Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the greater Seattle area.
Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains just 30 minutes outside of downtown Seattle, the falls is truly a spectacular sight, plunging some 268 feet over sheer cliffs.
The beautiful and historic Salish Lodge overlooks the falls and is a wonderful place to stay to enjoy the lush natural splendor of the area while having access to all Seattle has to offer with a half an hour's drive.
The lodge offers a famous and excellent "country breakfast" which is a definite no-miss if you are in the area in the morning.
Beside the lodge is a dramatic overlook of the falls, offering incredible views and a fare share of mist welling up from the ravine below.
For those with an adventurous spirit, a trail descends from near the viewpoint some one half a mile to the ravine below, through the lush rain forest to the bottom of the falls.
It's a beautiful and dramatic hike. One word of caution: while the hike is easy on the way down, it is a bit strenuous on the way back up, so make sure you have decent hiking shoes and the stamina to make the return trip.
The area is spectacular, not just due to the dramatic falls and sheer cliffs, but the dense greenery, including giant ferns and mossy trees.
It is a great place for a picnic too, so plan ahead, pack a lunch, and spend the morning or afternoon enjoying the falls and the hike.
Snoqualmie Falls is a true gem of the Seattle area and the Pacific Northwest, so make sure you see it before or after your Alaska cruise or during your visit to the Seattle area.
