Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,000.00 ft (304.80 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
4.00 mi (6.44 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Situated under the crags of Mount Index, Bridal Veil Falls is a truly spectacular sight. Water tumbles down countless granite slabs, totaling an impressive 1,328 feet, with each fall thundering on the rocks below, spraying hikers as they climb right to the base of the cascade. Even late into the summer when many waterfalls are reduced to a trickle, this one is still in full swing.

The 2-mile trail to Bridal Veil Falls has a very mild start, meandering through moss-covered alder, maple, and fir trees and crossing small streams. After 1.5 miles the trail parts ways with the trail to Lake Serene and begins a short but steep ascent. For a half mile, follow flights of stairs and wooden bridges toward the sound of rushing water until you reach the falls. For the full experience, climb over rocks to the base of the falls, feeling the gusting spray and hearing nothing but the roar of water.

Due to the popularity of this hike, it gets very crowded on weekends, so parking might be in short supply. On weekdays the crowds are more manageable, especially early in the morning.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Large waterfall. Family friendly. Well-maintained trail.

Cons

Crowds.

Trailhead Elevation

600.00 ft (182.88 m)

Features

Waterfalls

Location

Nearby Adventures

South Fork of the Skykomish River, Washington

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Comments

03/03/2019
Crampons and trekking poles definitely recommended if you plan on doing this as a winter hike with snow on the trail, particularly as you get closer to the falls and the trail becomes steeper. The falls do look amazing partially frozen! When especially snowy the parking lot can be completely covered and impossible to park in, road parking is easy, but don't go too far down as there is a private community with a gate installed at the end that can make turning around in the snow difficult.
11/26/2017
If significant rain is forecasted for the area, consider doing this hike on another day, particularly if you aren't wearing appropriate rain gear (water proof hiking boots and gaiters). By mid afternoon on this rainy day, prior easily crossable streams on the trail became much wider. One stream reached a depth of 8-10 inches and at least 10 feet across with rushing water, which made it impossible to cross without fully immersing your boots. Hiking poles would have been helpful to improve stability while crossing this stream. We look forward to coming back to try the hike again in more cooperative weather.
Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.