While hiking has alway been my go to adventure, I am finding it extra special these days. I am not traveling right now, and I really only like to bite off day trips. Going for full day hiking excursions has been a way for me to still feel like I am getting out in the world, while being able to come home at night and sleep next to my cat.
I tend to start spring with hikes I have done before, and then I will start sprinkling in new to me hikes as I go. My first new to me hike of the season was to Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene, a trail with a two for one. The trail starts at one spot, but eventually bifurcates into two separate trails.
One goes up steep stairs towards Lake Serene, while the other is not nearly as far, and takes you to a beautiful raging waterfall.
My pal Caitlin and I chose to do both trails (duh.) We started with Bridal Veil Falls because it was only two miles into the trail. This is a worthy stop, and even a worthy hike in and of itself if you are close to the area. The falls were spectacular, and we took our time soaking in the views.
I say this literally, as it’s nearly impossible not to get wet from the water hitting the nearby rocks.
The round trip hike to Bridal Veil Falls is 4 miles with around 1000′ of elevation gain making this a very mild trail for most people. We hiked to the falls, and then headed back towards the bifurcated path to continue on towards Lake Serene. Bridal Veil Falls is only half a mile from the split, and we were back on our journey in no time.
I’m glad we did the falls first, because once we started to head towards Lake Serene the trail started to get much more intense.
Admittedly I was on edge for the first half of this hike because there were so.many.slugs on this trail. Normally I can manage when I see them, but this path was narrow and there was one section I had to put my mid body close to one on a tree log. I panicked pretty badly, but Caitlin was patient with me. In case you weren’t aware, I have a phobia of slugs.
I know, it’s just as ridiculous as it sounds.
This phobia makes hiking in the PNW difficult at times, but I refuse to let it stop me. All that to say, when the trail starts off strong with a lot of big slugs all over the path my nervous system takes a long while to calm down. After we left the falls and began to climb the slug sightings lessened. Eventually we made it out of the forest, and I was rewarded for my incredibly bravery. LOL.
The trail from the falls to the opening of the trees has never ending stairs. I hate stairs on trails! I would rather walk up a steep incline than have to walk up stairs. Alas, it was worth it to get to the lake. Once we arrived we took our shoes and socks off, ate our snacks, and savored the view. Sadly it was slightly too cold to swim, but next time I go I will make sure I swim in Lake Serene.
Mostly because I won’t be going in early summer again, too many slugs. Will wait for the heat of August and then I can also swim.
We sat on what is referred to as “Lunch Rock” which is fitting for all the people there eating snacks. There was a group of teenage boys who showed up a bit after we did, and they all proceeded to pull out burgers they had picked up before coming on the hike. One of the boys said aloud to the others something along the lines of this was why he told them to bring a lunch.
We made our way back down to the car giving us a total of 8.8 miles with 2700′ of elevation gain between the two trails. We took 6 hours total, including all the sitting and savoring, making this a good full day hike (the drive to the trail is 2 hours from my house.) After the hike we had one thing on our minds: COFFEE.
We stopped at the infamous Espresso Chalet, which has become popular on social media for its amazing views. Rightfully so. I could take or leave the coffee though.
There are few things I enjoy more than a full day of adventure followed by either a coffee or a good meal. These are the moments that remind me I don’t have to go too far to fuel my desire for new experiences. Sometimes all it takes is a new trail in your home state to feel refreshed for the week.
Q: Does anyone else have a very bizarre, irrational phobia? The most common question I get when people discover I am afraid of slugs is: “what, are they going to catch you?”
Blissfulbritt 
39 thoughts on “Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene”
mariezhuikov
Gorgeous! It looks like Lake Serene lives up to its name. Hope you can swim there next time.
Brittany
Yes, the name is perfect! I like collecting alpine lakes to swim in, so a return visit will be a must.
Bruce Barone
Great post! Makes me want to get outside and go for a hike but we are having a heatwave here in Western Massachusetts.
Brittany
I don’t envy your heatwave, although we are having one in Washington too. Mid to high 80’s is very hot for us north westerners. 🤪
devonwiser
Oh I will definitely add this to my list to go hike!
Brittany
Yasss, it’s worth it!
Peg
I am afraid of spiders, which I think is quite common. They just creep me out. Your photos are absolutely stunning!
Brittany
I understand the fear of spiders. They can actually kill people. I’m glad I’m not afraid of them, it would be tough to see them in the house as often as I do come winter.
Nine Cent Girl
Oh my goodness– what a spectacular hike! I find, if the hike gets very steep, I feel like I am going to fall backwards… hard to get past that fear at times. But, all in all, it is worth it when you get into such beautiful country.
Brittany
I can see why you might feel like you’re falling backwards. I have that feeling, but falling forward when I’m going downhill something steep. I get really scared if the ground is loose gravel.
C.A. Post
I am afraid of getting a fishing hook caught in the back of my throat so I NEVER go fishing… that and it’s more boring than watching paint dry!😂🤣😂
Brittany
Whoa. That is a very specific fear. Did something happen for you to be afraid of this? I don’t anticipate it’s a very common thing to happen, but never say never!
