Friday morning I was lazy. I had intended to do this hike then, but for some reason I just wasn't feeling it (maybe it was the comfort of my warm bed). After two days of lounging like a bum, however, my motivation returned and this morning I headed out early to see Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene. Lake Serene is an alpine lake at roughly 2500 feet. Bridal Veil Falls is fed by the lake and is at about 1600 feet.
The Lake Serene trail head is off of Highway 2 at about the 35 mile marker (look for Mt. Index Road). I arrived just after 7 AM and there were only 3 other cars in the parking lot. As is typical this was only temporary. Note that you need a Northwest Forest Pass to park here.
I'm writing this on Saturday morning and I feel a little like someone beat me up. Yesterday I got up very early and drove out 32 miles east of Seattle to North Bend to climb Mt Si. It was a near perfect day weather wise and I was excited. However, I've been doing P90X recently and my legs were already a little tired from having done the Plyometrics (jump training) routine just two days earlier. I knew this would be a challenge.
Mt Si. is the most popular hike in the state with some estimates putting 80,000 people per year on the top. Knowing this, I got up very early to beat the crowds. The picture to the left shows Small Si in front of Mount Si.
The Mt Si. trail is 4 miles to the Haystack Basin (more on that later) and climbs about 3200 ft up for an average of around 800 feet per mile. This is a pretty healthy grade.
On the map below, note Mt. Si's location relative to Bellevue and Seattle to the west. You'll understand why a little later.
I'm writing this report on a very clear and very beautiful Sunday - perfect hiking weather. Unfortunately, I hiked yesterday. I'd heard more snow fell in the mountains this week so I knew on Saturday morning that I wanted to stay at lower elevations. I decided to hike up West Tiger Mountain, and, knowing how popular it is, I got up early. I started from the Highpoint Trailhead just off I-90 at exit 20 and intended to climb up to the very popular West Tiger #3 Summit before moving on to the less popular #2 and finally #1.
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