Spring snowmelt makes Snoqualmie Falls look swell

It all starts with a drip. Thousands, millions follow after, coalescing into trickles that travel many miles over rock and under trees toward one, final thundering drop. It’s springtime… and Snoqualmie Falls is roaring.

For Seattle residents, Snoqualmie Falls is a familiar feast for the eyes, but its beauty attracts a much wider audience — more than 1.5 million people visit every year. Some come to make a “Twin Peaks” pilgrimage. A sprinkling of lucky love birds even say “I do.” 

Before any of that, it was (and remains) the sacred birthplace of the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe. 

The hallowed landmark has long captured the imagination, but what makes spring such a magical season here? When heavy spring rains and melting snowpack in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness combine to lift the water level of the Snoqualmie River, the current hurdles the upstream diversion dam with enough force to form a magnificent curtain, 268 feet tall.

The spectacle of Snoqualmie Falls is awe-inspiring no matter the time of day, but ask any photographer — the wow factor goes up a notch or two at sunset (or sunrise, for that matter). You can take early morning or late night driving out of the equation and truly get the most out of the experience by booking a room at Salish Lodge & Spa. 

The luxury resort is perched on the cliff above the falls, providing easy access to the upper and lower observation decks, as well as nearby hiking trails on Mount Si. Pet-friendly rooms are available, so your furry friend doesn’t have to miss out on the fun. For guests interested in hitting the links, staff at Salish Lodge can also help arrange access to The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, one of Washington's finest private golf courses and the state’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course.

After the day’s adventures, it’s time for a little R & R. Wellness awaits at the spa, where everything from hot stone and deep tissue massages to aromatherapy and scalp renewal are on the menu.

And on that note, enjoy a meal at The Restaurant & Terrace Bar, a newly expanded space with grand windows and a multi-tier seating design, so the majority of tables have views of the Snoqualmie Falls, the river, or the surrounding valley.

Finally, when your head hits the pillow, Snoqualmie Falls’ roar becomes a whisper that will lull you to a great night’s sleep.