Lake Serene

Lake Serene sits in a granite basin directly beneath the north face of Mount Index, one of the most imposing cliff faces in the Cascades. The lake reflects nearly 900 meters of vertical rock wall. At 13.2 km round trip with 610 meters of gain, it packs serious visual impact into a moderate-length day hike accessible from Highway 2.

The trail follows an old road through salmonberry thickets and mixed forest for the first few kilometers. At 2.7 km, a signed spur breaks right toward Bridal Veil Falls. That half-kilometer detour climbs steeply on stairs to multiple viewpoints of the falls cascading down rock slabs. The lower viewpoint gives the best full perspective; stairs lead up for a closer look. Use caution near the water, especially with children.

Past the falls junction, the main trail crosses the creek and begins climbing in earnest. The final 2.4 km gain roughly 400 meters via wooden stairs, rock steps, and root ladders through dense forest that opens at the lake basin. The staircase sections are well-built but relentless. The payoff arrives abruptly as the forest drops away and the full cliff face of Mount Index fills the sky above the lake.

Dogs on leash are welcome. No permit beyond a Northwest Forest Pass. The trailhead on Mount Index Road sits just off Highway 2, making this one of the most accessible alpine lake hikes on the Highway 2 corridor. Expect company on weekends year-round.