Lake Serene
Central Cascades
As of May 11, 2026, Lake Serene's trail is largely snow-free, though patches of slush and compacted snow may linger, especially near the lake. The trail is rough due to significant blowdowns and washouts from recent storms, requiring hikers to navigate over, under, and around numerous trees. Several sections of stairs are damaged or missing, and erosion is evident. Parking at the trailhead can be challenging, filling quickly on weekends. Toilets are closed for the season. Reports from late April through early May indicate the lake is mostly ice-free, and the surrounding scenery is stunning.
generated from 124 reports
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Not much to add that hasn't been mentioned in other recent reports. I got to the trailhead around 8:15am and there were a couple of spots left in the main lot. When leaving at 1pm, folks were finding ...
I decided to get an early start to avoid the heat (and afternoon backups on Rt 2) and was on the trail by 6:45am on a Sunday. Lot was half full, some potholes but easily avoidable. Please note the pit...
This is the third time I have done Lake Serene over the years but the worst trail conditions I have seen there.Of course, it is early in the season after lots of winter tree blowdowns and washouts, pl...
Lake Serene was, indeed, serene on April 29. This is not always the case.Arrived at the TH around 8:45. There were about 10 cars in the parking lot. NOTE:The toilets were NOT open yet.Trail is snow fr...
Went to Serene today hoping to view some avalanches. Usually you can see and hear them this time of the year. Not this time. Very little snow on the mountains. It must’ve happened already. The trail i...
Got to the trailhead around 6:30am since it’s the weekend and the weather was beautiful. Restrooms are still closed for the season. There were about 5-7 cars in the lot. The trail was in good conditio...
Several trees across the path to go both under and over. One set of stairs was partially broken. Quite wet today on the ground and some crossings were slippery. Also the lake was almost entirely froze...
Trail is almost entirely snow free, there is a bit of slush just as you approach the lake. Microspikes aren’t needed. Lake is still frozen.
The last mile was covered in snow. Did not use spikes but personally think it would be helpful as some areas especially on rocks have compact snow/ice underneath making it slippery. It was still beaut...
Date: Sunday, April 12Time: 10:25 AM – 4:42 PMDistance: 9.9 milesElevation Gain: ~3,000 ftThis hike is no joke, but it’s absolutely worth it.Started mid-morning and it ended up being a full day out. T...
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