The trail to Lake Serene in Washington got a whole new feel after the reroute

I hiked it back in 2021 when the final mile was just a steep, eroded scramble over slick roots (it was kind of a mess, honestly). Went back this past weekend and the Forest Service finished a full reroute, adding switchbacks and proper gravel fill over a two-year project. The climb is way more gradual now, and you don't feel like you're fighting the mountain the whole way. Anyone else notice how much a good trail crew can change your whole experience on a familiar route?

3 comments

3 Comments

cooper.viola22d ago

That old scramble was a real character builder, but my knees are thanking the trail crew for the upgrade.

seth_carr22d ago

Those old rough trails were the best part though.

wadea533d ago

Honestly, that sounds like they just paved over the challenge. The old messy scramble was the real test, it made reaching the lake feel earned. Now it's just another smooth walk in the woods, no different from any other trail. They're taking all the rough edges out of the outdoors.