Visit the mountain town of Snoqualmie and Salish Lodge
Snoqualmie is located just 40 miles east of Seattle, but parts of it feel like a true mountain getaway. Snoqualmie has definitely gotten its share of urbanization over the past decade, but the small city has still managed to maintain a small town feel, especially if you mostly hang out in the Old Town area of Snoqualmie.
Old Town Snoqualmie
Old Town Snoqualmie is home to a brewery, wine tasting room, cafés, and sweet little shops, plus it backs right up to the Snoqualmie River. The Snoqualmie Falls Brewery is one of my favorite breweries in Washington. It was remodeled a few years ago and has a true beer garden setting with a covered outdoor bar and tables overlooking the Snoqualmie River. For wine instead of beer, head to Sigillo Cellars. My good friend is a member at this welcoming winery, and I love meeting her there for a tasting plus delicious Italian-inspired meal.
Black Dog Cafe is a great spot for breakfast with a cute little patio out back, while the Dark Horse Brew coffee kiosk on the north end of Old Town has my favorite blended coffee drinks. For shopping, I always like stopping in Snoqualmie Trading Company for PNW and mountain-inspired clothing and gifts.
If you have kids wanting a sweet treat, visit Snoqualmie Ice Cream, a bright and tasty place to get a cone, or Carousel Candy for bulk or packaged treats.
Northwest Railway Museum
In addition, Old Town is right by the Snoqualmie Depot, which is a historic train station that today is home to the Northwest Railway Museum.
The Northwest Railway Museum is a small museum, but it’s packed with interesting information that teaches you the history of Snoqualmie‘s railway past. At certain times of the year you can even board a vintage steam locomotive train for a scenic ride around the area. And all year round you can walk around the old train cars that are scattered around the grassy area surrounding the train depot.
You can also board a train from here that that takes you on a scenic trip to North Bend and back via a steam locomotive. Check train times for when you’re visiting since they don’t run every day. Certain times of year also sell out early when they do a themed train ride, such as for Halloween or the Polar Express inspired holiday train.
Snoqualmie Falls
The other can’t-miss thing to do in Snoqualmie is to visit the thundering Snoqualmie Falls.
Snoqualmie Falls is a massive waterfall that brings power to the area through hydraulics and holds great significance for the local Snoqualmie tribe.
You can view it from above on the viewing platform, which is a short walk from the car park and is also right by the Snoqualmie gift shop and coffee bar.
From there you’ll also see the trailhead for the Snoqualmie Falls hiking trail, which leads down to the river. At the end of the trail you can see the epic waterfall closer to its base. It’s a bit strenuous to get back up the trail, but thanks to lots of switchbacks and only being 1.4 miles roundtrip long, it’s doable for most people if you take breaks — my kids and their cousins did it just fine.
Tip: Paid parking is located right next to the viewing platfrom and visitor center, but free parking is available right across the street and is still easy to access the falls since their is a pedestrian bridge over the road. I recommend always using the bridge since cars come around the bend in the road where Snoqualmie Falls is located quite fast.
Salish Lodge Brunch or Overnight Stay
Perched just to the left of Snoqualmie Falls is Salish Lodge. This gorgeous lodge could be a weekend getaway from Seattle in and of itself thanks to it full service spa, multiple eateries onsite, and incredible views of the top of the falls from many of its windows.
The weekend brunch is amazing, and reservations are highly recommended.
Snoqualmie Ridge and Golf Course
While exploring Snoqualmie, you’ll also probably notice signs for Snoqualmie Ridge. This is the newer development of Snoqualmie I mentioned before. It’s a master planned community built around the tony Snoqualmie Golf Course and Country Club.
Snoqualmie Ridge has a cute little main street area where there’s frozen yogurt and a few family-friendly eateries. If golf is your thing, the Club at Snoqualmie Ridge is the only Jack Nicklaus golf course in Washington and is known locally for being an excellent place to tee off.
Snoqualmie Day Trip Fun
Snoqualmie is a great place for a day trip to learn more about tribal culture, do some beer or wine tasting, river viewing, or browsing local shops. Or, turn it into an overnight getaway with a stay at Salish Lodge and increase your fun!