The Poodles and I went as far as the lower Falls. Didn't make it all the way to the lake due to time constraints. It was nice and cool and no bugs! I love autumn hiking. Trail is muddy and a little ways in (about 1/2 mile if that) there is a large hole in middle of trail. Someone marked it with a large birch branch. There is quite a bit of water running off the trail as well however everything is easily hopped over.

All week long the forecast had been for rain today, but as I somewhat reluctantly headed toward the mountains, it became partly sunny; and stayed that way all day! Only the very summit of Mount Index was in and out of the clouds. Lots of water on the trail from this mostly wet September. A little muddy in places. All the creek crossings made me glad my boots are waterproof, but no crossings were all that difficult. Bridal Veil Falls has an incredibe volume of water for this time of year. Only saw five people on the trail today. Had both Lake Serene and the Falls to myself for the most part. Lake Serene was beyond serene today; bordering on surreal: Not a ripple! What an amazing color! A natural snow canopy had formed above the far shore: It almost looked as if it had been constructed. Started at 9:30am. Back to the car at 2:20. Nice place to spend a day off!

This report is to lavish praise on the magnificent builders who have changed the Lake Serene trail from a hair raising, dangerous epic into a friendly, safe treat. Last time I headed up to the lake we were pulling ourselves over roots, challenging cliffs, and slopping our way through muck. Yesterday I bounced up the lovely walkways and stairs to find a delightful park like rest area at the lake. Great Job!

The trail is in good shape! Last winter's washout has been nicely circumvented. Thank you to the volunteers who helped to restore this popular trail. The weather was cool and the insects that have vexed me in the past were not present. I took a friend who has never been to Lk Serene and made a new fan of the hike. There is a little bit of mudd and that will progress with the season. Also be very careful of slick wood and loose rocks!

Headed up early on Thursday , second car in the lot around 9:30. A little more steep than I anticipated but we made it to the lake around 11:30 and joined a party on Lunch Rock. Shortly after our arrival, we had a group of three, who not only dove in but swam across the lake over to the diving rock and performed several dives from about 25' up. Yikes! The water was cold enough for me just to take a quick dip. Hats off to that crew. Overall a good day for a hike up.