What to do on a rainy day? Lake Serene?

Hike Name: Lake Serene / Bridal Veil Falls (click here for forest service description)
Round-Trip Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1920 ft
Season: May - Nov
Difficulty: easy
Forest: Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (click here for current conditions)
Contact: Skykomish Ranger District (360)677-2414
Map: Green Trails # 142
Directions: Go east on Hwy 2 to Gold Bar. Continue 7 more miles to just before milepost 35, then turn right on Mt Index Road. Veer right to trailhead.

Well.

This was my "birthday weekend" hike, so Kim and I had wanted to do something cool, overnight with awesome views.

However, when we left Seattle, the rains had already started, with thunder and even lightening thrown in.

So we knew we wouldn't get any views. And we'd be really wet and cold wherever we camped. So we instead opted for an "easy way out" and decided on a day hike, and then to camp down in the valley at a campground. I know, this is a cop-out way, but...

We had decided to meander along Highway 2 this time, so we picked Lake Serene.

Really really busy hike, with LOTS of cars in the parking lot. Just outside of Index, near Skykomish. Not sure why I picked this one, but...

Unfortunately, the whole day was so foggy that we didn't even catch a glimpse of the lake even when we were standing 4 feet in front of it! But the forest along the way, and the waterfalls, were absolutely bright green and gorgeous, so -- it's better than being inside on a day off!! Seriously though, the forest is really pretty along the way. And it is a good workout regardless! The trail is very nice, and since it is high-traffic, there are even steps built in for part of the incline.

A good beginner hike, if you're looking for one in the future! A calorie-burner, but not at all scary or difficult.

Then we camped down along Money Creek, which actually was quite nice for a campground. Think it was $18. We stopped at the creepy old restaurant in Skykomish and got a warm dinner and a beer before climbing into our wet tent that night!