Snoqualmie Falls- One of Washington’s Most Popular Free Scenic Attractions! (Bellevue, WA)

Located 25 miles (40 km.) east of downtown Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is one of most stunning waterfalls in the U.S. and is one of Washington's most popular scenic attractions. Also, it is best known internationally for its appearance in the cult television show, Twin Peaks. 

Snoqualmie Falls is a 268-foot (82-meter) wonder on the Snoqualmie River, which is a major source of naturally generated hydro-electric power for the region. With its size, even though Snoqualmie Falls is not as wide as Niagara Falls, it is almost 100 feet (about 30 m.) higher than Niagara Falls.

It is a sacred place for Native American (Snoqualmie Indian Tribe) culture and spirituality. It is central to their culture, beliefs, and spirituality. In 2009, the falls were formally listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Traditional Cultural Property for its association with the beliefs of the Snoqualmie people.

More than 1.5 million visitors come to see Snoqualmie Falls every year. At the falls, there are a beautiful two-acre (0.8 ha) park, gift shop, observation deck, Salish Lodge (a luxury mountain lodge hotel), and the famous waterfall. You can view the falls from a convenient park area with a platform giving 180-degree views of the waterfall.

A .7-mile (1.1-km.) interpretive trail runs between the upper falls viewpoints and lower falls viewpoint. The trail is family- and pet-friendly and good for beginners.

The trail leads to right in front of the falls where you can really feel the grandeur of the falling water.

Free parking and the free viewing area are both open all day (dawn to dusk). Pets are allowed, but must remain on a leash at all times. The distance from the free parking lot to the viewing platform is approximately 200 feet (61 m.) and is accessible by wheelchair. At night, lights illuminate the falls.