Gazing at the 270-foot cascading waterfall is the highlight of going to Snoqualmie Falls just outside of Seattle, Washington.

Along with seeing the falls. We checked out Twede’s Café made famous by the TV series Twin Peaks and took a ride on a ski lift at Snoqualmie Pass.

The falls and the pass are about 40 minutes outside of Seattle. Found right off of Interstate 90 going west towards the mountains.

Our family did a trip to the Pacific Northwest seeing Seattle, Portland, North Cascades National Park, the Columbia Gorge, and sites in between. This is what we did on our vacation, hope it helps you in planning your trip to this amazing area!

Arriving by the Falls

First, we found parking in the large lot along Washington Highway 202. Located to the right of the historic Salish Lodge & Spa also made famous by the Twin Peaks.

Then we walked across the pedestrian bridge from the parking lot to the first view of the falls.

Viewing Decks

We stopped at the first upper viewing deck where you can see the full view of the falls.

The second upper viewing deck allows you a better view of the lodge and the surrounding cliff walls.

Walking a short way back from the viewing deck we came to a trail sign, although not sure what the half-mile references.

Going Down

Then we started down the natural surface trail. It is a well-traveled trail with gravel in places and is easy to follow.

My son Andrew found the remains of a tree to hide behind.

Then a stump turned into a tree chair.

Bottom Stop

At the bottom of the hill, before you go to the lower falls viewpoint, you pass by displays and artifacts for hydroelectric power. The falls create hydroelectric power.

Down here you can walk through parts of a huge pipe.

Then check out a large turbine.

Then we crossed a bridge near the huge pipes that go up the hill as part of the hydroelectric plant.

At the bottom, you can have a view of the falls from below. Mist raises out from the falls as it crashes down to the river below.

River Walk

From this viewpoint, you are unable to get close to the falls.

So we headed back up a bit and then went to the left of the lower fall parking lot. Now we were down an area where you can walk around the river filled with large boulders. The water is very cold.

Some people wade in the water.

After spending time in the river, we headed by the parking lot and used the restroom.

Then we headed back up.

Going Up

A sign along the path explains how new trees use old trees as part of their new roots.

Then I came across a sign that explains more about the trails, which I should have checked out before heading down.

Another sign by the upper deck viewing area talks about the restoration of wetlands and how they help the environment.

The upper area also has a small turbine you can check out.

Then we headed back to the car.

NOTE

You can get to the falls using public transportation, especially on weekends when there are buses for hikers. Yet, it is much easier to drive which does allow you to arrive earlier. The parking lots can fill up later in the day.

DETAILS

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Lodge Address: 6501 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie, WA 98065

Brunch: Twede’s Café

Made famous by Twin Peaks and located nearby in the tourist-friendly town of North Bend.

Here we have eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and pancakes.

But the big thing here is the pie and coffee.

Lines in the TV show: “best in the tri-counties cherry pie and damn fine coffee.”

Not sure if it was the best I had, but coffee with cherry pie ala Mode is always good.

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Daily

Address: 137 W North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045

The Summit at Snoqualmie

Next, we headed to The Summit at Snoqualmie

Here we took a ski lift up to the top of the ski mountain for the views.

You can hike down from the ski lift lookout.

Also, you can hike to a lake. My friends hiked to the lake which they said was a bit overgrown.

My son and I enjoyed checking out the views and wandering around the top.

For him, this was like a ride at an amusement park. We did it more than once.

Different flowers were blooming in the summer heat.

After taking in the views we headed back.

Hours: Varies, check the website or call the ski resort to make sure the lift is running before heading out that day.

Address: 1641 WA-906, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068

MORE PACIFIC NORTHWEST FUN

A Day at Pike Place Market and Taking a Ferry

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Explore Underground Seattle and More

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MORE EXPLORING

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