This weekend, I hiked the Lake Serene trail for a second time. I did this hike around the same time last year and loved it, but at the top I couldn’t see the lake because there was so much fog.
Since it was sunny this weekend, I thought I’d give it another try. Unfortunately, it was completely sunny in Bellingham, but not so much at Lake Serene. The trailhead was slightly overcast, but not foggy. As we made our way closer to the top of this 7.2-mile hike, it got foggier and foggier.
The trailhead is just off Highway 2 near Gold Bar, about an hour and a half drive. I’d suggest checking the weather in Gold Bar before doing this hike, there’s not much to look at when the lake is covered by fog.
My first time hiking this trail, I did Bridal Veil falls as well, adding an extra mile roundtrip. The waterfall was pretty cool, even on an ugly day.
When you come to the fork, I’d say about a mile to a mile and a half in, you won’t miss whichever route you are trying to take because it’s clearly marked. I’d suggest going to both Lake Serene and Bridal Veil falls if you’ve never hiked this trail before.
It was very crowded and we went on a weekend afternoon, which is when trails tend to be busiest, so if you’re hoping for the lake to live up to it’s name, go early in the morning or on a weekday.
The elevation gain is 2,000 feet. You’ll be breathing heavy by the time you get to the top because the last part of the hike up is the hardest. It’s a good workout, but the trail is in good condition, making it a little easier.
This is a must-do hike for beginners and experienced hikers alike and it’s definitely worth the drive.
