Adventures in Washington: Snoqualmie Falls (yes, that one from Twin Peaks)

Although we have been home from our snowy, cold, Washington adventure for almost a month now, I  still keep thinking about all the sights we were able to see and pack into our two week vacation.  The final adventure of our recent mainland trip was to Snoqualmie Falls.  This was one of the only things on my "we have to do" list.  We saved it until our last full day before flying home to O'ahu.  

That phrase saving the best for last definitely applies here.  As obsessed with hiking as I am, I am equally obsessed with television.  If I'm not hiking (or blogging about hiking), then you can find me catching up on my favorite shows on my DVR or Netflix.  One of those favorites is Twin Peaks (the original, not the recent reboot).  As a fan of the show and as a fan of hiking, our trip to Snoqualmie Falls was the perfect place to visit, as it included both a small trail hike through forrest and along the river with the end point being the base of the falls---featured in, you guessed it Twin Peaks.  I made it to hiking/T.V. heaven!

The falls were gorgeous!  The weather was crisp and perfect.  Our hike started at the top of the falls and took us down a winding downhill trail that led to a beautiful boardwalk alongside the water and finally ending at the base of the waterfall.  Snoqualmie Falls is in Snoqualmie, Washington, a little town east of Seattle.  The waterfall flows into the Snoqualmie River and is 268 feet tall.  Snoqualmie Falls is known as a curtain waterfall, meaning: it flows over a ledge and falls over a height larger than the width of the falling water stream.  (Thanks Wikipedia)

At first we thought that the only hike to see the falls was from the car in the parking lot across the street to the top viewing platform.  As we wandered around more, we came across trail marker signs and we headed down the path not knowing how far we would be going or what we might see along the way. Insert Twin Peaks quote here: "Harry, I have no idea where this will lead us, but I have a definite feeling it will be a place both wonderful and strange." Dale Cooper, Twin Peaks

Thankfully we did not encounter any large wildlife, just other fellow trail goers, a couple of harmless squirrels, and another good stretch for our legs that were about to be crammed on the airplane the following day.

I loved seeing the falls from my T.V. show in person.  The hiking trail was a great trail for the entire family.  You won't need special hiking shoes for this path that is paved in several portions.  There are informational signs about the plants and animals that inhabit the area, facts about the history of the Falls, and a gift shop with a hotel and restaurant at the top---something for everyone.

Even though the kids did complain about going on another hike (really it was more of a stroll), I know they secretly enjoyed seeing Snoqualmie Falls.  It is the most impressive waterfall we have seen as a family.  The waterfalls on O'ahu aren't nearly as big, raging, or tall in comparison.  We also had the bribe of cherry pie at Twede's Cafe (better known as the Twin Peaks Diner) to move them along the path, as that was our next destination after the Falls to keep with the Twin Peaks theme of the day.

As we traveled back up the path we had walked down and headed towards the car, I noticed a series of words on the stairs leading to the main observation deck...all fantastic adjectives describing Snoqualmie Falls.

Breathtaking, twirling, swirling, whirling, gushing, rushing, sparkling, tumbling, rumbling, crashing, roaring, pouring, plunging, meandering...

Now, I was able to add one more love to the Snoqualmie Falls Day adventure...words.  My love for books and all things written word was the perfect way to end a day of taking in nature, small kine hiking, and fan girling over Twin Peaks references and landmarks.