Snoqualmie Falls | World Waterfall Database

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This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

Snoqualmie Falls is by far the most famous waterfall in Washington, receiving over 1.5 million visitors every year. The Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric project operates beneath the falls, first opened by Puget Power in the early 1900's. During regular flows, most of the river is diverted into penstocks to generate electricity, but when the snow is melting in the mountains or during the annual early winter floods which grace western Washington with alarming consistency, the falls spread out across the entire cliff face, taking on a curtain form and become seriously violent, shaking the earth and sending a blinding spray well above the gorge walls.

Visitors planning on visiting the falls should note that there is currently a long-term construction and renovation project involving installing new turbines in both powerhouses, rebuilding many of the viewpoints and ultimately resulting in a larger minimum release of water over the falls. This project will result in the closure of the trail to the base of the falls until 2014, and visitors will see significant signs of the work all around the falls for the next several years.

Hydroelectric Intergration
This waterfall has been incorporated into a hydroelectric scheme and as a result may not flow consistently year round.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Snoqualmie Falls is the Official name of this waterfall

Snoqualmie is the English translation and spelling of the Salish "sah-KOH-koh" or "Sdob-dwahibbluh", meaning Moon. The falls were first seen by non-native Washington Hall in 1848 and became a well known tourist destination by 1865. The hydroelectric facility was installed beneath the falls in 1899 and continues operation today, and the Snoqualmie Falls Lodge (now the Salish Lodge) was opened in 1919 after the Sunset Highway was constructed.

Location and directions

Snoqualmie Falls is located immediately west of the city of Snoqualmie along the Interstate 90 corridor. Exit Interstate 90 at the Snoqualmie Parkway exit, turning north (uphill) and proceed approximately 4 miles to Highway 202, then head left to the falls in another 1/2 mile.

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Snoqualmie Falls is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Tokul Creek Falls	1.25 mi / 2.01 km
Middle Tokul Creek Falls	1.31 mi / 2.09 km
Hidden Falls	1.34 mi / 2.14 km
Fantastic Falls	4.98 mi / 7.96 km

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Photography tips

When the river runs high in the winter, the mist from the falls will reach the canyon rim and it will get your camera lens wet, theres really no avoiding it. Bring a tall tripod to get above the railings along the viewing areas. The falls are usually lit well, but shade can overtake the falls in the afternoon in the winter.

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Snoqualmie Falls King County, Washington, United States