Nathan Y
I assume that when this was written the trestle was undergoing repairs. There is now a functional decking with rails so you don't have to risk life and limb to cross. You can also access from the uphill side more quickly and easily by going to the roundabout at snoqualmie falls and head towards tokul rd. pull off at the small pulloff parking on the right at a large culvert tunnel that passes under the road and head down towards fall city on the snoqualmie valley trail.
3.0
very popular spot, especially since it is only open a fraction of the year. either get there very early or in late afternoon after others have started to leave or you will be parking far down the road and starting your hike much sooner than expected. the lake is fairly large(biggest in mt rainier) and is extremely clear(I think it has the record for secchi disk clarity in WA). swimming or paddleboarding can be a little eery since you can see so deep and view the huge logs that pile the bottom. There are some fish but no stocking and remains of crawdads are sometimes visible so maybe catch your lunch or dinner. If the campground is full there is camping at the Orv trailhead just outside the park boundary.
5.0
takes a while to drive here. hike is very easy, probably too easy. Inexperienced hikers come here constantly and don't heed the warnings. These are not caves, just melting snow above runoff creeks. They constantly collapse and people are killed often. You can see the entire thing from the mouth without actually entering. I know people think it won't happen while they venture in for a moment, but it does.
3.0
very moderate hike. once out of the ski area the scenery changes immensely into first or second growth forest. There is a bit of traffic since it is such a simply hike but not to the point of being trampled. The lake has little shoreline to relax on so you have to search for a nice spot. expect mud. some type of flotation will allow more relaxing when the temps allow for swimming. When hiking the ski area head for the large abandoned lodge at top of the left of the ski slopes. when you get to the change in steepness stay slightly right through the small valley that skirts the steeper slopes, then stay to the left of beaver lake. From Beaver lake the trail is fairly obvious. If you are bushwhacking at all you are off trail.
3.0
This is as close as you can get to being in california without leaving seattle. Alki feels like a beach town. Go on a hot summer evening and you will not remember you are in Seattle. Paddleboarding to the lighthouse is a great side trip. Bring a snorkle and mask and you will most likely see some cool ocean life.
5.0
one of the most unique mountain biking spots. Most trails are fairly short but that keeps climbs short as well. As stated there is something for everyone, but most new trails continue to escalate in required ability. Accidents do happen here often, usually from people riding beyond their ability, but also many times due to underestimating the slipperyness of wooden features(stay off them when wet). Place gets very crowded for a reason, but rarely affects rideability. There are quite a few other areas and trails within short distances of here so you always have options if things are not to your expectations.
4.0
the upper area of this route is fun but very short. most of the trek is very low angle through the timber. Once you break above the trees you access the better terrain but be aware that avalanche danger gets extreme near the end of the valley. Do not underestimate the danger, even though it is so near the ski area. This area is not patrolled and not bombed. There have been extreme slab avalanches here especially on the opposing side of the valley which can cover the entire basin floor.
3.0
The hike is very straightfoward. There is a wooden sign off the main trail when it is time to head to the falls. In summer there will be no snow but the water always stays cold. Bring something to slide on to make the rock less rough and be sure that the landing area in the pond is clear of debris that may have come down over fall and winter. There are a few small beach spots around the very small pond to make your own claim. the trail does allow biking, which may be more difficult than walking on the way up but very enjoyable and much quicker on the way down.
4.0
Access here is a bit of a battle. The property owner around here claim that they own all access and you must pay to play. However, WA is a Riparian rights state and nobody owns the river. Also, there is an old cemetery and remains of ghost mining town just above the river that is owned by the state. It is lawful to park at the access to the cemetary and not pay the "required" fee. If you park on the side of the bridge with the "resort" and there is anyone present, expect to be harrassed into payment.
3.0
We swim here every summer. There is a stigma that the lake is gross. Yes, it used to often get algae blooms but not much anymore, and when it does it is obvious. Both official swimming beaches have great docks with multiple diving boards that are guarded during the summer(boards come down after labor day). Open water swimming has become fairly popular, but is officially only allowed close to shore when outside swim areas, however, most people swim across the lake from point to point. There is no power use allowed on the lake so it is safe for all uses.
3.0
nice hike if you are in the area. there is a lot to explore here and a great place to walk after work or maybe take kids for entry into hiking(especially since there is very little wildlife so they wont get scared of anything). If you go anytime besides the weekend you may have the place to yourself. The falls get very minimal when it is not raining often. Most will probably be disappointed in the summer when the "falls" are almost comical.
3.0
We have been to a lot of hot springs and this one is unique. Not only is there a lot more space for people compared to most hot springs, it is possible to get your own pool here. Like most springs, nudity exists but you are more spaced from others here. It is hard to beat the view when sitting in the hot and looking out over a large quiet lake with amazing surroundings. getting too hot and dipping in the lake is a favorite of our sons. The pools range in temp so you can find a perfect one, or adjust them with lake water or damming the front from mixing. depth usually is pretty minimal but you can sometimes dig if you bring something to dig with. the hike is very nice along the lake but at about 30 minutes in be looking for a somewhat easy to miss wooden sign pointing lakeward to the springs. go early or late for sunrise and sunset and miss most visitors and get the best view. bring a headlamp in case you will hike in dark and bugspray(there are mosquitos at some times of the year.)
5.0
pretty well explained. Like everyone else stated, there are naked people, but there are also at least half that wear their swimsuits. We brought children here and they are usually amused by the naked who seem to be peacocking themselves, however our kids have quite a bit of experience with hot springs so nudity no longer surprises them. If you can get a rare time when the weather is cool and the place is uncrowded, it is truly an oasis. pools range from almost unbearable to luke warm and every temp in between so finding your perfect is easy.
4.0
the hike is very nice and maybe worth it by itself. be aware that there are essentially two waiting areas. up top by the private tubs and you can bypass those and walk the boardwalk to the right of the private tubs down to the public larger tubs. I usually don't dunk my head in hot springs, but I definitely wouldn't here, due to so much use.
4.0
so unique that you have to do it at least a little. There is no minimum required to experience the awesome atmosphere in there. Kids will absolutely love it just watch the little ones, as the currently is stronger than you would expect with such a shallow river. If you can handle the summer crowds, this is a perfect hike for the hottest days of the year without a wetsuit or any gear except shoes you want to get wet and ideally a walking stick.
5.0
Realize that this hike is currently closed for real reasons. There was a major fire in the area a few years ago which degrading soil and rock stability. There have been land and rockslides and make it very dangerous in such a confined canyon. We have hiked here and absolutely love it, really nothing compares. We truly want to return but don't want to die, so waiting until the Forest service says things are stable.
5.0
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