Seattle: Snoqualmie Falls Hike & Twin Falls Forest Walk

Summary

Snoqualmie falls hike from seattle with twin falls trail

You’ll walk under towering trees along the Snoqualmie River to reach Twin Falls, then feel spray from 270-foot Snoqualmie Falls after driving through small towns with real Pacific Northwest character. Pickup in Seattle makes it easy — but what sticks is the hush of old forest and that first cold mist on your skin.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I’d seen waterfalls before, but the first thing that hit me on this day trip from Seattle was how green everything felt — like the trees were breathing. We started early, weaving out of downtown (I grabbed coffee, couldn’t help it), and our guide, Mark, had this way of pointing out little things — moss on logs, a heron fishing in Lake Washington as we crossed that floating bridge. I didn’t expect the air to smell so sharp and earthy by the time we reached Olallie State Park.

The trail to Twin Falls isn’t long — maybe three miles round trip — but there are these stretches where your legs really wake up. Mark called them “eight-minute reminders you’re alive.” He wasn’t wrong. The river ran beside us, louder in some spots than others. At one point I just stopped because the light came through the old-growth trees in this weird gold-green way and for a second it was totally quiet except for water and someone’s laugh echoing ahead. The fruit break after the last incline tasted better than it should have — maybe it was just relief.

Afterwards, we drove through North Bend (yeah, the Twin Peaks diner is real), then into Snoqualmie town itself. It’s got this faded-railway vibe — old locomotives rusting by the tracks, people waving from porches like they actually mean it. Snoqualmie Falls is massive; you feel it before you see it, honestly. Mist on your face if you stand close enough. Mark told us about how locals still come here to just sit and watch after work — I get why now. On the way back we stopped at Borst Lake; Mount Si was half-reflected in the water and I almost missed it because I was still thinking about those falls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike and visit Snoqualmie Falls

• Pick up in downtown Seattle
• Drive across Lake Washington floating bridge
• Arrive at Olallie State Park trailhead
• Hike 3 miles to Twin Falls
• Drive through North Bend town
• Drive through historic logging town Snoqualmie
• View Snoqualmie Falls from platforms
• Stop at Borst Lake for mountain views
• Return to Seattle

Top questions

How long is the hike to Twin Falls?

The hike is about 3 miles round trip and takes around two hours.

Is pickup included for this Snoqualmie Falls tour?

Yes, pickup and drop off are included in downtown Seattle or near the Space Needle if requested.

Are there steep sections on the Twin Falls trail?

There are a few moderate inclines lasting about five to eight minutes each.

Does this tour include a visit to North Bend?

Yes, you'll drive through North Bend on your way to Snoqualmie town.

What’s included during the tour?

The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and fresh fruit for a snack.

Can travelers with knee or hip problems join?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with knee or hip issues due to trail inclines.

Will we see both Twin Falls and Snoqualmie Falls?

Yes, you’ll hike to Twin Falls first and later visit Snoqualmie Falls by car.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup right in downtown Seattle (or near Space Needle if you ask), all transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a guided forest hike along the river to Twin Falls, stops at historic towns like North Bend and Snoqualmie, fresh fruit for snacking after hiking, plus time at Borst Lake before heading back into the city.