The little town of Snoqualmie Pass lies amid dramatic mountains carpeted with pristine white snow in winter, making this a popular spot with winter sports enthusiasts. Come at any time of year, however, to use this charming place as your gateway to stunning scenery and varied outdoor fun.
In the winter, grab your skis and head straight to the Summit at Snoqualmie. With varied slopes and excellent snowfall, the mountain is the key attraction at this time of year. Book lessons to increase your skills or to start as a beginner in separate classes for adults and children. Add some variety to your sports routine by trying the other activities offered, including tubing, snowboarding and ice-skating.
When the weather is warm, spend your days swimming, kayaking, fishing or canoeing. Take a picnic to Snoqualmie Falls, which are a dramatic 270 feet (80 meters) tall. Afterward, travel on Snoqualmie River in a kayak or set up for the day to do some serious fishing.
Set aside several days to hike along the stunning mountainside trails that weave all over the area. Bring your camera and expect to be treated to numerous picture-perfect vistas of Snoqualmie Valley along the way.
Give yourself a break by spending a day or two exploring the area’s indoor attractions. Travel back to 1890 with a visit to the Northwest Railway Museum, located within a wonderfully restored railway depot from the period. Board the museum’s Snoqualmie Valley Railroad, which runs along a scenic route to the nearby town of North Bend.
Drive the scenic mountain road that leads to Snoqualmie Pass. Admire beautiful views as you approach and get a sense of why this tiny town of only about 300 people draws so many visitors from Seattle and beyond. Many Seattle residents choose to have second residences here because they appreciate the complete change of pace from city life that the town offers.