C.A. Post
Jes teasin’.😉
Roy McCarthy
That is an unusual phobia – makes my fear of flying seem boring 🙂 Lovely pics though Britt.
Brittany
Somehow within the last three years I have developed a pretty intense anxiety towards flying. I last flew in 2023, and I don’t look forward to getting on a plane again. So I do understand your fear.
Diana
Stairs on trails are the worst. Worth it, though, for that lake! Also, I’m afraid of birds, so I’m definitely in no place to judge your fear of slugs.
Brittany
Oh gosh. I can’t imagine being afraid of birds. At least with slugs I can “kind of” avoid them. Birds are EVERYWHERE! That’s a tough one.
Tony Burgess
Those photos are stunning. Well done. Especially the mountains.
Brittany
Thank you! It’s easy to snap good photos when the backdrop is naturally this beautiful!
mjeanpike
Gorgeous pics. I saw the title, Bridal Veil Falls, and thought maybe you’d spent some time at Niagara Falls 🙂
Brittany
Ohhh I wish!! I’ve been once many years ago to the US side, but I would love to go back and see the Canadian side.
niall
You’ve got a great hiking partner there. I do like solo hiking but would like to have a pal that would encourage me to get out more often. Solo hiking requires a lot of self-motivation which I’m lacking this year! I’ve hiked a good bit with the Club group this year but that’s a very different dynamic altogether.
Brittany
I really do. Just yesterday we were planning an upcoming adventure (we also work together), and we paused for a second and she said: “I’m so glad we are friends.” And I couldn’t agree more. It’s hard finding people who are on the same page as far as how often I want to get out…which is to say it’s often. 😂
All that to say I do enjoy hiking alone, I just don’t feel as safe doing it anymore. Partly because of wildlife (lots of cougars in my area), and partly because of people (lots of weirdos in the world.) so I do envy you being able to go out solo! I agree however with a pal I get much more motivated.
pinay e-motion
Beautiful!
Brittany
I want to go back!
Grace @ Cultural Life
What a gorgeous hike! With a name like Bridal Veil falls, I wonder if it’s a popular wedding spot (if marriages are permitted outdoors anywhere in the PNW – unsure of the laws on that one).
I’m all about the coffee and snacks when I hike. That’s one of my favourite things about hiking in Greece – so many villages have their own little bakeries or kafeneion (coffee houses). Time outdoors and good food equals happiness!
Rosie
Gorgeous views. Definitely worth bringing snacks to enjoy at Lunch Rock! I can relate to your phobia of slugs – they really give me the ick, and I also struggle when there are large numbers of them on a trail.
Brittany
No way! I’ve never met anyone else who struggles. I know plenty of people who think they are gross (because they are), but they don’t necessarily struggle around them. I will literally freeze when there are too many as if I’m calculating my path through/around them. I hate it. 🤣
namitasunder
Gorgeous, sitting on that rock…. so peaceful and serene
Brittany
The perfect spot to stop and snack!
gpavants
Brittney,
Phobias? Maybe some tight spaces and running out of air. Other than that!? I have never met a evil or bad black cat. All sweet.
Thanks, Gary Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Amy
Phobias are so real! Regardless of the subject. I’m really proud of you for bravely continuing on and making it past the slugs — that takes a LOT of courage! Those views are stunning too. Such a picturesque lake!
PS There’s a very short hike (more of a walk) in Yosemite called the Bridalveil Fall Trail that my family has done many times… So I was momentarily confused about you going on a “day trip” to take this particular hike to Bridal Veil Falls. Who knew a single space could make a difference of 900 miles? 😜
Brittany
HA! Now I need to see this other Yosemite trail. (With you obviously.)
Amy
I’m SO game for that!!! ♡
Ilze
Hi Brittany,
I was away from blogging for a while, but now I’ve been back at it for almost a year—and I can’t believe I found your comment on one of my old posts! It made me smile and instantly reminded me of your blog. I remember you writing about Ireland—such lovely posts. So happy to see you’re still blogging!
Looking forward to catching up on your recent posts!
Ilze
Brittany
Aww how fun! Somehow it’s hard to stay away from blogging, even in today’s world of more common social media outlets. I’m glad you picked it back up. Thank you so much for the comment, I love reconnecting with people in blog land.
Ireland feels like a lifetime ago. Since then I have traveled all around Europe, but I stayed mostly west (I lived in Germany for two years.) Sadly I didn’t make it to Latvia, but some of my friends did and it’s absolutely on my list. 😍
Ilze
It really is hard to stay away, isn’t it? Something about blogging just feels more personal and lasting than the fast pace of social media. I’m so glad we reconnected too — it’s like finding an old friend in a cozy corner of the internet!
Wow, Germany for two years sounds amazing! Where are you now? If Latvia ever makes it from your list to your travel plans, let me know. And who knows, maybe even meet up for tea and a walk in the woods. ☕🌲 You’d be more than welcome here!
IDTravelogue
I really like your post. I love the views there and the way you enjoy them. I hope that someday I can visit there and enjoy these views myself.
Warm regards from Indonesia
Brittany
I hope you can too!