Snoqualmie Falls sits beside the town of Snoqualmie, about half an hour east of Seattle. The river drops about 270 feet over a cliff into a deep pool. Three viewing levels show the falls from above, from the middle and from below, and a forest trail links them. The paved viewing areas suit families and visitors with strollers or wheelchairs, while the trail down to the base is a short, steep walk. The water is diverted into a power plant at the falls, so the flow changes with rain and snowmelt. Fans of Twin Peaks will recognize the view from the show's opening credits.
Three viewing levels and the trail between them
The falls can be seen from three levels. The upper viewing area is the first stop for most visitors. It is close to the parking lot, about 200 feet away, and it has a wide view of the water as it drops. A pedestrian footbridge leads to an observation deck over the falls, and an easy trail continues to the base.
A forest trail with stairs connects the upper area to the lower platform. The trail passes through tall pines, and the sound of the water grows as you descend. Visitors who prefer to avoid stairs can still see the falls from the upper level, where the views are open and paved.
The power plant and the 1898 underground station
The river is diverted into power plants before it reaches the falls, so the water flow changes with the season. After heavy rain and during snowmelt, the river fills the full width of the cliff, about 150 feet, and the falls look like a heavy curtain.
The plant behind the falls was built in 1898 and is linked to the engineer Charles Baker. It was described as one of the first underground generating facilities of its kind. Visitors can view the powerhouse and turbines at the base of the falls. The plant still generates electricity for the region.
The falls on screen
The falls gained a wide audience in the early 1990s, when they appeared in the opening credits of David Lynch's television series Twin Peaks. The show's success turned the falls into a local landmark, and visitors still come to find the view from the credits.
The falls have also appeared in films and other television shows. Many visitors arrive with the Twin Peaks sequence in mind, so the first view from the upper deck is often a recognized moment rather than a surprise.
The lower park
Below the main falls, the lower park has a trail through forested wildlife habitat, a launch area for kayaks and canoes, historic displays about the valley, and a riverside boardwalk with an observation platform facing the falls.
The lower lot has three bus stalls and space for 41 cars. The main park area accommodates tour buses and about 450 cars. Because the lower lot is small, arrive early on busy days or plan to use the main lot.
Salish Lodge and Railroad Avenue
The Salish Lodge sits at the top of the falls, with a dining room that overlooks the forest and the river. The lodge is known for its brunch, a multi-course country breakfast with baked goods, pancakes, oatmeal, meat and eggs. A table in the dining room is nicknamed the proposal table because of its private setting above the falls.
The town's commercial center runs along Railroad Avenue, where buildings trace the changes in commercial style from wooden boomtown fronts to stucco and brick from the 1920s. Local restaurants, an ice cream shop and shops selling regional souvenirs are within walking distance. The Northwest Railway Museum is also nearby, and it covers the railroad and logging history of the town.
Respect at the falls
The falls are a sacred site to the Snoqualmie Tribe. Visitors are asked to keep to the marked paths and viewing areas, and to treat the land and the water with care.
The railings, stairs and wet rock make the lower trail and platforms slippery in places. Wear shoes with good grip, keep children close near the edges, and follow the posted signs.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
The falls are a free attraction. Parking is available in the main lot and the lower lot.
How tall is the waterfall?
The falls are about 270 feet tall. At high water the flow stretches across almost 150 feet of the cliff.
Is the viewing area accessible?
The upper viewing area is paved and level, so it works for strollers and wheelchairs. The trail down to the lower platform has stairs.
Is parking limited?
The main area holds tour buses and about 450 cars, but spaces fill up on busy weekends, especially in summer.
Why does the water flow change?
The Snoqualmie River is diverted into the power plants, and the flow depends on rain and snowmelt. The falls look fullest after heavy rain or in spring.
