[Allison]

I've heard so many things about this popular trail over the years that I thought I'd give it a go. Can't say that I'd recommend it for the following reasons: part of the way is on an old road Auto noise from US2 audible for 90% of the hike the few views you get look across the valley to clearcuts and down onto civilization of Index new "improved" trail is totally overengineered and not any fun even on a weekday, the trail is packed, kind of like Mt. Si. the lake is pretty, but not that pretty despite reports to the contrary, there is no old growth anywhere around there Honestly, the trail was so unaesthetic that I almost turned around, but persisted for the training. Hiking season is not quite over yet. Drive time from Ballard: 1hr 20m Car to car time: 3 hrs Sorry to be such a pessimist, there are just so many hikes like this that are way better!!

[Bushwacker]

I agree with you Allison 100%. I hiked into Serene several months back with a friend from work and wasn't impressed much. The lake is nice, but there are many more lakes that are in a different league. We salvaged the hike somewhat by detouring on the way back, to Bridal Veil Falls. I guess it says it all, when most of the memory was about the bugs! Didn't take a single pic. BW

[hiker]

I wish the Lake Serene trail had been built longer and with less stairs. Maybe that is impossible given the terrain they had to deal with. The stairs do detract from teh experience. I like the lake though as well as the falls.

[Allison]

I will say that I was not bitten by a single bug while I was sitting on the sort of log bench at the lake, nor on the gravel trail with the wooden sides that skirts the edge of the lake. Honestly I think it was the most overbuilt trail I have ever been on that was not one of those paved one-mile loop trails, uh, nature walk thing. But no bugs, just a lot of people and road noise. Shame on you guys for being home on a sunny day like this!

[hiker]

How do you know I'm a guy?

[Allison]

Uh, I don't know. What are you people doing indoors on such a sunny day?

[Tom]

What's wrong with being home? Out of bed at 5 AM. On the summit by 11. Home by 3 PM. Going to Lake Serene more than once? Definitely something wrong there.

[Bushwacker]

What do you mean "you people"? Just kidding! BW

[Allison]

Who went there more than once? If it had potential for snowshoeing I could see it, but otherwise....ferget it!

[polarbear]

What do you mean going to Lake Serene more than once I've been there 3 times and feel calm, placid, peaceful, and serene . The first time I took the original trail. The second time I took the upper part of the new trail. The third time I took all of the new trail. If you've hike there more than once, stand up and be counted. Once you've learned to climb stairs you never forget how.

[Sore Feet]

pfff. At home? I was out all day playing frisbee golf...well, okay only half the day. But still I was out. Anyone else play (frisbee golf)?

[Bushwacker]

Tried frisbee golf one time, but had trouble putting the frisbee on the tee. Now I'm into something more challenging. "Off-Road Slinky Racing" BW

[Allison]

I tried 'working with down' today. Next time I'm off to do something less challenging, like finding a cure for cancer.

[Mike Collins]

The Lake Serene trail is good in winter. When you get to the lake you can snowshoe east through sparse forest to climb Philadelphia Mtn. The old trail is not to be missed. It was a horrific root climb. Going down was treacherous as you were at risk of having your foot stuck in the roots and snapped at the ankle. The trail helps make Mt. Index a day-trip rather than an overnight.

[polarbear]

Sorefeet, I believe Mtngoat is supposed to have a low frisbee golf handicap.