There’s no shortage of spectacular hikes in Washington, but the Bridal Veil Falls Trail lets you get up close and personal beneath a towering 1,300+ foot waterfall.
The Bridal Veil Falls hike is a 3.7 mile out and back hike near Index and Skykomish, Washington (about an hour east of Seattle). Due to the ascent this hike is moderate. Dogs are able to use this hike. It took us 2 hours with a long leisurely stop at the end to soak in the beauty of the waterfall.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Bridal Veil Falls trailhead , search for the Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls Trailhead near Index, Washington, or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Seattle, head north until you can make your way east on Highway 2. You’ll go east for about 20 miles. Right before you get to the tiny town of Index, you can bank off to the right and into the parking area for the trailhead. There are a number of parking spots at the trailhead, and bathrooms.
Driving Info: This is an easy paved drive the entire way.
Time & Weather: We hiked this trail in late April and started hiking around 9am. The weather was crisp at 50 degrees and got cooler as you ascended.
Gear: We wore 1-2 layers for warmth, solid hiking boots, hat & sunglasses. Hiking poles are helpful for the ascent and descent.
Trail Navigation: The trail is easy to follow the entire way.
Water & Food: We drank about a liter each, but in the warmer months you should definitely bring extra water. The hike ends at the beautiful waterfall, and there are a few areas on the rocks to relax and hydrate. It’s recommended to bring some snacks to enjoy underneath the massive waterfall at the end.
Trailhead Info: The trail starts right from the parking area. The trail is easy to follow the entire way. There are bathroom facilities at the parking lot.
Pictures of the Bridal Veil Falls Trail:
The hike starts out easy on a nice wide path. Most times of the year it’s green and dense.
Towering trees jut out from every open area.
Boots help on this hike, because often times you’re walking on rocks.
About halfway you you get to the wooden staircase that takes you further up into a canopy of trees against the mountain.
Views as you look left across your shoulder.
Turning to the right you can spot a number of mini waterfalls making their way down the mountain.
Eventually you arrive at Bridal Veil Falls.
You can venture out a few steps onto the rocks to soak in the amazing views below the waterfall.
As you walk away from the waterfall and look out you can take in the distant mountains.
Want more? There are plenty of fantastic trails within a few hours drive of Seattle. Check out our list of the best hikes near Seattle to explore places like Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park and more!
