If you’re the type of person who would rather exercise in the great outdoors than inside a gym and swim in a lake or a river than an enclosed pool, you can appreciate a good hiking trail that offers a bit of both. The Lake Serene Trail is a challenging and exhilarating hike, but it comes with a beautiful reward: The chance to cool off with a swim in a gorgeous lake.
The Lake Serene Trail is located near Stevens Pass in the Central Cascades.
Banding Wan / alltrails.com A Northwest Forest Pass, which costs $30 per year, is required to use the trail.
This is an 8-mile trail, and the area is for day use only… so it’s best to get an early start.
Manoj Yelavarthy / alltrails.com Needless to say, you’ll earn that refreshing swim.
The first 1.5 miles of the trail involve a fairly steep incline, and there are a few other parts that are a bit dangerous for new hikers.
Luke Young / alltrails.com This trail is not recommended for young children, and only experienced outdoor enthusiasts should attempt it. If you’re not an experienced hiker, try to go with someone who is, or take it slowly and exercise caution.
It won’t be long before you’ll reach Bridal Falls, a visually stunning reward for your efforts.
Melissa Roberson / alltrails.com If you want to see Bridal Falls up close, you’ll have to take a 1/2 mile detour – but it’s quick, and it’s well worth it.
At last, you’ll come to Lake Serene, which totally lives up to its name.
Zandria Roach / alltrails.com Despite the fact that this is a popular trail in the summertime, you typically won’t find many other people hanging out here.
There are quite a few large rocks around the lake perfect for enjoying a picnic lunch or sunbathing.
Daniel Mongovin / alltrails.com One large rock on the northwest side of the lake is even known as Lunch Rock.
Of course, on a hot sunny day, nothing beats a refreshing swim in the lake.
Karla Gomez / alltrails.com You can jump into the lake from one of the rocks on the shore, or just find some rocky shoreline and wade right in.
As you might suspect, the lake water is very cold, so be prepared.
Thea Shi / alltrails.com However, after a challenging 4-mile hike (and knowing you’ll also have miles to walk after), a cold swim might be just what you need.
Add the Lake Serene Trail to your summer bucket list this year. And if you’re not up for such a lengthy hike, here are some other great natural swimming spots in Washington.
Banding Wan / alltrails.com
A Northwest Forest Pass, which costs $30 per year, is required to use the trail.
Manoj Yelavarthy / alltrails.com
Needless to say, you’ll earn that refreshing swim.
Luke Young / alltrails.com
This trail is not recommended for young children, and only experienced outdoor enthusiasts should attempt it. If you’re not an experienced hiker, try to go with someone who is, or take it slowly and exercise caution.
Melissa Roberson / alltrails.com
If you want to see Bridal Falls up close, you’ll have to take a 1/2 mile detour – but it’s quick, and it’s well worth it.
Zandria Roach / alltrails.com
Despite the fact that this is a popular trail in the summertime, you typically won’t find many other people hanging out here.
Daniel Mongovin / alltrails.com
One large rock on the northwest side of the lake is even known as Lunch Rock.
Karla Gomez / alltrails.com
You can jump into the lake from one of the rocks on the shore, or just find some rocky shoreline and wade right in.
Thea Shi / alltrails.com
However, after a challenging 4-mile hike (and knowing you’ll also have miles to walk after), a cold swim might be just what you need.
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