Waterfalls of the Snoqualmie River – Snoqualmie Falls, Twin Falls, and Franklin Falls

Posted on June 26, 2023 by

23 Comments

The most famous of course is Snoqualmie Falls, a popular tourist destination, and good for a visit any time of year, no hiking required, though you can take a trail to the bottom if you like.

We love to stop by when we’re in the neighborhood, just to enjoy the power, beauty and spray of the falls. But our favorite falls for hiking is on the south fork of the Snoqualmie.

Twin Falls

The trail is an easy to moderate 2.6 miles round trip, and starts out next to the river.

It winds through lush forest, filled with moss-covered trees and vegetation,

then climbs to a viewpoint where you see Upper and Lower Falls in the distance and the bridge above, your destination.

Look up and you’ll see a third waterfall, quite lovely, and wonder at the name Twin Falls rather than Triple Falls. No matter; it’s three for the price of two.

Look down from the bridge into the valley and you’ll see Upper falls beneath your feet flowing into the river.

So where’s the best view of Lower Falls? You may have passed it on your way up to the bridge. So if you didn’t stop then, be sure and stop on the way down at the Twin Falls Lookout.

Take the stairs down to the narrow platform and you’ll come face to face with Lower Falls, and perhaps the best views of the hike.

Franklin Falls

Lastly, I bring you Franklin Falls, also on the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River. It’s a popular hike so perhaps it’s surprising I’ve only been once, at least that I can recall.

We went on a hot Saturday in the summer, along with everyone else, it seems. The trail was nice, but crowded, as were the falls at the end. The spray was thick even from a distance and the rocks slippery, so I didn’t go to the pool underneath but left it to the younger ones to cool off.

We need to give it another chance I think, but will plan our return on a weekday in the spring or fall.

And that’s all for today from the Snoqualmie.

~ Susanne

Category: Trails, TravelTags: , , , , , , , ,

23 Comments on “Waterfalls of the Snoqualmie River – Snoqualmie Falls, Twin Falls, and Franklin Falls”

  1. Wow, the falls are very beautiful! I love that sound for its relaxing quality. Your state is beautiful!

  2. Snoqualmie Falle is one of my favorite places. Your photos are beautiful. Thank you! Grest pancakes for there too.

    I have never been to Franklin. Summer has arrived in the PNW.

    • Thanks so much for your comment! Snoqualmie Falls is special indeed. Such a beautiful waterfall with no effort required to see it! I went there for the famous breakfast long, long ago to celebrate graduating from college. And my husband took me there on our first date, so it holds special memories for me! 🙂

      • That IS special. We haven’t been there for years, But friends still send us the pancake mix for a gift of nostalgia.

  3. If your images don’t do them justice, (and what photo can capture the power?) those falls must be breathtaking. I’m old enough to remember the Emerald Pools in Zion NP when one could sit and reflect in solitude. Sadly, the last time I visited, it felt more like Disneyland than nature at it’s most spectacular.

    • Thank you. We love Snoqualmie Falls but avoid the busiest summer weekends. We can still find quiet and solitude at Twin Falls so it’s perfect for hiking. But I know exactly what you mean, that some places are being loved to death.

  5. Great photos Susanne. Waterfalls are such a great destination for a hike and these are all special.

  7. As always, you showcase the natural wonders of your region perfectly, Susanne.
    Best wishes, Pete.

  8. Wonderful waterfalls – I can almost feel the cooling effect of the spray as I look at your photos!

  10. Amazing photos, Susanne! The one with the leaf on top of the fern really caught my attention. Also a great video!

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