- Snoqualmie Falls (waterfallsnorthwest.com)
Snoqualmie Falls is among the largest and most significant waterfalls in the United States. Situated along the Snoqualmie River in the town of Snoqualmie, the falls plunge a into a huge amphitheater carved in ancient volcanic bedrock. Officially Snoqualmie Falls has a height of 268 feet, however lidar data suggests this measurement to be that of the hydroelectric system, rather than the falls itself, and that the waterfall itself is about 10-12 feet shorter. The natural volume of the Snoqualmie River, coupled with the great height of the falls makes it one of the most powerful waterfalls in North America. However, that power was too tempting a prospect for intrepid engineers, and in July of 1899 the Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric plant went online - the first hydroelectric facility in the world to be built entirely underground. In 1910 a second powerhouse (this one above ground) was constructed downstream of the falls, which was greatly expanded again in the late 1950s.
Washington Trails Association
- Skyline Trail Loop (wta.org)
Even before the historic Paradise Inn was constructed in 1916, Paradise Valley has long been one of the state’s most beloved hiking destinations because of its southern exposure, giving it a longer season than its north side counterpart, Sunrise. In peak season (July and August), your trip along the Skyline Trail will be filled with views of cascading waterfalls, mighty glaciers and subalpine meadows brimming with colorful splashes of lupines, mountain heather, scarlet paintbrush, cascade asters and bistort.
- Mount Rainier Wilderness (wilderness.net)
Mount Rainier Wilderness is located on the west-side of the Cascade Range, approximately 50 miles southeast of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the most prominent peak in the Cascade Range…