Hiking Lake Serene: A Stunning Alpine Gem in Washington’s Cascades
Hike Stats (to Lake Serene): Distance: Approximately 8 miles round trip Elevation Gain: Around 2,700 feet Highest Point: ~2,700 feet Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (strenuous due to the steep, technical sections) Estimated Time: 5–7 hours The adventure begins at the Lake Serene Trailhead, just off Mount Index Road near the small town of Index along Highway 2. A large gravel parking lot serves as the starting point, but it fills up fast on weekends and sunny days. Arrive early—ideally before 7 or 8 AM—to secure a spot. A vault toilet is available at the trailhead. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking. From the trailhead, the path starts as a gentle, well-maintained trail through lush forest. Towering trees and salmonberry bushes line the old road section, giving you a pleasant warm-up with mild inclines. But don’t be fooled—this is where the real character of the hike reveals itself. After about 1.4 miles, you rea...