Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington State's most popular natural attractions, a powerful 82-metre (268-foot) waterfall, taller than Niagara, plunging into a misty gorge amid the forested foothills of the Cascades, about 30 minutes east of Seattle. A free observation deck right by the parking area gives an immediate, dramatic view of the falls, and a steep half-mile trail descends to a lower viewpoint at the river's edge for a different perspective (and the spray). The falls are sacred to the Snoqualmie Tribe, and the historic Salish Lodge perches atop the falls (and featured in 'Twin Peaks').

It's an easy, rewarding nature stop from Seattle, go in spring when snowmelt makes the falls thunderous, or any time for the lush forest setting. The upper viewpoint is quick and accessible; the lower trail rewards those who want a closer, wilder look.

Don't miss

• The 82m waterfall plunging into a forested gorge
• The free, accessible upper observation deck
• The half-mile trail to the lower river-level viewpoint
• The historic Salish Lodge atop the falls ('Twin Peaks')
• Spring snowmelt making the falls thunderous

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Snoqualmie Falls

Cheapest way inZipline To The Falls in Niagara Falls, Canada4.3★ · 1,275 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$61 per personSee dates →Most bookedKauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike4.8★ · 1,584 travelers~5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$135 per personSee dates →Top ratedSnoqualmie falls and Twin Falls Hike5★ · 132 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$75 per personSee dates →

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How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• The upper observation deck is free, quick, and accessible right by the parking.
• The half-mile lower trail is steep but gives a closer, mistier view.
• Spring snowmelt makes the falls most powerful; weekends fill the parking, arrive early.
• It's a sacred site for the Snoqualmie Tribe, treat it respectfully.

A bit of history

Snoqualmie Falls is a sacred site for the Snoqualmie Tribe, central to their creation traditions. A hydroelectric plant, one of the first of its kind built inside a mountain, has operated at the falls since 1899, and the site became a popular scenic attraction, gaining fame as a 'Twin Peaks' filming location.