No. 30 Snoqualmie Falls

Distance from Seattle

1. 28.6 mi, 40 mins

    In current traffic: 44 mins

   I-90
2. 29.0 mi, 43 mins

    In current traffic: 51 mins

   I-90 and WA-202 E
3. 33.3 mi, 45 mins

    In current traffic: 49 mins

   WA-520 E and WA-202 E

Items to bring: Windbreaker, Tripod, Cable release, Lots of lens cloths 

Snoqualmie Falls is a 268 ft (82 m) waterfall on the Snoqualmie River between Snoqualmie and Fall City, Washington,USA. It is one of Washington's most popular scenic attractions, but is perhaps best known internationally for its appearance in the cult television series Twin Peaks. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year, where there is a two acre (8,000 m²) park, an observation deck, and a gift shop.

Most of the river is diverted into the power plants, but at times the river is high enough to flow across the entire precipice, which creates an almost blinding spray. High water occurs following a period of heavy rains or snow followed by warm rainy weather. This can occur during the rainy season which lasts from November through March. During high water, the falls take on a curtain form.

For the Snoqualmie People, who have lived for centuries in the Snoqualmie Valley in western Washington, Snoqualmie Falls is central to their culture, beliefs, and spirituality. A traditional burial site, to the Snoqualmie, the falls are "the place where First Woman and First Man were created by Moon the Transformer" and "where prayers were carried up to the Creator by great mists that rise from the powerful flow." The mists rising from the base of the waterfall are said to serve to connect Heaven and Earth.

Hiking

The top of the waterfall is less than 100 yards (91 m) from the parking lot, which has a gift shop, espresso stand, and bathrooms. The main views are from the side of the falls, with a fence separating visitors from the edge of a cliff. This area has picnic tables and benches, and a small grassy meadow called the Centennial Green, where weddings are performed through the summer. Here, the river trail descends 300 feet in half a mile passing though temperate rain forest with moss covered Bigleaf Maple, Douglas-fir, Sword Fern and Salal and places to step off the trail and rest or enjoy the scenery. Heavy use makes wildlife sightings uncommon. The park does not allow pets. At the bottom of the trail is the 1910 powerhouse, not open to visitors, and a view of the falls. As of 2010, the trail is expected to be closed until the middle of 2013

When you head out from the parking lot it is a good idea to make sure you have a few micro fiber lens cloths with you. Even if the day seems bright and dry, this 268ft waterfall generates a lot of mist and spray. You will definitely need to keep cleaning your front lens element in between shots of water droplets. Wearing a light windbreaker will keep you dry and you can stay longer.

A look at the falls from the overlook next to the Salish Spa

Overlook View

Salish Spa Lodge and Snoqualmie Falls

Horizontal view from overlook 

overlook view

Reopened in October 2013, the trail to the lower falls and power plant is now open !!!

Lower Falls Viewpoint 

walking past the Snoqualmie Hydro Penstocks 

Penstocks funnel water from above the falls to the 1910 constructed powerplant 

boardwalk leading to the lower falls viewpoint