Best Waterfalls Near Seattle- Snoqualmie Falls Hike
Visiting Seattle soon? Live in Seattle and looking for things to do? I bet you 100% you searched “best waterfalls near Seattle,” into google, and I don’t blame you! Washington is known for its lush green environment and roaring waterfalls. If you search this, you’ll in no doubt find Snoqualmie Falls. On my last trip (June 2023), I made a pit stop here on the way to Leavenworth. I HIGHLY suggest doing the Snoqualmie Falls hike. Let me tell you why.
***UPDATED INFORMATION AS OF JUNE 2023***
Where is snoqualmie Falls?
Snoqualmie Falls is ony 35 minutes EAST of Downtown Seattle- not bad at all! It’s very easy to navigate to, since it’s marked on Apple and Google Maps. After exiting the highway, you’ll go through Snoqualmie, turn left, hit the roundabout and you’re there. There is plenty of FREE PARKING and there are staff members to direct you and keep traffic going. I took a pit stop at Snoqualmie Falls on my way to Leavenworth, but it’s also perfect as a quick day trip.
RESOURCES AT THE FALLS
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE IT?
SNOQUALMIE FALLS IS BUSIEST ON THE WEEKEND AND DURING THE DAY.
SNOQUALMIE FALLS HIKE
UPPER FALLS
The nice thing about Snoqualmie Falls is parking is free, and you DON’T need a permit to hike. Upper Snoqualmie Falls is only a few steps away from the closest parking lot. It’s stunning, but very busy. There’s a few levels to Upper Snoqualmie Falls. Be prepared for crowds here. This area is wheelchair accessible too.
LOWER FALLS
If you want to spend some extra time around the falls and get some exercise, you can hike to Lower Falls- a view from bottom up. This part of the trail is not accessible and is steep. However far you go down, you have to come back up!
SNOQUALMIE FALLS HIKE STATS
The hike begins on a paved walkway slowly moves back and forth. You’ll enter a beautiful dense, mossy forest before the trail turns to dirt.
Once you pass a metal bridge and a mill, you know you’re close. You’ll see Snoqualmie Falls to the right. I saw a high-adventure kayaker taking a break and then continuing on down the river. I’m so impressed by their skills. You’ll then notice a wood boardwalk that will bring you to the falls. There’s a small viewing platform here, so be curteous.
THE HIKE TO LOWER SNOQUALMIE FALLS IS STEEP- BE PREPARED.
SNOQUALMIE FALLS SUMMARY
I give this hike a 10/10 rating. It’s lush and green, short, easily accessible, and close to town. I highly suggest doing the Snoqualmie Falls Hike on your next trip to Seattle. I suggest you extend your drive east to Leavenworth- read my posts below! Happy hiking!
10 Bucket List Things to Do in Leavenworth
Best Places to Stay in Leavenworth- From Camping to Cabins to Hotels
