Heybrook Lookout is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Stevens Pass area for the amount of work hikers put in to get there. It's just over 1 mile to the historic, restored fire lookout. Though the trail can be a little steep in spots, it's short. Climb the stairs to the top of the lookout, where you'll find panoramic views of the Cascades.
Wallace Falls consists of nine waterfalls, with the longest tumbling an impressive 265 feet into Wallace River. There are several viewpoints along the 5.5-mile round-trip trail, but the most impressive is the Middle Falls viewpoint, suspended in the middle of the torrents. The entire trail is always in good condition, although it can be steep in some areas.
If you don't mind a long day (and a bit of a bumpy road), head to stunning Spider Meadow. The trailhead comes at the end of a rough, unpaved road, but the trail itself is easy. After 2.5 miles in the forest, you'll see the trees open to a wide meadow. The trail continues to head into the cirque basin, and big mountains frame your view. Walk on the flat trail for as long as you want; you have 6.5 miles before you have to turn around.
Big mountains and steep cliffs encircle the emerald water of Blanca Lake. It's a scenic spot, and one of the best in the area, but you'll have to work hard to get there. Hikers reach the lake after a steep trail that climbs a challenging 2,700 feet in just 3 miles. Then, it's a downhill hike of 600 feet over tricky terrain to reach the lake. An path encircles the lake for multiple photography perspectives.
Lake Serene is another Stevens Pass jewel, and like Blanca, it's a long slog to get there. You'll hike 4.5 miles to the lake, much of which ascends long wood staircases. The lake, when you finally arrive, will impress with its neck-craning view of Mount Index and clear water. There's a short detour to Bridal Veil Falls, which you can walk up to for exhilarating sprays of water.
