Things to doTrail to the lower fallsThe Snoqualmie Falls trail drops about 250 feet from the upper park to the river, then follows a boardwalk to a viewpoint near the base of the falls. It is about 1.4 miles round trip, short but steep.
Things to do at Snoqualmie Falls
A rainbow in the spray of Snoqualmie Falls, June 2019. Photo: BabelStone · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0
Most visits start and end at the upper deck, but Snoqualmie Falls is also the starting point for trails, train rides and some of the best day hikes near Seattle.
Updated · Independent visitor guide
Things to doTrail to the lower falls
Things to doHiking nearbySnoqualmie Falls sits at the doorway to the most popular hiking country near Seattle. These trails are all within about half an hour of the falls; choose by how much climbing you want.
Things to doBiking & the tunnelTwo old railroad grades make the Snoqualmie Valley one of the best places near Seattle for easy, car-free riding, including a 2.3-mile tunnel under Snoqualmie Pass.
Things to doFree things to doSnoqualmie Falls is one of the best free sights in Washington. The park charges no admission, and with a little planning you can park, walk and visit a museum without paying anything.
Things to doWith kidsSnoqualmie Falls works well with children: the main viewpoint is a short, paved walk from the car, and the valley around it has trains, gentle trails and plenty of space to run.
Things to doPhotography tipsSnoqualmie Falls photographs well in every season, but the light, the spray and the water level change everything. Here is where to stand and when.
See the falls three ways
Start at the upper observation deck for the classic view. Then walk the trail to the lower falls, about 1.4 miles round trip, to feel the spray from the riverbank. For a third view, book a table or a drink at Salish Lodge, right at the top. Photographers should read our photo guide for the best light.
Hike, ride and explore the valley
Within half an hour are Twin Falls, Rattlesnake Ledge and Mount Si, plus the flat Snoqualmie Valley Trail for riding. In town, take a vintage train at the Northwest Railway Museum or learn how the falls make power at the hydroelectric museum. Families should read Snoqualmie Falls with kids, and anyone on a budget our free things to do.
Plan around crowds and weather
Summer weekends from late morning to mid-afternoon are the busiest; the free lot can fill, and trailhead lots fill even earlier. The falls are biggest in winter storms and spring snowmelt, when the lower viewpoint is soaked in spray. In any season bring a rain layer, and check hours and admission and parking before you go.
Sources & current information
- Puget Sound Energy: Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Museum and Park
- Northwest Railway Museum
- Washington Trails Association: Snoqualmie Falls
Check the responsible provider for current access, schedules, prices and availability.
Keep planning your visit
Snoqualmie Falls guideItinerariesFour ways to plan your time at Snoqualmie Falls, from a quick stop on the way over the pass to a full day of waterfalls.
Things to doFree things to doSnoqualmie Falls is one of the best free sights in Washington. The park charges no admission, and with a little planning you can park, walk and visit a museum without paying anything.
Plan your visitBest time to visitSnoqualmie Falls changes more through the year than most waterfalls, because its flow depends on rain, snowmelt and how much water the power plants take. Here is what to expect in each season.