Snoqualmie Falls
The Basics
A popular day-trip destination from Seattle, many travelers pair a Snoqualmie visit with stops at Seattle–area wineries or other nearby nature spots. It's also possible to combine a Seattle city sightseeing tour with a stop at Snoqualmie Falls on a half-day tour.
Once there, the upper falls overlooks offer easily accessible views, as well as picnic tables and benches. To see the waterfall from the bottom, descend a steep, 0.7-mile (1.1-kilometer) trail through a temperate rain forest, with interpretive signage describing local flora and fauna and detailing the falls’ historic and cultural contributions.
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Things to Know Before You Go
Visiting the falls is free, whether you stop by just for the photo op or clamber down to the base.
Hikers should be prepared with warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes, as the Snoqualmie Falls trail is often wet.
A visit to Snoqualmie is perfect for families and groups with a range of interests and ability levels, with some wheelchair-accessible spots.
Visit during spring to see the falls at their crashing best.
The park area features a visitor center, gift shop, coffee stand, and bathrooms.
How to Get There
Snoqualmie Falls sits just outside the town of Snoqualmie, about a 30-minute drive east of Seattle. To get there, take I-90 east to exit 27. The photo-worthy waterfall is easily accessible from the site's two parking lots, one of which is paid and the other free.
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When to Get There
Snoqualmie Falls draws some 1.5 million visitors a year, with most visiting on summer weekends. To avoid the crowds, opt for a rainy day or a weekday. The park is open from dawn to dusk daily. The waterfall flows year-round, hitting its peak during the late spring and early summer snowmelt.
Other Attractions in Snoqualmie
Nearby Salish Lodge's award-winning spa and hotel offer stunning views with some room balconies overlooking the waterfall, in addition to fine dining opportunities. Snoqualmie's Northwest Railway Museum is another nearby hot spot—it's the perfect diversion for railroad fans and is housed in a restored 1890 railroad depot.
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