Snoqualmie, Seattle

Somewhat off the beaten path is Snoqualmie Falls, which is about 30 miles (50 km) east of Seattle. It is taller than the famous Niagara Falls but not as wide. During the spring and early summer, it's much wider than in the later summer when the river level is lower. Unlike most waterfalls in the area, there is no need to hike to see the falls. It is very close to the road and parking lot. Unfortunately, the only way to get there is by car, not by bus.

Take I-90 East to exit 25. Drive through the main road from exit 25 through Snoqualmie until the road ends (approximately 4 mi.) at Highway 202/Railroad Ave. There turn left and the Snoqualmie Falls Park parking lot is about 0.6 mi (1 km) from the turn (just after the bridge). There are parking lots on the left and right. The falls is on the left.

There are 2 major viewing platform and a one at the lower end of the falls about 1/2 mile from the other two viewing areas. There is no charge to see the falls.

The falls is about 270 ft. high. There is a lodge, gift shop, and hydroelectric power station (most of it is underground) at the site. The park area closes at sunset.

2 more images

I was in Seattle in October 2006. Being fall season, my hosts in Seattle decided to take me to the lovely Snoqualmie Falls, located just southeast of Seattle off the I-90 east. The autumn foliage was already in its full splendour when I was there. The 270-feet falls can be viewed from an observation deck. A visit to Snoqualmie is not complete without having brunch at the Salish Lodge and Spa which I will describe in another posting.

The falls are 30 miles outside of Seattle. This picture does not do the falls justice. We went towards the end of the summer, so there wasn't much water. In our opinion the best time to see the falls are in the spring as the snow begins to melt. The park and viewing area are open 24 hours. Pets are not allowed. The distance between the parking lot and the viewing platform is approximately 200 feet and is wheelchair accessible. There is no charge.

I personally love foggy, rainy, downcast mornings. The falls look somewhat eerie at this time since from the overlook you can't always see them, but you can hear them below. This particular shot was taken on a foggy fall morning.

Snoqualmie falls is an excellent day trip from Seattle. It is located about 20 miles from Seattle on I-90. The exit is the same for Highway 18 off I-90 and the back way takes you into Snoqualmie after passing a new community Snoqualmie Ridge.

The falls are best seen in Spring after the runoff from the mountains. After a particularly good year for snow, the falls are roaring and full and are most spectacular at this time. It is not the best time though to hike down to the bottom and walk near the rocks.

There is also a lodge located at the top of the falls that is quite popular for honeymooners or people affluent enough to afford the high rates. :) There is a nice restaurant and spa in the lodge as well.

a relaxing PNW drive to get out of the city.

Good hiking trails, parks, and the falls.

I think the lodge is overated for food, etc. not to mention there are only a couple inside tables with a falls view and the staff gets so abused by people who can't get one they are pretty cold, so maybe bring your own picnic lunch and enjoy it outside by the falls.

I pinched the pic from their website, it's much better than mine. (don' t be a curmudgeon...)

Snoqualmie Falls is a 270 foot waterfall located in the mountains east of Seattle. This is one of my favorite sights in the Seattle area, and it's really worth taking a car out to the Falls and experiencing the countryside nearby.

The waterfall is large and breathtaking. There is an observation deck located right next to the parking lot, or you can walk down the trail that takes you all the way to the base of the falls. There, you can stand on the rocks and feel the water spraying from the waterfall. This is a very scenic point-- don't forget your camera!

You may recognize Snoqualmie Falls and the Salish Lodge (located directly above the waterfall) from the opening credits of the "Twin Peaks" television series. Take a moment to look around the lodge as well. There is a lovely gift store. Upstairs, you can dine or just have a drink at the elegant restaurant.

Take highway 90 east to the Snoqualmie Parkway exit. Turn left. From there, signs will direct you to Snoqualmie Falls.

My friend took me to these falls on both trips to Seattle because the second time we had friends with us who had not been to Seattle before if that tells you how much of a must this place is. It's really great to see nature at its best here. The falls are quite beautiful & it's nice to get to get as close as you possibly can get to them. Remember to wear comfy shoes because it is quite a walk down & back up again once you've seen them. The way to the falls is a lot of downhill walking while the way back is a lot of uphill walking. Be prepared for this if you are taking children and enjoy the falls!

A small little brewery that I was suprised we even found but the woman who worked there had a great knowledge of the beers and we tasted all the beers (in order) before we decided on the belgium beer that had this amazing taste, I was going to settle on the light ale beer too.

I've never been to Snoqualmie falls before in all my 21 years of living in Seattle but my boyfriend and I made a trip to the falls and the brewery and had a great time. There were a little to many visitors at the falls for our liking but it was a great day trip! There was about a 1 mile round trip hike that was packed and many weren't usual hikers (just our observation).