Introduction:
What? :
The Snoqualmie Falls hike in Washington State, about one hour drive east of Seattle is one of the most popular and accessible waterfall trails in the Pacific Northwest, offering stunning views of the 268-foot cascade from both the top and the base.
The "hike" is a short, interpretive trail that connects the main Upper Park observation decks. You can also hike down to the Lower Park's riverside viewpoint.
Where? :
Snoqualmie Falls is located about 30 miles (48 km) east of Seattle.
From Seattle Take I-90 East, Take Exit 25 for WA-18 E (Snoqualmie Parkway).
Turn Left onto WA-18 / Snoqualmie Parkway and continue for approximately 3.7 miles.
Turn Left onto Railroad Avenue.
Follow Railroad Avenue; the parking lots for the Upper Falls will be immediately visible (free lot on the right, paid lot on the left).
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When? :
Year-round.
The appearance of the falls changes dramatically with the season. Visit in spring or early summer for the most powerful, wide curtain of water. In late summer or fall, the flow is reduced, revealing more of the rock face.
Due note 1:
The park opens from dawn to dusk.
Due note 2:
No hiking permit is required for the Snoqualmie Falls trail itself.
Due note 3:
Admission to the park and viewing areas is free.
While the falls are free to visit, parking has two options: Free Parking is located across the street from the Upper Falls viewing area. A pedestrian bridge connects this lot to the park.
A smaller paid parking lot is available closer to the Upper Falls viewpoint and visitor center (usually around $7 for 2 hours).
Payment is made at self-serve kiosks.
Due note 4:
Near the parking lot there is a small Visitor Center/Gift Shop/Food&Coffee
Due note 5:
Snoqualmie Falls is a sacred site to the Snoqualmie Tribe. Be respectful of the area and its deep cultural history.
Due note 6:
Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails and viewing areas.
Due note 7:
Snoqualmie Falls is extremely popular. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or on a weekday.
Due note 8:
You can drive directly to the Lower Falls Viewpoint via SE Fish Hatchery Rd, which has its own small parking lot.
My thoughts:
This was a fun half day trip from Seattle.
If you are visiting the area or driving up on highway 90 and you are looking for an easy hike with a nice waterfall view I recommend visiting here.
The visit:
There are upper Falls Viewpoints: From the parking lot, cross the pedestrian bridge (if coming from the free lot) to reach the main Upper Park Plaza. The walkways here are paved and accessible.
Cliffside Vistas: Follow the short, paved paths to multiple cliffside viewing areas, which offer breathtaking top-down views of the 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls, the Salish Lodge perched above, and the Snoqualmie River gorge.
The hike down length (out and back) is about 1.4 – 1.6 miles with 400 feet of elevation loss / gain. The trail is entirely downhill one way and uphill on the return.
From the paved section the trail leading down immediately begins its descent into the forest. It is a moderately steep grade, you are losing about 250-400 feet of elevation over approximately 0.5 miles.
Along this section, you are immersed in a lush Pacific Northwest second-growth forest, with Douglas fir, Western redcedar, and Bigleaf maple trees.
After the short hike down you will reach the Lower Park Plaza, where you'll find restrooms and additional information kiosks detailing the hydroelectric plant
From here the trail keeps going down to the power house.
You will pass over the impressive water tubes and get down, almost to the river level.
Here a short 0.2 mile boardwalk will take you to the waterfall lower view point.
You can also visit the downstream river side.
The return hike is a steep climb that can be strenuous for some, just take it slowly and take rests on the benches.
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