We drove from Seattle on a rainy morning, and less than an hour later we arrived at Snoqualmie Falls. Snoqualmie Falls had been on my list for a long time because of Twin Peaks. The waterfall appears in the opening scene together with the building next to it, which in the series is the Great Northern Hotel, and even if you’ve only seen a few episodes, it’s a place you recognize right away.
I started watching Twin Peaks when it first aired in Denmark, but I only made it through a couple of episodes before it got too scary for me. I picked it up again years later and watched the rest, and it’s still one of my all time favorites.
We parked by the main viewpoint and walked straight over to the railing. You hear the waterfall before you see it. The water drops 268 feet in one uninterrupted fall, and it’s a really impressive sight.
It was still raining, and together with the mist from the waterfall, everything quickly turned damp. After taking in the view and snapping a few photos, we followed the short trail down to the bottom of the falls. From below, it feels completely different. The atmosphere is calmer and more peaceful, and there weren’t many people down there, so for most of the time it was just us.
It’s a fascinating place, and we ended up staying much longer than planned. Definitely worth a visit, even if you haven’t seen Twin Peaks.
If you’re planning a visit:
There weren’t many people when we were there, but it can get quite busy, especially on weekends. Go early or later in the day if you want to avoid the crowds.
Parking is right by the main viewpoint, but it fills up quickly when it’s busy. If you arrive in the middle of the day, you might have to wait for a spot.
Walk down to the base via the trail if you have the time. It’s a short walk and gives you a different and more peaceful experience than from above.
Snoqualmie Falls is a sacred site for the Snoqualmie Tribe and has deep cultural and spiritual significance, so be respectful when visiting.
At the base of the falls, there’s a hydroelectric power plant from 1898, which is still in operation.
Wear shoes with good grip, especially if it’s wet. The trail can be slippery.
Bring a rain jacket or an umbrella. You can feel the mist from the waterfall even when it’s not raining.
Hardcore Twin Peaks fans can stop by Salish Lodge, right next to the falls, which was used as the exterior for the Great Northern Hotel. You don’t have to stay there to go inside, and the view from there is supposed to be really nice.
