for some of the water crossings could be helpful. I got lucky and didn’t get rained on up to the lake but got soaked on the way down. Still a beautiful hike, the lake is partially frozen and the mountains were so pretty.

WET. But once you commit to the wet foot life (8" deep in one spot), the hike to the falls isn't difficult. I brought neoprene socks in case it was cold but most of the water was actually not that cold.

Don't plan to view the falls for very long without significant water protection. The mist is something else.

The hike to the lake is blocked by a large obliterated tree that apparently fell from a higher cliff, just after the very wet crossing under the low falls. I did not see a path through it developing and didn't try it.

We arrived at the trailhead at 9:30am and there were only two other cars in the lot. The bathrooms are closed for the season and there is no trash service, so PLEASE PACK IT OUT. There was a massive pile of dog poop bags dumped at the trailhead which is very unfortunate, and lots of litter in the parking lot.

The day was beautiful and crisp, a couple trees are down across the trail but they were easy to get over. The morning frost made many rocks and roots slippery, so be extra careful and test your weight on something before committing to it. Bridal Veil Falls were stunning, lots of water flowing. 

There are multiple stream crossings, at times I would’ve enjoyed having poles but they were crossable without. As we got further up, on the last leg of the last switchback (last half mile or less?), there was snow on the trail and quite a bit of ice. I used microspikes and was glad I brought them. My partner’s shoes alone struggled to keep traction and he slipped a couple times. The snow is not deep, so gaiters weren’t necessary, but I’d recommend Yak Traks or microspikes. 

The lake is currently completely frozen over, rocks didn’t penetrate the ice. We didn’t venture all the way to Lunch Rock because the little foot bridge seemed sketchy (covered in snow), so we enjoyed our lunch on the beach right as you arrive at the lake. There were a few big boom sounds and rocks/snow falling on the opposite side from the cliffs, so I would advise not walking over to that side, due to potential avalanche danger. I was pleased to see no litter at the lake, I guess at this point in the season only the real go-getters come up here and they respect nature, as I wish all would!

Climbing back down was just as slick, but a lot faster! This is my second time doing this hike (my partner’s first) and it was even more stunning this time of year. I loved not having the summer crowds. We arrived back at the car around 2:15pm.

The trail was still in good shape today, minimal ice and small amount of packed snow just before the lake, otherwise clear. I didn't use traction, although I saw some with spikes.

Lake was lightly iced over, only a little water showing on the far end.