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Snoqualmie Falls: A Sacred Cascade

Experience the power and beauty of Snoqualmie Falls, a sacred site and natural wonder just a short drive from Seattle.

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Snoqualmie Falls, a majestic 268-foot waterfall located about 30 miles east of Seattle, is a natural and cultural landmark. Revered by the Snoqualmie Tribe as a sacred site and a place of spiritual connection, the falls also harness hydroelectric power. Visitors can explore the falls' viewpoints, learn about its history, and appreciate its stunning beauty.

A brief summary to Snoqualmie Falls

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit in the spring or after a major rainstorm for the most dramatic water flow [2].
  • Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and during the summer [13, 14].
  • Take the short hike (0.7 miles each way) down to the lower observation point for a different perspective of the falls [2, 13].
  • Park in the free upper parking lot to save money; a pedestrian bridge provides easy access to the falls [2, 5].
  • Dress in layers, as it can be cold and windy near the falls [14].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Seattle, take I-90 East to Exit 25 for Snoqualmie Parkway [5]. Turn left onto Snoqualmie Parkway and follow it for about 4 miles. Turn right onto SE 99th Street, which becomes Falls Avenue SE. Follow signs for Snoqualmie Falls Park. There are three parking options: a paid lot near the Visitor Center ($7 for 0-2 hours, plus $5 per additional hour), and two free lots [5]. The upper lot is across the road, with a pedestrian bridge to the falls [2, 5]. The lower lot provides access to the lower falls area [5]. Parking can be limited, especially during peak season [10].

  • Public Transport

    From Seattle, take Sound Transit 554 to Issaquah Transit Center [5, 19]. Transfer to King County Metro 208 to Snoqualmie [5]. Get off at Railroad Ave SE & Snoqualmie Pkwy [5]. From there, walk about half a mile to Snoqualmie Falls [19]. The bus fare is approximately $5 each way [19]. Alternatively, Snoqualmie Valley Transportation (SVT) offers local transport within the Snoqualmie Valley for $1 per ride [20].

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Discover more about Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington State's most popular natural attractions, drawing visitors with its breathtaking 268-foot cascade [2, 6]. The falls are located on the Snoqualmie River, and have been a sacred site for the Snoqualmie Tribe for generations [8, 17]. The tribe believes the falls are the birthplace of the Snoqualmie people and a place where prayers are carried to the Creator [17, 18]. For thousands of years, the Snoqualmie Valley was a seasonal meeting place for native peoples, with the Snoqualmie Tribe establishing villages nearby [4, 11]. White settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, and the falls quickly became a tourist destination [4, 11]. In the late 19th century, a civil engineer named Charles Baker built an underground power plant at the falls, which still operates today [3, 4]. Today, visitors can experience the falls from multiple viewpoints, including an upper observation deck and a lower observation point accessible via a hiking trail [2]. Interpretive signage throughout the park tells the story of the falls' natural and cultural history [6]. The adjacent Salish Lodge & Spa offers dining and lodging options [2, 6]. Snoqualmie Falls offers a powerful and beautiful experience, blending natural beauty, cultural significance, and historical interest [2, 6, 7].

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