After leaving Discovery Park and saying goodbye to Seattle we headed to one of the many beautiful waterfalls that can be found in Washington. Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most well known....and often times named as the #1 waterfall in the state.
It took close to 1.5 hours to get there as we ran into some rush hour traffic. As we arrived, around 6:15, we found free parking just off the street. As we entered the area we noticed the gift shop was already closed and there were signs on the restroom indicating they closed at 6:00. Hopeful they were still open, we tugged on the door. To our relief (figuratively and literally) they were.
It is a rather short walk to the Falls. There is an upper and a lower viewing area with each giving a bit of a different view. We could see why this was the most visited waterfall in the state. There is also a hiking trail overlooking the Falls that we did not do. Had it not been the end of a long day and had we not already walked all over Seattle earlier, then this hike would have been on our "must do" list.
Salish Lodge can be seen overlooking the falls. Sadly, we did not book the Salish Lodge for our overnight stay. Our friends stayed there a few years ago and gave it a glowing recommendation.
One thing we learned on this trip is that it doesn't get dark in the PNW until around 9:30 during the summer months. Had it been close to that time, we would have certainly stuck around to see the waterfall as it is illuminated at night.
Many people recognize this waterfall in the opening credits of the television show Twin Peaks.
The Travel Gritty: Expect a crowd and plan accordingly.
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