Is swimming allowed at Bridal Veil Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Bridal Veil Falls.

Nearby gauge (Skykomish River) · 1,870 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Bridal Veil Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bridal Veil Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Bridal Veil Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Bridal Veil Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $5.00. A permit is also required. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead. Day passes can be purchased for $5.

Washington • 100 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 24 other waterfalls also named Bridal Veil Falls, see below

Snoqualmie National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Sean Munson CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

nmcfarl CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

1,000 ft

About Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is a stunning 100-foot waterfall located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near Gold Bar, Washington. The falls cascade down a rocky cliff face in multiple tiers, creating a picturesque and serene setting. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Bridal Veil Falls sits at 1,601 feet within Snoqualmie National Forest, in the hills of Washington. At 100 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Washington.

Height: 100 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Wallace Falls (265 ft) lies 6.9 miles to the northwest.

Wallace Falls

Trail & Hike Details

4.0 mi distance 1,000 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Bridal Veil Falls (#1068.1), a 4.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 1,000 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

BRIDAL VEIL FALLS #1068.1

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Nat Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.30 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Bridal Veil Falls is part of the Lake Serene Trail. It begins with a well-maintained path through dense forest, crossing several small streams. After about 2 miles, a spur trail leads to the falls. The final approach to the falls involves some steep sections and stairs, but the view of the cascading water is well worth the effort.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 100 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bridal Veil Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead. Day passes can be purchased for $5.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Bridal Veil Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Snoqualmie National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 47°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

The trail can be slippery, especially near the falls. Stay on marked paths and avoid climbing on wet rocks. Check weather conditions before your hike, as heavy rain can make the trail hazardous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Skykomish River, 5.7 miles away, not on Bridal Veil Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

1,870 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.2k 1.9k 4.5k 7.8k

Based on 98 years of record

5.94 ft

Water depth at gauge

47°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 47 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

SKYKOMISH RIVER NEAR GOLD BAR, WA

USGS 12134500

5.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 535 sq mi

Altitude: 213 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SKYKOMISH RIVER NEAR GOLD BAR, WA (9 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

1870 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

2020 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Strong

1816 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

1941 cfs

8/10

Fri

Strong

2243 cfs

8/10

Sat

Strong

2471 cfs

8/10

Sun

Strong

2464 cfs

8/10

Mon

Strong

2339 cfs

8/10

Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to early July, peaking in June.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Baring hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Bridal Veil Falls Frozen?

Updated about 7 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded big river, rarely freezes solid

Bridal Veil Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 54°F to 43°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 1730 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Washington.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The ground through the falls loses about 364 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 100 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,618 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 359 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 343 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Bridal Veil Falls near Baring, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Bridal Veil Falls near Baring, Washington, showing about 364 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,618 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 363 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Bridal Veil Falls is accessed via the Lake Serene Trailhead, located off Mount Index Road near Highway 2. The trailhead is approximately 8.5 miles from Gold Bar, Washington.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a parking lot at the Lake Serene Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

1,601 feet above sea level

Coordinates

47.789271° N, -121.567886° W

Land Management

Snoqualmie National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the area can be cool and damp even in summer.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 4.0 miles and 1,000 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Money Creek Campground

8.5 miles away · 24 sites

Reservable

Overview Situated on the banks of the South Fork Skykomish River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Money Creek campground offers some of the most stunning scenery in the northern Cascade Range in Washington. Scattered beneath a towering canopy of old-growth forest, the sites in this campground are widely spaced and several are at the river's edge, making it an ideal setting for visitors wanting to camp in a private, rustic setting.Recreation In addition to being a prime location for hiking

Book on Recreation.gov