Snoqualmie is a small city in Snoqualmie Valley in the heart of Washington State, about 25 miles from Seattle. The city was built at the site of the former Fort Alden, which was built to protect the settlers from the native population whose land they were taking over. Snoqualmie River passes through town and forms a 268-foot high waterfall. There is a scenic trail that runs to the base of the waterfall. The Northwest Railway Museum was built in 1889 and includes a historic depot, Railway History Center and more than 70 historic locomotives, passenger and freight cars. DirtFish is a prestigious rally school and Mailbox Peak Trail is one of the most popular, and most challenging hiking trails in the North Bend area.
1. Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is a 268-foot high waterfall on the Snoqualmie River near the town of Snoqualmie, Washington. The river is diverted into the power plants, but after heavy rains and when the snow melts, the river gets high enough to flow across the entire precipice, stretching to almost 150 feet, making the falls look like a heavy curtain. The fall is surrounded by a two-acre park, the Salish Lodge with a gift shop and a wonderful observation platform about 200 feet from the parking lot. The hiking trail to the river starts a few feet from the observation platform and it is well-marked. The trail is short but very scenic as it passes through old trees on the way to the powerhouse. The trail continues behind the powerhouse to a boardwalk that goes to the base of the falls. At the powerhouse, visitors can see the turbines generating hydropower if they look through the windows.
6501 Railroad Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065-9687
2. Northwest Railway Museum
The Northwest Railway Museum is a 25,000 square feet railroad museum in Snoqualmie, Washington. It was built in 1889 by the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway. The museum showcases the role and historic impact of railways in the development of the American Northwest. It is the biggest and oldest railway museum in Washington State. The museum includes a historic depot and seven and half-acre Railway History Center. The museum has a significant collection of railway artifacts and equipment, which includes more than 70 historic locomotives, passenger and freight cars, and various railway equipment. The museum offers antique train excursions on weekends, from April to October.
38625 SE King St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
3. DirtFish
Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range in the town of Snoqualmie, WA, DirtFish Rally School is considered one of the most prestigious rally schools in North America. The school was established in 2010 in order to make the exciting sport of rally accessible to everyone. Equipped with a fleet of turbocharged, all-wheel-drive cars, DirtFish teaches confidence, car control and safety behind the wheel, using advanced driving techniques rooted in the rally driving. They have instructors with a range of driving backgrounds, and the school is open to anyone, from 15-year old youngsters with a learner’s permit, to 85-year old experienced drivers. The school improves everyone’s driving ability: a mom that drives kids to school on icy roads in the winter, a stunt driver who needs practice on multiple surfaces, or a professional racer wishing to gain better control.
7001 396th Dr SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, Phone: 866-285-1332
4. Mailbox Peak
With elevation gain of 3,982 feet, Mailbox Peak loop is a challenging 8.4-mile hike in the North Bend area that combines the legendary Old Trail with the New Trail created recently by the Department of Natural Resources. The Old Trail portion is very difficult, with sharp inclines through forest. The trail is easy to follow until about 3000 feet, when it starts being covered by fallen pine needles and leaves. Fortunately, the white trail markers are easy to follow. After the Old Trail meets the New Trail it is straightforward although still steep and challenging. It is a fast and fun hike up through rocks, boulders and wild flowers. The view from the top of Mount Rainier and the Middle Fork Valley below is breathtaking.
Snoqualmie, WA
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5. Sigillo Cellars
Sigillo Cellars is a family-owned and run winery established in 2010 in Snoqualmie, Washington. The first year they produced over 400 cases of wine, sourcing their grapes from the local vineyards. They increased the production by 2012 to over 1300 cases and converted a corner of their production space in Snoqualmie to a tasting counter open to the public. Soon after they opened a separate tasting room in the historic Sunset Theater in the heart of Snoqualmie and included light fare. They also opened a new outdoor seating area with the magnificent view of the Mt. Si and added live entertainment in the evening. They also opened another tasting room in the small town of Leavenworth. Their large portfolio of wines means cooperation with a number of vineyards including Rosebud vineyard, Shaw vineyards, Weinbau vineyard, Bacchus vineyard, Dioniysis vineyard, the Les Vignes Le Tendre vineyards and the Lonesome Spring Ranch vineyards.
8086 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, Phone: 425-292-0754
6. Gold Creek Pond
Gold Creek Pond is a a 2.3-mile paved loop hike around a scenic mountain pond on top of the Snoqualmie Pass. The trail is ADA-accessible and is the perfect hike for families, small kids, parents pushing strollers and for people in wheelchairs. The pond was made in the 1980s from a gravel pit and it has a small flat beach at the south end. The first part of the trail goes through a willow grove and wildflowers along a creek, until it reaches the junction with the Gold Creek trail. Staying on the loop, hikers leave the pavement and get on a well-maintained boardwalk above a marshy area until it crosses the creek at the north end of the pond. The pond is blue, crystal clear and very deep. A paved spur trail leads from the main trail down to the pond. The trail it ends at a picnic ground with numerous picnic tables. There is a beautiful view of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness looking north.
Snowshoe Ln, Snoqualmie, WA 98068
7. Snoqualmie Falls Brewery and Taproom
Snoqualmie Falls Brewery is a small, private company established in 1997. Located in historic downtown Snoqualmie, Washington, the brewery produces seven superb beers and a rotating selection of special and seasonal brews. Their Brewer’s Choice series includes such exotic beers as spruce tip, molasses stout, squash, cocoa pumpkin and fresh hop beer. The brewery uses hops grown and harvested right in Snoqualmie. The beers are sold in their popular taproom and in stores in Washington and northern Idaho. The taproom is large and cozy, with wonderful outdoor space that has a feel of an Old World Beer Garden. The taproom has a full menu and offers lunch and dinner, with homemade soups, salads, sandwiches and pizzas. There is live music every week.
8032 Falls Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, Phone: 425-831-2357
8. Infusion Bar and Grill
Infusion Bar and Grill is a popular bar and restaurant in downtown Snoqualmie. It is spacious and comfortable, with a nice atmosphere suitable for a bunch of friends watching the latest game on one of many TVs or for a family dinner. The menu is extensive and includes all classic American favorites, including a range of delicious appetizers and great quality meats from the grill. Their wine list is small but very well curated. There are eight beers on tap and a large selection of bottled beers from all over the world. There is a nice outdoor patio for the warm summer nights, karaoke every Monday night and live music by local bands on Saturday nights.
7727 Center Blvd SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, Phone: 425-292-3576
