Snoqualmie Falls is a 268-foot plunge waterfall on the Snoqualmie River at the edge of the city of Snoqualmie in King County, Washington. The city calls it the state's second most visited natural landmark after Mount Rainier, drawing more than 1.5 million visitors a year.
The falls
The river drops in a single leap, about 100 feet wide, into a deep rock amphitheater. Field surveys record the drop at 268 feet, though lidar data indicates the natural waterfall is about 10 to 12 feet less, and visitor materials often round the figure to 270. Flow has been regulated for hydropower since the 1890s: Puget Sound Energy diverts water at a dam 150 feet upstream, with operating conditions maintaining at least 100 cubic feet per second over the falls in daylight and 200 on holidays. In high water, spray swirls in the amphitheater and can rise above the lip of the falls.
Getting there
The park, run by Puget Sound Energy, is at 6501 Railroad Ave SE in Snoqualmie and is open free of charge from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. The upper viewpoint is about 200 feet from the paid lot, which charges $7 an hour; a free lot across the road connects by a sky bridge, with additional overflow parking at Railroad Avenue and Snoqualmie Parkway. A lower lot is also available for $7. A one-mile paved walk links the falls with downtown Snoqualmie, and regional buses stop near the site.
The lower trail spans 1.4 miles round trip with 250 feet of gain, rated easy: a steep gravel descent of 0.4 mile, followed by 0.3 mile of flat boardwalk along the river to the lower viewpoint.
When to go
The falls run year-round and are strongest during spring snowmelt and early-winter rains, when mist and spray can obscure the view. Crowds are heaviest at busy times, when bringing pets is discouraged.
On site
The upper platform is wheelchair accessible, though the lower trail is not. The grounds offer upper and lower overlooks, restrooms, picnic areas, a gift shop and interpretive displays along the lower boardwalk. Leashed dogs are permitted, while drones are prohibited. Signs warn visitors not to climb over gates or railings toward the river: rocks are slippery and river currents change without warning. Salish Lodge & Spa stands beside the upper overlook.
History and name
The Snoqualmie Tribe regards the falls as its birthplace and a sacred Traditional Cultural Property, with native names including šəqaʔɫdaɫ. The name Snoqualmie derives from a Salish term for the moon, and travelers made the trek here as early as 1865. The underground powerhouse dates from 1898, a second plant followed in 1910, and the facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Nearby
On Tokul Creek, Tokul Creek Falls, Middle Tokul Creek Falls and Hidden Falls are each about 1.3 miles away. Fantastic Falls, on the North Fork Snoqualmie River, is about 5 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.