Trip Report: Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene

No matter how you play it, this route is guaranteed to deliver a PNW-flavored natural wonder.

Your adventure begins with a trailhead just off of State Route 2.

-Be sure that you don’t leave valuables in your car as break-ins do sometimes happen.

-Also note that the trail head can be quite busy, so you may want to consider hitting the trail on “off times”, like a weekday morning or later in the evening (provided you’ve budgeted sufficient daylight and/or are cool with hiking with a headlamp).

-Be sure to check a reputable trip report before heading out (the Washington Trails Association website is your best bet). Conditions in the mountains can change quickly and don’t necessarily correspond to the weather predictions of a given day.

The Lake Serene/Bridal Veil Falls trail first winds through lush forests along an old logging road. You’ll hop over small rivulets and streams as you continue ascend through brushy stands of salmonberry. The crisp scent of evergreens fills the air.

The trail is well-maintained, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts of any experience level – though the route may be challenging for small children.

The trail splits once you get about a mile and half into the woods. One fork goes south to Bridal Veil Falls; the other, more strenuous path leads east to a turquoise-green Lake Serene.

Which route to take? As Fleetwood Mac famously said, you can go your own way, but consider: the lake route is definitely for more experienced climbers – your calves as you ascend the Lake Serene trail.

Bridal Veil Falls

After a moderate vertical trek up a series of switchbacks and log “staircases”, you will suddenly step into the misty Lord of the Rings realm of Bridal Veil Falls. Enjoy a gauzy cascading waterfall that descends gracefully from a sheer rock cliff into whirling pools of foam and clouds of mist.

The falls, aptly named for their ethereal appearance, create a mesmerizing spectacle. The pristine water, glistening in the sunlight, adds a touch of magic to a panoramic view of the Skykomish River Valley and the foothills of the Cascades.

To be sure, Bridal Veil Falls is worth a day trip unto itself. But if you want to do the two-for-one day hike, then you’ll want to double back and also take the path to Lake Serene.

Lake Serene

Beyond Bridal Veil Falls lies the jewel of the adventure – Lake Serene. If you choose to go this route, make sure that you’re in good shape and have packed sufficient calories and water. The path to Lake Serene is a series of rocky steps – a rather strenuous vertical climb interspersed by springs and waterfalls that splash across the trail.

-Good traction is a must.

-Decent hiking poles are highly recommended for stability.

-Be sure to have YAK Tracks or some form of additional traction in the event of snow and ice.

The blue-green lake is a tranquil expanse surrounded by evergreen trees, scree, and the towering, rocky heights of Mount Index. It’s a natural amphitheater that evokes wonder and, yes, serenity.

The calm waters invite you to pause, allowing for a moment of quiet reflection amidst the grandeur of nature. Take a break on the “lunch rock.” You’ll know it when you see it because folks camp there to take in stunning views over a mid-hike sandwich and a thermos of coffee.

For those with a sense of adventure, a challenging side trail leads to the stunning Bridal Veil Overlook. From this vantage point, hikers are rewarded with a panoramic view of the falls and the pristine lake below. It's an ideal spot for capturing the beauty of the landscape or simply relishing the accomplishment of the ascent. Be careful to not venture too close to the ledge for super obvious reasons.

Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene offer a delightful escape into the natural wonders of Washington State. Accessible and challenging by turns, these outdoor havens provide an opportunity for both adventure and tranquility.


Whether marveling at the cascading falls or finding solace by a tranquil mountain lake, this destination is a testament to the many-splendored beauty of Snohomish County.

Be sure to support the businesses of the Sky Valley.

Find more great day hikes in our official Hiking Guide.