Visit the Majestic Snoqualmie Falls in Washington
Our family trip to Seattle last summer was mainly to explore the museums and culture of the Emerald City. But the colorful landscapes surrounding Seattle are just as worthy for exploration as the city. One such feature is about 30 miles east of Seattle and should be part of your itinerary. Snoqualmie Falls is a 268 foot waterfall along the Snoqualmie River.
Beyond the fact that it’s an amazingly beautiful waterfall, there’s also an opportunity to learn about hydroelectricity, enjoy a short hike or stop for a picnic. If you plan to visit the falls at night, that’s okay. They illuminate the falls at night. 🙂
Here’s a rundown on what you’ll find at Snoqualmie Falls and why you should visit this beautiful area of Washington.
Directions to Snoqualmie Falls near Seattle
Snoqualmie Falls is just off of Interstate 90, about 30 miles east of Seattle. Take Exit 25 and head north along Snoqualmie Parkway for about 5 miles. Turn left when you get to Railroad Avenue. At the Round-About, turn left and you’ll see the parking areas for Snoqualmie Falls. There are signs to help you navigate from the freeway to the parking area.
There are three parking areas you can use to access Snoqualmie Falls. The Upper and Lower parking lots are free. However, the parking lot near the gift shop is a paid parking area – probably because it gives you the best access to the overlooks and has several picnic tables.
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If you want to park at the Lower Falls, simply follow the road further north and follow the signs to the turnoff to access the parking area.
The Upper Observation Deck and Exhibits
The Upper Observation Deck offers more than an amazing view of Snoqualmie Falls. You can read all about the history of the Falls, how they were formed and the construction of the world’s first completely underground powerhouse in 1898. You can also learn about hydroelectricity and how they built two powerhouses around the falls to help generate clean energy.
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One long grouping of panels shows an aerial map of where the underground pipes run so you can get a better sense of the hydroelectricity structures. There’s also a turbine on display so you can see what those look like (although I did share a photo, so sorry for ruining that surprise. 😉
The Upper Observation Deck is about 1/4 mile walk from the gift shop parking lot. It’s a little further from the Upper Parking Lot, but not much.
If you’re just looking for a nice place to stop for a picnic lunch, there are some tables near the Upper Observation Deck you can use.
Walking Trail and Boardwalk to the Lower Observation Deck
If you parked near the upper observation areas, there’s no need to pile back in the car and drive to the lower parking area. There’s a 1/2 mile paved trail that connects you to the Lower Observation Area. The trail is pretty easy for most people. It is a gradual downhill walking path, which means it’s a gradual uphill walking path.
When you reach the bottom area, follow the signs and the boardwalk out to the endpoint. You’ll pass by a large building, which is the second powerhouse for the hydroelectric plant. From the end of the boardwalk, you’ll get a great view of the falls from below. Don’t climb beyond the fenced boardwalk. Simply enjoy the view, take photos, and relax before making the 1/2-mile trek back up to where you parked.
Other Activities at Snoqualmie Falls
Beyond observing Snoqualmie Falls from the Upper and Lower observation decks, there are several other activities you may want to enjoy.
- Enjoy a picnic at one of the tables near the Upper Observation Deck (tables cannot be reserved)
- Tour the Snoqualmie Falls Museum (SE 69th Place, Snoqualmie, Wash 98065)
- Grab a meal or stay overnight at the Salish Lodge & Spa
- Grab a souvenir from the Falls Gift Shop
- Launch a kayak or canoe from the lower parking area to float down the Snoqualmie River
Regardless of whether you’re planning to spend a night in the Salish Lodge or stop just long enough to grab a selfie at Snoqualmie Falls, it’s worth a stop.
The Details
Address: 6351 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
Cost: There is no cost to see Snoqualmie Falls. The parking area near the gift shop and Upper Observation Deck is a “Pay to Park” area. Prices start at $5 and are determined by how long you want to visit.
Hours: The observation decks are always open. The museum is open Wed – Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (open Labor Day, closed Memorial Day and Fourth of July).
Website: https://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/
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This so Soo cool! My grandparents actually visited sometimes last year, I can’t wait to go with them! It’s so pretty and majestic I would love to see it during the day and at night!
Our family enjoyed the quick stop here during our visit to Seattle. There’s lots more to explore, but we’ll have to capture that next time. It would be fun to see during the day and night, like you mentioned.