Snoqualmie Falls: Difference between revisions
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This area has picnic tables and benches, and a small grassy meadow. Here, the river trail winds half a mile down hill; it's a steep hike climbing 300 vertical feet coming back up. |
This area has picnic tables and benches, and a small grassy meadow. Here, the river trail winds half a mile down hill; it's a steep hike climbing 300 vertical feet coming back up. |
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Hikers are treated to a piece of temperate |
Hikers are treated to a piece of temperate jungle on the way down, with a few moss covered trees, giant ferns, and a few places to step off the trail and rest, or enjoy the scenery. Heavy foot traffic makes it pretty unlikely to see any wildlife; this is mainly a scenic (or historic) hike. The park does not allow pets. |
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At the bottom of the trail is the 1910 powerhouse, closed off behind fences, and the river itself. Visitors can hop from stone to stone in good weather to see the massive waterfall from below, but caution is advised: the river has flooded the boardwalk before. |
At the bottom of the trail is the 1910 powerhouse, closed off behind fences, and the river itself. Visitors can hop from stone to stone in good weather to see the massive waterfall from below, but caution is advised: the river has flooded the boardwalk before. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[Snoqualmie (tribe)]] |
*[[Snoqualmie Indians(tribe)]] |
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*[[Snoqualmie River]] |
*[[Snoqualmie River]] |
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Revision as of 00:18, 23 July 2007
| Snoqualmie Falls | |
|---|---|
 Snoqualmie Falls as seen from below. The Salish Lodge is in the upper left. | |
 | |
| Location | West of Snoqualmie, Washington |
| Type | Curtain |
| Total height | 268ft (82m) |
| Number of drops | 1 |
| Average width | 100ft (30m) |
| Watercourse | Snoqualmie River |
Snoqualmie Falls is a 268 ft (82 m) waterfall on the Snoqualmie River between Snoqualmie and Fall City, Washington, USA. It is one of Washington's most popular scenic attractions, but is perhaps best known internationally for its appearance in the cult television series Twin Peaks. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year, where there is a two acre (8,000 m²) park, an observation deck, and a gift shop.
Most of the river is diverted into the power plants, but at times the river is high enough to flow across the entire precipice, which creates an almost blinding spray. High water occurs following a period of heavy rains or snow followed by warm rainy weather. This can occur during the rainy season which last fron November through March. Wikipedia Commons has pictures of the falls taken on 22 December 2005, 7 November 2006 and 11 January 2006 showing the massive flow of water that occurs at these times. During high water, the falls take on a curtain form.
For the Snoqualmie Indians, who have lived for centuries in the Snoqualmie Valley in western Washington, Snoqualmie Falls is central to their culture, beliefs, and spirituality. It is a traditional burial site, and the mists rising from the base of the waterfall serve to connect Heaven and Earth.[1]
Power plants
There are two power plants at Snoqualmie Falls, both currently operated by Puget Sound Energy. Power plant 1 was built in 1898 and operates at the base of the falls embedded in the rock 270 feet below the surface. It was the world's first completely underground power plant.[2] Power plant 2 was built in 1910 and further expanded in 1957, and is located a short distance downstream of the falls. The power plants have a combined output of 44,000 kilowatts.[3] Approximately 1% of Puget Sound Energy sales comes from the plant. [citation needed]
The 1898 generating system was designated an ASCE Civil Engineering Landmark in 1981.[4]
The town of Snoqualmie Falls
The town of Snoqualmie Falls was located near the waterfall. It was associated with the Weyerhaeuser mill there. It had many structures including a hospital, school, community center, and many homes. When the town disbanded, many houses were moved to the nearby town of Snoqualmie.
Salish Lodge & Spa
Overlooking Snoqualmie Falls is the historic Salish Lodge & Spa. The original building on the site was erected in 1919 as a small inn for travelers to the falls. The structure was later completely remodeled and opened in 1988 as the 89-room Salish Lodge & Spa. The fireplace is the only remaining part of the original structure.[5] The dining room is well known throughout Puget Sound for its famous multi-course country breakfast. In Twin Peaks, the building stands in for exterior shots of the Great Northern Hotel.
Hiking
The top of the waterfall is less than 100 yards from the parking lot, which has a restaurant, a gift shop, espresso, and bathrooms. The main views are from the side of the falls, with a fence separating visitors from the edge of a cliff.
This area has picnic tables and benches, and a small grassy meadow. Here, the river trail winds half a mile down hill; it's a steep hike climbing 300 vertical feet coming back up.
Hikers are treated to a piece of temperate jungle on the way down, with a few moss covered trees, giant ferns, and a few places to step off the trail and rest, or enjoy the scenery. Heavy foot traffic makes it pretty unlikely to see any wildlife; this is mainly a scenic (or historic) hike. The park does not allow pets.
At the bottom of the trail is the 1910 powerhouse, closed off behind fences, and the river itself. Visitors can hop from stone to stone in good weather to see the massive waterfall from below, but caution is advised: the river has flooded the boardwalk before.
See also
References
- ^ Marsha Shaiman. "Federal Agency Recommends Continued Operation of Power Plant at Snoqualmie Falls, Sacred Site".
- ^ "Puget Sound Energy: Electricity, Hydro Assets - Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Project".
- ^ "Puget Sound Energy: Snoqualmie Falls Project".
- ^ "Snoqualmie Falls Cavity Generating Station, Snoqualmie, Washington, USA".
- ^ "Salish Lodge - History".
External links
- snoqualmiefalls.com
- Salish Lodge & Spa
- InTwinPeaks.com –Photos of theTwin Peaks filming locations in Snoqualmie, then and now
- Nearby hiking trails on Hikipedia
