Upper
Snoqualmie Valley / Snoqualmie Falls
(Includes the cities of North Bend, Fall City, Snoqualmie, and Carnation)
Thirty miles east of Seattle, in the Cascade Mountain foothills, a 26- foot
waterfall plunges into the Snoqualmie River below. One-hundred feet higher than Niagara, and considered a sacred site of the Snoqualmie Tribe,
tourism statistics show Snoqualmie Falls as the second most popular natural tourist attraction in the state. But if the Falls are what lure
visitors to the Upper Snoqualmie Valley, there are plenty of things to keep them around for a while.
Day-trippers have a myriad of options including "you-pick" farms, antique
shopping, and discount shopping at factory outlets in North Bend. Children can ride the antique train at the Northwest
Railway Museum (38625 SE King St. | ph: (425) 888.3030). History buffs can discover the area's Indian and pioneer roots at the
Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum (320 Bendego Ave. S. | ph: (425) 888.3200), and couch potatoes will enjoy seeing North Bend's landmarks
from David Lynch's Twin Peaks television series. And, of course, like all Washington towns, the ones that make up the Upper Snoqualmie
Valley are surrounded by plenty of natural sites perfect for bicycling, hiking, fishing, and camping.
However, the dramatic natural landscape, mystique of Twin Peaks, and charm of
small-town America are not the only things the Upper Snoqualmie Valley has to offer. For travelers in search of luxury, the Salish
Lodge & Spa (6501 Railroad Ave | (425) 888.2556 or (800) 826.6124) provides a breathtaking resort experience. Named
"One of the Best Places to Stay in the World" by Conde Nast Traveler, the lodge features rooms with wood-burning fireplaces,
complimentary mountain bike rentals, a four-star dining room, full-service spa, and, of course, fantastic views of the Falls.
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Blake
Island
ph: (206) 933.8600
As the ancestral camping grounds of the Suquamish Tribe, and the place where Chief Seattle is said to have been born, Tillicum
Village is a tasteful tribute to Coastal Indian culture. The four-hour tour of the village departs from Pier 55 on
Seattle's central waterfront, and includes a one-hour narrated harbor tour before arriving on Tillicum's Blake Island State Park. Once
there, visitors disembark for a traditional King Salmon dinner at the Tillicum
Village Longhouse and a 30-minute performance featuring the dances and customs of the Coastal Indians. Before returning to Seattle, guests can
mingle with the performers or explore the island's natural scenery, which includes hiking trails, abundant wildlife, birdwatching opportunities,
and excellent views of the city. Just eight miles away from downtown Seattle, Blake Island
State Park makes for a quick camping getaway. The park features restrooms, showers, and several sheltered picnic areas in addition to primitive
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Vashon Island
Artists of all kinds have taken refuge on this land, which offers calm and rural peace to all visitors. Browse the numerous
paint and textile galleries, such as Blue Heron and Heron's Nest, shop for books in the local bookstores, or enjoy a concert in a café.
With its lack of traffic, the island is ideal for cyclists, while Dockton Park and Maury Island Marine Park offer boating and seashore strolls. |
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Alpine
Adventures River Rafting
P.O. Box 22606, Seattle 98122 | ph: (206) 323.1220 or (800) 723.8386
In addition to the Sound and the Coast, Washington is home to magnificent inland waterways that weave though terrain abundant
with birds and other wildlife. One of the best ways to experience this territory is aboard an Alpine Adventures raft. Outings include everything
from calm Family Floats to naturalist-led Bald Eagle sighting trips, and high adrenaline whitewater expeditions. If a half-day or one-day journey
isn't enough, Alpine Adventures also has overnighters that include campfire barbecues and country breakfasts. |
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