Snoqualmie Falls: Day Trips and Tours from Seattle

Discover the most famous waterfall in Washington State on a fun-packed Snoqualmie Falls day trip. This dramatic cascade is a whopping 268 feet high, with viewpoints and hiking trails taking you close to the action.

Snoqualmie is a spiritual place that is steeped in legend. It was once used as a meeting place for trade by the Native Americans. Today, the falls are a major source of hydroelectric power for the region.

Here's all you need to know about Snoqualmie Falls, one of the most exciting day trips from Seattle.

How to get to Snoqualmie Falls from Seattle?

Snoqualmie Falls lies 25 miles east of Seattle. The best way to visit is by car, bus, or guided tour.

From Seattle to Snoqualmie Falls by car

The journey to Snoqualmie Falls from Seattle is half an hour by car. Head east on the I-90, then take exit 25 and follow signs for Snoqualmie Parkway. Hang a left onto Railroad Avenue and continue to the large free parking lot.

From Seattle to Snoqualmie Falls by bus

It takes 90 minutes to travel to Snoqualmie Falls by bus from Downtown Seattle. Hop on the Sound Transit’s Route 554 bus to the Issaquah Transfer Center. Then take the hourly 209 Metro bus toward North Bend, which stops beside the falls.

Guided tour to Snoqualmie Falls from Seattle

For a stress-free visit, take a guided day trip to Snoqualmie Falls from Seattle. Most tours offer hotel pick-ups and stop at other popular sights in the area.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Snoqualmie Falls from Seattle?

Most Snoqualmie Falls day trips from Seattle begin with a hotel pick-up after breakfast. You will then travel by minivan or car, with stops at city landmarks or wineries if you have opted for a combination tour.

Lunch is available on full-day tours at your own expense.

Continue to Snoqualmie Falls and head to the observation deck at the top of the cascade for a bird’s-eye view. Then stroll down the forest trail to the base of the falls for a different perspective.

Snoqualmie Falls day tours will have you back in Seattle in time for dinner.

What kind of tours are available to go to Snoqualmie Falls?

There are several types of Snoqualmie Falls day tours from Seattle. Both public and private excursions are available. Round-trip transport from central hotels or pre-agreed meeting points is provided, by minivan or luxury vehicle.

Guided tour to Snoqualmie Falls from Seattle

This is the most popular day trip to Snoqualmie Falls from Seattle. You will be seeing famous city landmarks as well as the falls themselves.

These small-group tours depart in the morning, with half an hour at the falls themselves. Your trip finishes with sightseeing in Seattle at places like Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and Kerry Park, where you can enjoy views of Mount Rainier.

Day trip to Snoqualmie Falls with winery tour

These Snoqualmie Falls excursions begin with a journey across Lake Washington on the floating Evergreen Point Bridge. You will enjoy wine tasting at boutique estates in Woodinville, and lunch at your own expense.

After visiting the falls, you will arrive back in Seattle in time for dinner.

Day tour to Snoqualmie Falls plus Leavenworth German town

This two-in-one Snoqualmie Falls jaunt begins with a photo stop at the cascade, before continuing to the historical German village of Leavenworth.

Here you’ll learn about Bavarian culture, explore the settlement, and shop for souvenirs. Tuck into traditional German food and beer for lunch.

Private Snoqualmie Falls day trip from Seattle

You will have your own guide on private Snoqualmie Falls day tours, allowing an element of itinerary customization if you fancy visiting multiple places. Add-on options include sightseeing in Seattle and wine tasting. Travel is by luxury vehicle.

How much does a tour to Snoqualmie Falls from Seattle cost?

Snoqualmie Falls day trips start at $59 per person for a small-group tour that takes in the cascade and some Seattle attractions.

If you want to combine a winery visit with your Snoqualmie Falls tour, then expect to pay $95 for a 6-hour excursion. Full-day group tours are $230.

A combined day trip that includes a visit to Leavenworth German town, as well as Snoqualmie Falls, costs $119 per participant.

Private day trips to Snoqualmie Falls are priced at $624 for 6 hours and $938 for a whole day. These include wine tastings and hotel pick-ups for all your party.

What will you see and do in Snoqualmie Falls?

There is plenty to keep you busy on a day tour to Snoqualmie Falls.

The Falls

The highlight of any Snoqualmie Falls day trip from Seattle is standing on the upper observation deck and enjoying 180-degree views over the cataract. Just 200 feet from the parking lot, the viewing platform is easy to reach and accessible to all.

You might recognize the falls as they starred in the hit show “Twin Peaks”.

Snoqualmie Falls Trail

To make the most of your visit, hike down the Snoqualmie Falls Trail to the base of the waterfall. Starting close to the upper viewing deck, the walk is short and scenic.

It winds through ancient woodlands to a boardwalk below the cascade. Here you will be able to get close to the falls and see the powerhouse where the turbines are hard at work.

Allow around 1.5 hours if you want to visit both the upper and lower areas. The Snoqualmie Falls Trail is easy underfoot but allow enough time to hike back up as it is steep.

Salish Lodge

At the top of the falls, you will find Salish Lodge, which is home to the Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Plant and Museum. There is a gift shop here too for buying souvenirs.

When is Snoqualmie Falls open over the year?

The parking and viewing areas at Snoqualmie Falls are open between dawn and dusk every day throughout the year. The park and hiking trails are also accessible all year round.

When is the best time to visit Snoqualmie Falls?

A day trip to Snoqualmie Falls can be enjoyed throughout the year. Summer weekends do get busy so try and visit in the week to avoid the crowds.

The water volume is at its peak after the snowmelt in late spring and early summer, making this a great time to see the falls at their most dramatic.

Come in the evening to see the cascades illuminated or pop by in winter if you fancy seeing the frozen falls.

Travel tips

• Take a waterproof jacket if you are visiting after heavy rain to protect from the spray.
• Book your Snoqualmie Falls day trip online in advance to avoid missing out as places do fill up fast.
• Wear sturdy footwear if you plan on hiking down to the base of the falls.
• There are several picnic areas if you want to take some lunch.
• Make sure those camera batteries are fully charged, you are going to need them!