Snoqualmie Falls, Washington
You’ve probably seen photos of Snoqualmie Falls – it’s the most visited waterfall in Washington State (likely due to its proximity of Seattle and the fact that it truly is a beautiful waterfall). I’d probably say it’s one of the most popular waterfalls in the entire country. So if you’re in the Seattle area, do yourself a favor and make the trip out to see the 268 foot Snoqualmie Falls.
Snoqualmie Falls Location:
Snoqualmie Falls is about a 35-45 minute drive from Seattle. It’s only a few miles off the I-90 interstate.
One interesting spot you’ll see when you exit the highway for the falls is this cafe – it was prominently featured in the early ’90s show Twin Peaks. (I can’t say I was a fan though. I remember trying to watch the show as a child, but I gave up, grew bored with it after attempting to watch the first episode. I was too young to be watching that show anyway!)
Snoqualmie Falls Overview:
- Cost: Free, but depending on where you park, you may have to pay for parking
- Time Needed: 20-30 minutes
- Amenities: Gift shops and restrooms
- Dogs are allowed on the viewing platforms.
As you get closer to the falls, you’ll see signs directing you to the parking lot. The first parking lot you’ll come up on is located across the road from Snoqualmie Falls. This is where we parked – we didn’t have any issues finding a parking spot. However, we visited on late on a weekday afternoon. In fact, there really weren’t a lot of people here.
If you can’t find parking here, there’s also a lower parking lot just down the road.
Visiting Snoqualmie Falls near Seattle, Washington
From the parking lot, it’s a short walk across a pedestrian bridge to view the falls. There are several observation points to see the waterfall. The viewing platforms are large and well-maintained. Additionally, there is a steep trail where you can hike down to see the bottom of the waterfall. We didn’t have time to do this during our visit, but if I make it back out here again, I’ll definitely want to try that.
We visited at the end of July, and the water flow wasn’t as powerful as it could be – but you could still tell this is a very powerful waterfall. The Puget Sound Power and Light Company actually diverts part of the river feeding into the waterfall and uses it for hydroelectricity.
Salish Lodge and Spa
The building you see up at the top of the waterfall is the Salish Lodge and Spa, which contains a restaurant, spa and hotel. It looked very bougie and expensive (check out their website). This luxury complex is probably an amazing place to stay, with unique views of Snoqualmie Falls, but it’s too rich for my blood!
Snoqualmie Falls – Final Thoughts
Pros:
- Very beautiful waterfall
- Large viewing platforms
- Not too far off of I-90
Cons
- This can be a very busy spot, especially on the weekends
