01Upper observation deckSee the classic view268 feet, a short walk from the car.
Snoqualmie Falls, Washington: 268 feet of wonder.
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THIRTY MILES FROM SEATTLE
Find your Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls drops 268 feet into a forested gorge on the Snoqualmie River, 30 miles east of Seattle. Start at the observation deck, walk the trail to the river, then explore Salish Lodge, the railway museum and hikes like Twin Falls. Entry is free; see hours and admission and parking before you go.
First visit
01Upper observation deckSee the classic view
02Trail to the lower fallsHike down to the riverA boardwalk to the base of the falls.
2017 map · See current parking fees below03ParkingPark for freeThe main lot and the footbridge.
04Day trip from SeattleA day from SeattleThe falls first, then the valley.
Outdoors
01Twin FallsFind a quieter waterfall135 feet in a mossy canyon.
02Rattlesnake Ledge & LakeClimb Rattlesnake LedgeA cliff-top view over the lake.
03Mount Si & Little SiTake on Mount SiThe valley’s big climb.
04Biking & the tunnelRide through a tunnel2.3 miles under Snoqualmie Pass.
Families & history
01Northwest Railway MuseumRide a vintage trainTo the top of the falls and back.
02Hydroelectric museum & power plantsPower from a waterfallThe first underground power plant.
03Salish Lodge & SpaBrunch above the fallsThe lodge from Twin Peaks.
04With kidsPlans for kidsShort walks, trains and snacks.
THE ESSENTIALS
Snoqualmie Falls at a glance
- Height
- 268 feet (82 m), about 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls
- Entry
- Free
- Hours
- Sunrise to sunset, every day
- Visitors
- More than 1.5 million a year
- Address
- 6501 Railroad Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
- From Seattle
- About 30 miles; I-90 exit 25
- Parking
- Free main lot across SR 202; paid lots beside the falls and in the lower park
Checked October 21, 2026 against Puget Sound Energy, the City of Snoqualmie and the attractions’ own sites.
The falls and the plunge pool from the upper park · Image credits
THE UPPER PARK
Start at the
top of the falls.
A paved path leads from the parking lots to railed overlooks on the rim of the gorge. From the main deck you see the whole drop, the plunge pool and Salish Lodge on the cliff, and in high water the spray drifts up to meet you.
Your two-hour plan
A LITTLE PLANNING GOES A LONG WAY
Know before you go
Snoqualmie Falls questions, answered
Is Snoqualmie Falls free?
Yes. Entry is free every day from sunrise to sunset. Parking is free in the main lot across SR 202; the small lot beside the gift shop and the lower lot charge a fee.
How tall is Snoqualmie Falls?
268 feet (82 meters), about 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls.
How far is Snoqualmie Falls from Seattle?
About 30 miles east, usually 35 to 45 minutes by car via I-90 exit 25.
How long is the hike to the bottom of Snoqualmie Falls?
About 1.4 miles round trip with roughly 250 feet of elevation change. The way down takes about 15 minutes; the climb back is steep.
When is the best time to see Snoqualmie Falls?
For the biggest flow, after winter storms or during spring snowmelt. For fewer people, weekday mornings. For rainbows, sunny evenings from late spring through summer.
Is Snoqualmie Falls wheelchair accessible?
The upper park and observation deck are paved and accessible, with accessible spaces in the paid lot by the gift shop. The trail to the lower viewpoint is not accessible.
Was Twin Peaks filmed at Snoqualmie Falls?
Yes. The falls appear in the opening titles, and Salish Lodge at the top played the exterior of the Great Northern Hotel.