BRIDAL VEIL FALLS

WESTERN WASHINGTON

Summary

I’m not much of a waterfall person. I found this one underwhelming, though I do believe I’m in the minority here. Water cascades over a rock face in widening ribbons, resembling a bride’s veil.

Trail Stats

Mileage: 4 miles RT

Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

Toilet at trailhead: Yes

Sandwich Spots: Kind Of

Parking: Designated Lot

Mileage/EG from WTA.com

Trail Details

Bridal Veil Falls is a fairly short hike near the small town of Index, WA. It’s often considered an offshoot to the popular Lake Serene, instead of a stand alone hike. The relatively short distance makes it kid friendly. Just make sure they don’t careen over the falls.

Access to the trailhead is a short skip and hop off HWY 2. The trailhead and parking lot are shared for both destinations. Meaning it can be difficult to find parking. Especially in the summer months. Arriving early is advised. Or late if you like sunset hiking. I prefer to return to my car in the daylight. My footing is bad enough when I can clearly see the trail, I don’t need to stumble around via headlamp in the dark.

The trail starts off on an old road with gradual incline through the forest. Depending on the season you’ll likely cross over miniature streams flowing across the path. Ahead, the trail splits. To the left is Lake Serene. But today we want Bridal Veil Falls so head right. The falls are roughly half a mile further.

The trail steepens. There are stairs to climb. I don’t prefer stairs on trails. Never seems to be the correct height to length ratio. I generally find them worse than a switchback. But they beat scrambling up a slick slope I suppose. And they offer excellent ongoing views of the falls as they ascend alongside the waterfall.

After those awkward stairs you’re at the falls, fed from nearby Lake Serene. From the top you can look out across the valley towards Heybrook Lookout. The beautiful Skykomish River winds through the valley floor below. You’ve wound up at the top of the falls. Which, I suppose is an interesting perspective. Water gliding seamlessly over rock, tumbling to the depths below.

In truth, I prefer looking up at a waterfall. It somehow seems more impressive. Heading back down the trail continue until you reach a bridge. I can’t remember where exactly it is. Maybe a few paces into the Lake Serene side? Regardless, this is one of the better eyeshots of Bridal Veil Falls.

When done viewing the splendor of cascading water, it’s back downhill to the parking lot. Or maybe continue on to Lake Serene? Or hit up the short and steep Heybrook Lookout? Or perhaps lunch in Index? Or, find a spot along the gushing Skykomish River for a picnic, there are plenty of pull outs available along HWY 2.