Lake Serene is among the first beautiful high country destinations to
open up each summer, so Karen and I hiked there on Saturday. The
woods were alive with the sound of Winter Wrens, which have a dense
population in the second growth forest along the lower stretches of
trail; we observed several, at close range, singing those impossibly
complex songs. Varied thrushes were also adding their unmusical
toots to the forest. Two Wilson's Warblers were on the chase, with
one zooming by my head at a range of about two feet. The highlight
of the day was seeing an American Dipper gathering food in its bill
at the base of a spectacular waterfall along the main trail, so there
was certainly a nest or fledged young nearby.

The rocky trail has a 2,000' vertical gain, so it is not for
everyone: including, apparently, me, as I sprained my ankle on the
descent. But it was worth it; Lake Serene in a cirque of spectacular
peaks, a roaring Bridal Veil Falls and the birds made for a wonderful
outing.

Lee Rentz
Shelton, WA