Spending a Day in Snoqualmie, Washington

Just a 30-minute drive from Seattle brings you to a small town full of big adventures. And when you visit the cute town of Snoqualmie, you’ll find that it’s just minutes away from beautiful hikes like the Snoqualmie Pass and rivers such as the Snoqualmie river.  But as you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that one of the best parts of this Western Washington town is actually downtown. Join us as we spend a day in Snoqualmie, WA.

Snoqualmie Falls

You cannot visit Snoqualmie without a stop at Snoqualmie Falls. You’ll get the full majesty of a large waterfall without having to hike through the forest to get there. The waterfall is 270 feet tall and has multiple vantage points throughout the park. Even on a busy day, there is ample free parking, just a short walk to the upper observation deck.

While the waterfall is the main attraction, you’ll find 2-acres of trails to explore as well as a gift shop and the Salish Lodge and Spa. Don’t forget your four-legged friends! Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome as well at Salish Lodge.

View of Snoqualmie Falls waterfall with water flowing
Northwest Railroad Museum building in Snoqualmie Washington

Northwest Railway Museum 

Snoqualmie was developed around the railway system that allowed families to move into the Snoqualmie Valley. The downtown area is built around Railroad Avenue, which is considered the main street for the area. Right on the corner, the Northwest Railway Museum is a must-see for your Snoqualmie adventure.

You’ll learn all about how the town was founded as the museum consists of an operating railroad as well as thousands of small artifacts. Don’t forget to check out the book and gift shop as the museum is a non-profit organization that is funded by memberships and gift shop sales. You’ll be supporting a piece of Washington state history.

The Blackdog Arts Café

The Blackdog Arts Café deserves a post of its own. A beacon for local artists, the café serves delicious food with a side of creativity. Stop in for a quick coffee and peruse their store full of books written by authors in the area, photos from local photography and shirts. Their entire store is stocked full of goods from local talent. If you’d like to stay a while, check out their events calendar and get dinner with a show! They have open mic nights, comedy nights and even theater!

cafe

Shopping in Snoqualmie

The shopping in downtown Snoqualmie has a little bit of everything. If you love vintage items check out Wild Hare Vintage  on Railroad Avenue. Stepping into Down to Earth is like a dream with a gift shop in the front and an amazing smelling florist shop in the back. There’s JL the Boutique for the fashionista in your life. And don’t forget a visit to Carmichaels Hardware and Vintage. While a full functioning hardware store there is so much more to offer within its walls!

Snoqualmie Brewery Taproom Gazebo

Grab a Drink

Nothing is better than a nice cold beer after a day filled with adventure. Snoqualmie’s breweries do not disappoint! If you’re visiting on a day with nice weather you have to check out Snoqualmie Brewery and Taproom  which has a great outdoor patio and bar.

Prefer wine? Check out the tasting room at Sigillo Cellars. If you’re visiting during the weekend, they usually have live music in the evenings as well!

Snoqualmie Falls Candy Shoppe

Walking into the Snoqualmie Falls Candy Shoppe is like stepping back into the past. Grab some old-fashioned favorites, or some fresh homemade fudge. No matter the weather, an ice cream cone will always hit the spot! They also have a café with a menu filled with burgers, soups, paninis and the like.

Don’t be afraid to bring your four-legged family members! The town of Snoqualmie is very dog friendly. The falls allow all well-behaved leashed dogs on property, and a lot of the cafés and restaurants have outdoor dog friendly patios as well.

candy shop

Hilary Walesch

Hilary Walesch is a new Washington resident. Moving from Florida, where she’s lived most of her life, she is enjoying all the evergreen state has to offer - especially the mountains, mild weather, and coffee. She has a degree in Creative Writing from Florida State University, go Noles! She loves writing, impromptu adventures, and the beach. She and her pup, Roscoe, have been exploring the greater Seattle area one park or hike at a time. Instagram: @hils_anna + @The_TailsofRoscoe

4 Comments

  1. […] over Snoqualmie Pass in a mixed rain/snow storm (Stevens Pass was closed due to avalanche danger) was a good reminder of […]

  2. […] of Gold Creek Pond near Snoqualmie, WA. Taken by Explore Washington State – December 21, […]

  3. […] for something a little less pricey, though equally as fun, will enjoy the five-minute drive to Historic Snoqualmie. In addition to being home to the Northwest Railway Museum Train Station & Depot, you’ll find […]

  4. […] With that love, we recently found ourselves in the car on a Sunday afternoon driving along the Snoqualmie Valley Road in search of roadside farm […]

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