Central Cascades

Central Cascades

Hikes of interest:

• Lake Serene
• Wallace Falls
• Heybrook Lookout

The central cascade region encompasses a wide band across the state. It’s mostly along highway 2 and into the enchantments area. The enchantments are one of the most beautiful areas in the state, if not the most beautiful, and is a controlled access area because of that. To do any camping overnight during the summer, you must win a permit from the lottery system or secure one of the few day-of permits that morning from the ranger station. Some short day hikes can be done into the area but the 20 miles is quite long for most people to do in one day. There are several great hikes along highway 2 as well. Lake Serene is amazing. Bridal Veil Falls is a must-do detour along the trail. The trail to Lake Serene has some good elevation gain but the lake at the base of the shear cliff faces of Index is beautiful. The lake is a popular destination and many people can be seen eating, and a few daring swimmers sun bathing, on lunch rock at the end of the lake. Another great hike is Wallace Falls in a nearby state park. The trail is very well maintained and several waterfalls can be seen, allowing you to hike as far as you want. It is a very popular park and you may see volunteers helping maintain the trail. Heybrook Lookout is a short mile hike off of Highway 2 and allows you some great views of the central cascades from the top of the lookout tower.