Who Can Attend

Open Event/Members & Guests – Open to all members of The Koa Club and their guests for free

Presented By

Morgan Boyle, experienced hike trip leader

Description

If you live in Washington State, come for an exhilarating guided summer hike to Lake Serene with a bonus stop at Bridal Veil Falls, led by an experienced hike trip leader, to explore two amazing gorgeous sights in one hike. We will first arrive at Bridal Veil Falls half-way through the hike to Lake Serene to gawk in amazement at the powerful falls coming down a 100 foot rock face.

Then we continue our hike up some relatively steep grade to Lake Serene (over stairs and a series of 23 switchbacks, the final 1.5-miles of the hike gains 1300 feet to the rim of the lake basin). For those not wishing to punish themselves with the elevation gain to reach Lake Serene after Bridal Veil Falls, they can choose to turn around to return to the trailhead after the Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington Trails Association describes the Bridal Veil Falls: “A beautiful waterfall flows out of Lake Serene and cascades below the rugged east wall of Mount Index at the end of a trail on the west side of Bridal Veil Creek. Take time to see and enjoy a stunning view of Bridal Veil Falls and climb flights of steps paralleling the falls… Feel the wet spray and awesome power of the waterfall as you look up a 100-foot rock face and see broad streams of water pouring over it like a veil. Watch it disappear below wide views of the Index Wall and North Fork Skykomish valley.”

Washington AllTrails describes Lake Serene: “Lake Serene is an alpine lake nestled in the Cascade mountains of Washington State…Once you reach the lake, you will be rewarded by the stunning blue lake surrounded by high ridges and remnants of the previous winter snowfall. Find a spot along this gorgeous lake to eat lunch and take a rest.”

For this trip, let’s meet at 8amPT at the parking lot for the Lake Serene Trail 1068  (we will have a Koa Club sign with us in front of our vehicle so you can find us), where we will then all head together to the trailhead. We want to start early because this is an extremely popular hike and the parking lot may be full if we start later, plus we would likely be glad we are heading down before it gets too hot in the early afternoon.

For more details about the hike and how to get to the parking lot: Bridal Veil Falls — Washington Trails Association (wta.org) and Lake Serene — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

Hike Date: Saturday, July 31, 2021, 8amPT

Trip Distance: 8.2 miles roundtrip to Lake Serene (Bridal Falls is 4 miles roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet to Lake Serene (Bridal Falls is 1,000ft up)

Bring hiking poles,  snacks, plenty of water and weather-appropriate clothing.  Also you will need a Northwest Forest Pass to park in the lot.  You can buy your pass at: Region 6 – Recreation Passes & Permits (usda.gov), at any REI store or park ranger station. 

Please be sure to arrive on time.

For precaution against COVID-19, we are limiting this hiking trip to no more than 20 people total. Please be aware that given the latest CDC guidance, we will defer to each fully vaccinated participant in deciding if they want to wear a mask during the hike. For those who are not yet fully vaccinated, please bring a mask to wear for your own protection.  

About the Trip Leader

Morgan Boyle has been interested in the outdoors since he was a child.  During his childhood he spent a lot of time solo hiking around the trails close to his house, oftentimes trying to get lost so he could find a route back to the trail head.  For the past five years Morgan has been a member of The Mountaineers allowing him to get back to hiking and learning new snow skills.  He has been involved with The Mountaineers snowshoe program as an instructor teaching Basic and Back Country skills; and he enjoys sharing how different the trails look with seasonal changes with all skills levels.

Disclaimer

The Koa Club strongly recommends that you consult with your physician before beginning any physical activities. You should be in good physical condition and be able to participate in the activity. You should understand that when participating in any physical activity, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this activity, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in this activity, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge The Koa Club from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown.