Snoqualmie Falls

A popular day-trip destination east of Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls are easy to visit along 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 of the falls, 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.

• 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.

From Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls sits about a 30-minute drive east just outside the town of Snoqualmie in the Pacific Northwest. 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.

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.

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.

You can visit Snoqualmie Falls year-round. The waterfall is most impressive in the spring when melting mountain snows turn the river into a torrent. By early to mid-October, bright autumn foliage adds a colorful backdrop to the 270-foot (82-meter) falls—though rain is more likely when visiting this time of year.

It's a good idea to book Snoqualmie Falls tickets for a tour in advance. The most popular outings do sometimes sell out. Some tours also include activities such as Seattle sightseeing, hiking excursions, and vineyard wine tastings with a tour guide, so early booking is the best way to secure a spot on your tour of choice.

Most visitors spend at least 30 minutes at Snoqualmie Falls. The Upper Observation Deck has excellent views of the towering falls and is a short walk from the parking lot. You'll need more time to walk the .3-mile (.5-kilometer) boardwalk to the Lower Observation Deck, which passes through an old-growth forest.

Yes, you can see Snoqualmie Falls without hiking. The best way to see the falls without hiking is by visiting the Upper Observation Deck, which has excellent views of the waterfall. That viewing platform is 200 feet (61 meters) from the parking lot on a paved trail that's wheelchair accessible.

There are two ways to reach Snoqualmie Falls. The paved, 200-foot (61-meter) wheel-chair accessible path to the Upper Observation Deck is the easiest option. A slightly longer walk follows a .3-mile (.5-kilometer) boardwalk to the Lower Observation Deck. The boardwalk is primarily flat, family-friendly, and passes through the scenic riverside forest.

Wear comfortable walking shoes on your trip to Snoqualmie Falls, and pack an extra layer or two in case it's cool in the woods. Bringing a raincoat or poncho is also a good idea, as the waterfall's mighty spray can sometimes reach the observation decks.