A Hike and a Waterfall in Snoqualmie, Washington

A natural site one can count on to attract a crowd is a waterfall. My daughter Andrea is particularly fond of searching out waterfalls which we did on our trip to Iceland. There are many waterfalls in the northwest, but if you are looking for one that is easy to get to from Seattle, then Snoqualmie Falls is the one to check out. On a clear, beautiful day in March we decided to drive up to see the falls.

First, however, we needed to get in our Saturday walk. Passing through the town of Snoqualmie is the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. This nearly 32 mile trail starts in Duvall and traverses the valley before climbing up to North Bend. We have walked part of the trail before around Duvall and Carnation. This time, however, we would walk a section between Snoqualmie and Fall City.

We drove out on Tokul Road until we came to a small parking lot next to the trail. The lot only holds about eight cars. We got lucky as a couple was just completing their walk so we were able to take their space. When we returned later, we saw that a few people had parked on the other side of the road.

From the parking area we had to walk down a section of stairs to the trail. We planned to go west so we walked under the road through the tunnel which was made from metal. It felt like a large pipe. There were a few bicycle riders on the trail, but overall it was not a particularly busy trail.

The trail replaces an old railroad track so it is a nice wide trail. Most of the trail has hard-packed dirt and gravel and is easy to walk.

This section of the trail is fairly level although it has a very gradual downward direction. After passing an open section, we came to part where there was a fairly steep bank on the right side of the trail. Here we saw a number of the old moss covered trees that are noteworthy around the northwest in areas that don’t get much sun.

A mile into the trail we came to the Tokul Trestle. This is a large wooden trestle which curves over Tokul Creek far below. The creek is mostly white water as it goes under the trestle. The trestle itself is quite the structure. Instead of train tracks, it now has a paved trail over the top of it.

After crossing the trestle, we continued on for another two miles.We saw a variety of users on the trail. The majority were bikers, but there were some walkers like ourselves. We even saw someone on horseback.

Toward the end of our walk, the view opens up on the south side of the trail. We could see some of the landscape down below around the Snoqualmie River. One of my favorite sections was where there was a long row of evergreens on the south side of the trail. The lower parts of the trees had no green needles so they presented a very vertical and graphic view along the trail.

Just before we decided to turn around, we saw a road that crossed the trail up ahead. According to the map, another parking lot was there.

The walk back was slightly uphill, but it wasn’t difficult. All together we had walked about six miles. It did warm up, but most of the trail was shaded so it was a fairly comfortable walk.

It was now time to check out Snoqualmie Falls. The main viewing area of the falls is also near the Salish Lodge. When we arrived at the main entrance, traffic had backed up. People were trying to get into the parking lot across the street. It was a mess. So I passed all the traffic and drove farther down the highway and found the sign indicating the lower parking lot. There was no backed up traffic there, and I was able to find a parking spot without difficulty.

We have visited Snoqualmie Falls many times over the years, and it has continued to evolve. The lower parking lot is a case in point as it was a new addition the last time we visited. This time we found a plaza area with restrooms on the lower section.

This lower parking lot is at the river level. When I first came to the falls many years ago, there was a trail down to the river. People would brave the hike to go down and get into the water around the base of the falls. That’s not so possible anymore. They have built a boardwalk along the edge of the water, and it ends at a viewing point for the falls. People are encouraged to stay on the boardwalk, although I did see two young men walking past the view point.

Walking down the boardwalk visitors can see large pipes that divert water to go through turbines to create electricity. The first generators to create electricity were installed in the 1890s. Generators have continued to produce electricity here ever since. Throughout the park are some pieces of turbines and other parts that have been used in the past.

After passing the large water pipes, the boardwalk follows along the river until visitors reach the viewpoint. The spot can be crowded, but offers a great spot for one’s photos.

We were also very lucky to see some whitewater kayakers. That was actually pretty interesting. I had decided by chance to put my telephoto lens on my camera to take photos. As we were walking back from the viewpoint, Silvette pointed out a group of people on the other side of the river with their kayaks. We couldn’t quite figure out what they were doing, but eventually they started walking up the river’s edge toward the falls.

We lost sight of them, but figured they would come back down the river through a section of rapids so we waited. I had figured out how to do a rapid fire shot series with my camera so when they came down, I was ready. Only two men came down, and they actually seemed to be practicing going against the white water. With my telephoto lens, I was able to get in really close, and I am excited about the photos I was able to get.

It was then time to hike up to the top of the falls and check that area out. I knew it was a steep hike, but I didn’t realize how far it was. It was just shy of a mile by my phone tracker. It was quite the workout.

Just a few years ago in 2017 the Snoqualmie tribe bought the Salish Lodge and the surrounding area from the Muckleshoot Indian tribe. This is their home land, and now they are able to control what is done here. I wanted to see what they had done to the park.

The Salish Lodge and its popular restaurant don’t seem to have changed. There is a new gift shop building on the property that I don’t remember seeing before. The bridge from the parking lot to the falls remains an important way for visitors to safely come to the park.

After wandering around on top for a bit, we started our journey back down to the lower parking lot. I had thought going down would be easier than coming up, but it was hard on my knees. I guess I’m getting old.

With the sun out and blue skies, Snoqualmie Falls seemed to be a major destination for the day. We enjoyed our time hiking and checking out the falls again. However, I think we may pay for it tomorrow with some sore muscles.

So what have you been doing as we leave winter behind and move into spring? Is there a favorite hike you have or a favorite place you like to go? Share your favorite spring options in the comment box below. I look forward to seeing your ideas.