First went here in the early 80's when I was stationed at Ft Lewis. They have made some wonderful upgrades to both the upper and lower viewing areas and have a great trail for those folks that want to hike, and not drive, to the lower viewing area. A great getaway from the city tourist stuff. Highly recommend. No fee to see the falls and no fee to park.
This place is amazing! The falls are obviously the headliner here, but the way it is all planned out and meticulously maintained allows people to see the falls from different heights and angles. The walk from the top to the bottom (and back) might be difficult for some, however, parking is available at the bottom. Make sure you walk through the lodge - absolutely gorgeous!
Not only is it physically beautiful, but it is an engineering beauty. Harnessing hydroelectric power from the falls, without destroying the view is amazing. There are a few view points at both the top and the bottom to view the falls. There are also many boards that tell the history of the falls, the area, and engineering for the hydroelectric power. There is ample parking available. But, bring a raincoat because the high winds, or high flow rate can blow the water to the viewing platforms.
The falls has it's parking lot by the hotel, but there is a drive to the bottom of the falls off 372nd street that is at the bottom of the falls, and along the river. The parking is limited but the views at the bottom is just great. There is 1/4 mile hike and a few steps but all worth the trip.
Just a quick and easy drive east from Seattle is the interesting town of Snoqualmie. A great brewpub and an interesting railroad museum are well worthwhile but the main attraction is the falls. Though rare sunny and dry February weather had diminished the flow to the falls, they were still amazing and thunderous loud. The falling torrent of ice cold water kicked up a cool mist that was refreshing even on a bright winter day. I can imagine how nice it would be in summer! Everything is free, well-maintained, and informative signs are everywhere.Floodlights are set up around the falls gorge. The views after dark must be terrific! The bonus is that an early entrepreneur saw the potential to generate electricity and he built tunnels in the rock that house turbines and generators producing electric power for Seattle and Tacoma - all without spoiling the beauty of the falls. The displays of the construction and operation of the power plant are really interesting. To see it all you need to take a steep 0.7 mile long path to the bottom. It can be slippery even though it's mostly gravel and the trip back up is a muscle-maker. Alternatively, you can drive your car from the upper parking lot to the lower one and avoid the hike.The Salish Lodge overlooking the top of the falls is said to be a terrific place to stay with a great dining room. Gotta come back and stay there soon!
First time seeing these falls. Really gorgeous. The upper level is nicely paved, and offers some great viewing overlooks, but to get the full value of a visit, you have to make the hike to the bottom. It is about a 15-20 minute hike down to the bottom, and then you take the bridge/boardwalk to the viewing area. This is the best view by far. It is quite a hike down, but even more so going up. You gain a lot of elevation, but if you are in good health, and even moderately good shape, make the hike down. You'll be glad you did.
In peak rainy season these falls are impressive. Come prepared to get wet even if it isn't raining because the spray and mist from the falls can be very thick in the winter. Take the short hike down to the river if you can. If you go on a holiday, arrive early or be prepared to have trouble finding parking, even in the upper lots.
This is a must visit if you are in to nature. We took the 40ish minute drive from Seattle to see the falls and it was worth it. The paved area is great viewing.
Go to the falls after a rainy spell and be amazed by the power of the water. Then return in the summer and enjoy the contrast of a beautiful waterfall surrounded by firs. A great spot to take visitors to the area. Be aware that sometimes in the winter the falls might be enshrouded by fog - but you can still enjoy the mysterious sounds of the falling water, invisible as it may be. There is a nice little gift shop there, but if you have time, visit the shop inside the Salish Lodge - it is a very special little place.
We arrived on a Monday around 11am we were able to find a parking place very easily. The top of the fall is only a short walk from the parking lot which is a nice view but if you like to hike you need to take the time to hike to the bottom. I think it took us about 40 min. to get to the bottom we were taking our time and reading the signs about the trees and plant life along the trail. We had to children with us ages 5 and 7. The hike back up to the car was a little difficult and took us about an hour. There are water fountains and restrooms along the way. If you don't want to hike you can drive and park at the bottom.