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Salish Lodge...
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You get a full service spa with your accommodations and a fireplace in every room. You are right with natures finest at the Salish Lodge.
Make your reservations early. It's a place in high demand. You'll want to pay a quick visit to Orbitz...CLICK HERE... to check out lodging availability. Once in Orbitz, click "Hotels" and type in "Salish Lodge" in the "Specific Hotel" block and click "Find". You'll get availabilities at Great Rates.
If you haven't visited the Falls yet, it's a must see. This is truly one of the spectacular places that we love taking our family. If you're staying around the Seattle area, you'll have an easy time getting there.
From Downtown Seattle, head east on Interstate 90, drive approximately 25 miles to the Highway 18 exit. At the stop, immediately after the exit, turn left and head north for approximately 5 miles. This is a new road, you'll see new developments scattered throughout the hillsides. You'll soon reach a stop, turn left and Snoqualmie Falls is about ¼-mile on your left. You'll also see the signs. Park in the designated areas and begin exploring.
The Walking Tour…
As you're walking out and about, make your way over to the observation platform. Feel free to ask someone for directions or follow the paved pathway, you'll eventually find the viewing areas.
For those who haven't had enough of the falls at the observation platform, head on over to the river trail for another incredible view. This trail is an enjoyable, 1-mile roundtrip hike though the forest. It's fairly easy walking but steep in places. For a family adventure, this is great. Our kids never get enough of this little hike to the base of the Falls.
As you near the Falls you'll walk next to an electrical generating plant. Follow the wooden walkway through the caged area. (My kids pretend they are in one of the Jurassic Park movies during this section of the hike. If you've seen the movie, you'll know what they're referring to.)
You'll soon reach the viewing area, 270-feet below the falls watching the plume of water gush over the rocks into the 65-foot-deep pool below the Falls. You may notice several people playing next to the rivers edge; it's not recommended that you enter into this area. One never knows when a gush of water can come over the falls increasing the water levels rapidly.
The Hydro Plants at the Falls…
Many are unaware of the electric generating plants at Snoqualmie Falls. There are two power plants that generate 41,990 kilowatts of electricity. This is enough energy to light up 16,000 homes. The first plant is buried behind the falls in solid rock. A vertical shaft is placed right at the crest of the falls and allows water to plunge 270-feet through the piping creating enough force to turn up to 5 generators.
The second plant, one that you walk by while in a cage, has two penstocks where water drops 515-feet to power the electrical turbines. You can see the huge piping material descending the slopes to the power plant. Imagine the amount of water and force that's going on inside of those giant pipes. Incredible!
Snoqualmie Falls, Higher Than Niagara Falls…
It's true and many do not realize that Snoqualmie Falls is 100-feet higher than Niagara Falls. Every year approximately 1.5 million visitors come to see the Falls, the historical landmark.
It all took place in the 1890's when Charles Baker, a civil engineer, saw the potential of Snoqualmie Falls. It was ideal for producing hydroelectric power. Construction began in 1898. Over the years, Puget Sound Energy maintained the grounds and developed the observation viewing areas. The Falls area is located on a 2-acre park for picnicking and strolling around the beautifully landscaped area. Occasionally one of the local artists will pay a visit to the park and show their works. The gift shop offers a host of ideal gift items.
You can easily spend a half-day here at the Falls, especially if you hike down to the base. If you're short of time, a quick view from the observation platforms will be enough to wet your appetite.
We hope you enjoy your stay at Salish Lodge,
Craig Dahl - Editor
Northwest Travel Tips
