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Seattle, Washington / Viewpoints

Snoqualmie Falls

A breathtaking 268-foot cascade on the Snoqualmie River, this iconic landmark is a sacred site for the Snoqualmie Tribe and a world-famous filming location for the series Twin Peaks.

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Snoqualmie Falls
Meher Anand Kasam, CC BY-SA 3.0

What is Snoqualmie Falls known for?

Snoqualmie Falls is a 268-foot waterfall on the Snoqualmie River and one of Washington's most popular scenic attractions. It is internationally known for appearing in the television series Twin Peaks and is a sacred site to the Snoqualmie Tribe, who consider it humanity's place of origin.

What are the hours for visiting?

The upper and lower observation decks are open every day of the year, while the free viewing area and free parking are open from dawn until dusk.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the route from the free parking lot to the viewing platform is approximately 200 feet and is wheelchair accessible.

Is it good for kids and pets?

Yes, leashed pets are allowed at the falls. Additionally, there is a 0.7-mile interpretive trail between viewpoints that is suitable for beginners and is both family- and pet-friendly.

What facilities are available on-site?

The visitor area includes a two-acre park, an observation deck, a gift shop, and the Salish Lodge, which features a luxury lodge, spa, and restaurant.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Snoqualmie Falls is a roaring 268-foot cascade that drops in one largely unbroken fall into the Snoqualmie River. Located east of Seattle between Fall City and Snoqualmie, Washington, this site is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as a point of natural and cultural convergence, as the Snoqualmie Tribe considers the falls to be humanity’s place of origin. The visitor experience is centered around a two-acre park that welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors annually. Guests can explore the site via upper and lower observation decks, which remain open every day of the year. For those seeking a more immersive experience, a 0.7-mile interpretive trail connects the upper and lower viewpoints, offering a path that is suitable for beginners and friendly to pets. Beyond its natural beauty, the site has a rich industrial and pop-culture history. Since 1898, the river's drop has been utilized to generate electricity, a function currently managed by Puget Sound Energy. In the early 1990s, the falls achieved international cult status after featuring prominently in the credit sequence of David Lynch's television series Twin Peaks. Amenities at the falls include a gift shop and the luxury Salish Lodge, which features a spa and restaurant. The free viewing area and parking lot operate from dawn until dusk, providing accessible vistas of the granite cliffs. In the evening, the falls are illuminated by lights, transforming the landscape into a nocturnal spectacle.

Visitor tips

  • The route from the free parking lot to the viewing platform is approximately 200 feet and is wheelchair accessible.
  • If you have pets, leashed animals are welcome on the grounds and the 0.7-mile interpretive trail.
  • Visit during the evening to see the falls illuminated by lights.
  • Plan your visit between dawn and dusk to utilize the free parking and viewing areas.

Nearby context

Situated east of Seattle in the town of Snoqualmie, the falls act as the primary landmark for the region, nestled between the community of Snoqualmie and Fall City.

Sources

Evidence and links