So on today's episode of "Get a quick hike in before the next weekend storm hits" I decided to tackle Bridal Veil Falls again, having been defeated by heavy storm runoff four weeks ago. I got there around 9:30 AM, and this time the stream crossings were a piece of cake, although the trail was still pretty wet in places. Overall it wasn't bad though. There are a couple of fresh blowdowns across the trail but they are easily stepped over. The wood stairs and rocks heading up to the falls are very slimy and slippery, so watch your step.
I would say the amount of water going over the falls was about ideal, with enough to make them photogenic but not so much that you can't even stand there without getting drenched. As usual I checked out the upper falls first, then the lower falls alongside the trail as it continues to Lake Serene, then finally the REAL lower falls (and most impressive of the bunch) just beyond the wooden bridge. A part of me wishes that a work party would thin the trees between the bridge and the falls to allow a better view, but with nature being nature it's probably best left as-is.
Foot traffic was pretty modest, at least by this trail's standards. There were about a dozen cars when I arrived and twice that many when I left, and I passed others on the trail at roughly ten minute intervals. A few were headed up to Lake Serene, and if they were lucky they made it back down before the rain started. As usual I was able to just miss it, with it finally starting to come down after I was already back on Highway 2.
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