Bridal Veil Falls — Visit after heavy rains for a bridal shower!
Quick Facts:
Location: US 2 near Index,
Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Roundtrip: 4.4 miles
Elevation gain: 850 feet
Green Trails Maps: Green Trails, Alpine Lakes Stevens Pass 176S
Contact: Skykomish Ranger District: Mount Baker -Snoqualmie National Forest
Notes: NW Forest Pass or Interagency Pass required
Access: From Everett follow US 2 east for 34 miles to just before Skykomish River Bridge (near Milepost 34). Turn right onto Mount Index Road (FR 6020) proceeding 0.3 mile. Turn right on spur-road signed “Lake Serene Trail 1068,” reaching trailhead in 0.1 mile.
Good to Know: Exceptional waterfall, dog-friendly, snow-free winter hike
Viewed from US 2, this fanning cataract emanating from Lake Serene below the stark towers of Mount Index does indeed look like a bridal veil. Draped over granite slabs, tiered and tumbling for hundreds of feet, this popular Skykomish Valley landmark is an impressive sight. But to really appreciate this plummeting waterway, you need to lace up your boots and hike up to the veil. Hear it roar. Feel its refreshing mist against your face.
In late summer and autumn, the falls appear as silver slivers. But in the wet winter and spring months, Bridal Veil overflows with runoff. Bursting with energy it thunders down the steep slopes beneath it. Start your hike by following an old road lined with mossy maples and alders. Cross a series of minor tributaries, which after a heavy rainfall display some pretty cascades as well.
Gradually ascending, the trail works its way up a thickly forested slope. In 1.7 miles, come to a signed junction. The trail left continues on, heading to Lake Serene tucked in a deep basin beneath the Index spires. In most years, snow buries the lake basin from late fall to early summer. Avalanches tumble off of Mount Index depositing snow in the basin even during years of light snowfall.
Head right to Bridal Veil Falls. They can be heard in the distance, bellowing down its vertical course. The trail steepens utilizing a series of short switchbacks and stairways. They can be slippery when wet, so take your time and use caution. Cross several creeks and expect wet feet. Pause for a moment to take in views of the Skykomish Valley spread out below.
By now the falls’ roar is deafening. Don rain parka and set out on a drenched boardwalk to embrace the full force and beauty of the falls. Bridal veil? From this proximity it’s more like a bridal shower. Literally! The folks down below on US 2 don’t know what they’re missing!
For more detailed information on this hike and many more along US 2 from Everett to Wenatchee, consult my newly released Day Hiking Central Cascades 2nd edition guidebook.
