Snoqualmie Falls: Power and Beauty Minutes from Seattle
Snoqualmie Falls Washington
If you are from the Seattle area, or will be visiting soon and are looking for a short day trip which provides a taste of Washington’s stunning scenic beauty, along with the option to do some hiking, picknicking, or even have a first class spa and lodging experience, consider a trip to the foothills of the Cascade Mountains to see Washington’s picturesque Snoqualmie Falls.
Snoqualmie Falls, a short 30 minute trip east of Seattle off of Interstate 90, is one of Washington State’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting over one and a half million tourists each year to the picturesque 270 foot high waterfall. On a recent trip to Snoqualmie Falls my wife, son and I spent the afternoon on the grounds alternating our time between a large open grassy space (where we picnicked), walking some family friendly hiking trails, and a covered observation point jutting out over the the canyon which overlooked the raging water careening over the edge of the falls.
The Bottom of Snoqualmie Falls
The observation point has a concrete slab and sturdy railing which put us at ease while we allowed our young toddler to take in the sheer power of the falling water without his parents suffering a near heart attack every few minutes. Many energetic visitors to the falls take advantage of the relatively steep trail to the bottom, where they can visit a powerhouse and watch large turbines generating power then follow a boardwalk which brings them closer to the base of the falls, before having to turn around and make the trip back up to the top. We opted out of this option with our toddler in tow, but plan on taking him to the bottom as soon as he is big enough to walk most of it himself.
Salish Lodge perched above the falls.
Lastly, If after visiting the falls you decide that the picturesque scenery warrants a longer stay, consider booking a night at the Salish Lodge and Spa uniquely situated right above the falls themselves. I have not stayed there but I have only heard rave reviews from those I know who have.
All this scenic beauty is just minutes from Downtown Seattle. If you are here, what are you waiting for?
Photo credits: From Flickr Creative Commons top photo KM photography, second from Randy Wick; Salish loadge from salishlodge.com
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10 Responses
Salish also offers a very nice brunch overlooking the falls.We took our mother there for her 80th birthday. A nice celebratory place for adults, but not great for toddlers due to the high price.
Great tip Patricia. At the speed my little guy is going now, he would trash the place anyway.
Snoqualmie Falls is a great place to visit and myfavorite time of the year is spring. With all the snow melt the falls get really large with the volume of water spilling over. Snoqualmie Falls allows guests to upload pictures to their website and some people have taken some really cool shots over the years
I always hear the theme from Twin Peaks when we visit these falls.
Grew up just a mile or so fromSnoqualmie Falls, yes, it beauiful; winter, fall, summer and spring!
The place looks truly amazing. It picturesque beauty is simply alluring, i think i should plan a vacation with my wife to this place, but i will keep this as a surprise for my wife.
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Snoqualmie Falls are truly astonishing and magnificent.thanks for information about these great waterfalls..i think it’s time for me to plan a vacation to this place.
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