Parked at the lower lot, ate lunch before the hike.
First, as always, took the spur trail to Bridal Veil Falls.
After a few days of rain, the waterfall is full of force. A true delight.
Need rain jacket here.
Back to the main trail, continued towards the lake.
The high water (multiple creek crossings) and this fallen tree made the otherwise easy trail more interesting.
Only 8 miles, 2000'. Many wooden stairs to ease the ups and downs.
No snow all the way until almost reaching the lake basin.
Saw a short rainbow across the Hwy-2.
Lake Serene is now thawed on the edges: the prettiest time IMHO.
All around is still snow covered.
Mist shrouded Mt. Index, making the peaks more menacing.
A short trail over a bridge to a small overlook. Some used microspikes. We brought them, but didn't use.
2 boys camping here.
A light hail started as we turned around. Then, rain. But in 15-20 minutes down the trail, we were out of the rain. Near the bridge crossing the creek, took a short detour via a beaten but unmarked track to the other side of Bridal Veil Falls. The last ~1 mile of the trail is a flat logging road, bordering salmonberry bushes now already in red flowers. Some skunk cabbages in flower, not stinking. Some yellow violets. Near dusk, a lot of birds singing. Robins on trail.
Driving back through Gold Bar ~7:30pm had no traffic! A perfect day.
