Snoqualmie Falls: A Must-See Day Trip from Seattle + Important Tips
If you’re visiting Seattle and looking for a natural escape, a day trip to Snoqualmie Falls is something you simply must do. Just a short drive from the city, this majestic 268-foot waterfall is an incredibly beautiful wonder to experience.
At first glance from the first viewing platform, you’ll be impressed by how powerful and beautiful the waterfall is. The mist rises high, and the water flows from the falls in stunning ripples of blue and green surrounded by evergreen trees. You hear the roar of the water that is somehow calming and you might think you’ve found the perfect view.
But the real magic happens as you follow the trail to discover new angles and vantage points that make you appreciate the waterfall even more. By the time you reach the lowest viewing point, the waterfall feels like something you’d only see in a movie, and you realize you’re immersed in an experience so extraordinary and spiritual, even.
As someone who loves nature, the hike itself was just as beautiful as the falls. The relatively short trail winds through a quiet forest, where you’re surrounded by giant firs and maples draped in brilliant shades of green moss. While Seattle is known as the Emerald City for its evergreens, the hike gives you an even richer palette of natural colors that was quite inspiring for me. You’ll pass berry bushes, ferns, and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way. The air just feels clean and it’s an overwhelmingly peaceful environment, which couldn’t be more perfect for anyone who loves being outdoors.
Tips for Visiting Snoqualmie Falls
Seattle is generally cloudy, and you never know when the rain may hit. I should also mention that we walked nearly everywhere we went in Seattle, such that I was walking 12,000-16,000 steps per day over the two weeks I was there. Below are some tips for visiting Snoqualmie Falls, but I would suggest keeping them in mind for Seattle in general:
Book a Tour Through Viator: Instead of dealing with rental cars or public transit, I highly recommend booking a guided trip through Viator. It’s stress-free, you’ll get to see other Seattle highlights and possibly learn interesting facts along the way if you luck up and get a great tour guide like we did. Check out the tour we booked here.
Dress for the Weather: It’s cold and windy near the falls, so wear layers, a scarf, a hat, and gloves to stay warm.
Wear Proper Footwear: The trail down to the lower viewpoint can be muddy, so hiking boots or sturdy shoes are a must.
Visit in the Morning: For fewer crowds and the best lighting for photos, go early in the day.
Take Your Time: Don’t rush through the hike! Stop, listen to the water, breathe in the fresh air, read the plaques that describe the flora and fauna and just be in the moment. How often do you get to experience something like this?
Snoqualmie Falls is the kind of place that reminds you just how beautiful nature is and that the world is so much bigger than us. To me, these kinds of experiences are always worth making a trip for.
