Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls

We will be hiking to the stunning blue alpine Lake Serene near Index, WA and you may also hike directly up to - and nearly under! - the spectacular Bridal Veil Falls. The falls are also visible along the trail to the lake. At the lake enjoy your lunch on the majestic "Lunch Rock" surrounded by high ridges and the winter snowfall.

This is a moderate / hard hike. The roundtrip distance to Lake Serene is about 8.2 miles, with 2000 ft. elevation gain. Bridal Veil Falls adds another 1/2 mile and 700 ft. gain. We'll be making friends, staying fit, and having fun!

We will first meet at the Wilburton P&R. Carpooling is encouraged but if you don't you are welcome to meet us at the parking lot here:

Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls Trailhead (coordinates: 47.80918, -121.57371).

Hike Info
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Length: 8.2 miles, roundtrip, out and back (8.7 miles with falls)
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet (2700 ft. with falls)
Highest Elevation: 2526 ft.
Location: East of Monroe, near Index WA. Road is all highway.

Conditions
No snow on trail, but muddy and wet in spots. Bring poles and weatherproof shoes. There is still ice on the lake and snow surrounding it according to last reports.

Parking Permit
For parking, a Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) is required. A NW Forest day pass is $5 - see:
https://www.wta.org/go-outside/passes

Attendance
We try to keep our group size to around 10 - 20 (more or less) as a courtesy to other hikers on the trail, and to reduce crowds and cars in the parking lot. The Going list may have a larger number to accommodate no-shows.

Folks on the Wait list may not attend until they are moved to the Going list. When folks drop from the Going list, people are added from the Wait list.

Carpooling
We will limit total attendees while drivers are selected from the Wait list. Drivers will be placed first as Going, and then we will fill with passengers as space allows, so everyone who comes to the P&R has a ride to the trail.

Riders MUST reimburse drivers for gas. Reimburse a minimum of $40 if one rider, $20 for two riders, $15 for three riders. Cash is preferred, or Venmo or Zelle.

What to Bring
Athletic clothing & rain gear
Hiking shoes/boots
Water, snacks & Lunch
Sun protection
Bug spray
Ten hiking essentials

Schedule
7:10 am: Meet at the Wilburton P&R (OK to bring morning coffee and breakfast).
7:20 am: Drive to hike parking lot
~ 8:20 am: Arrive at Trailhead
~ 5-6 hours of hiking with stops for food, photos
~ 3:00 pm: Back at trailhead
-> Stop for food / coffee on way back (optional)
~ 4:30 pm: Arrive back at Wilburton P&R (later if stopping)

Links
Alltrails
WTA

Attendees: Be sure to update your status if things change so others can attend.

Disclaimer: When you RSVP and attend this hike you are accepting that you are fully aware that you are responsible for your own safety. Always be aware of your own physical abilities and go on this hike prepared.