Snoqualmie sits in the foothills of the Cascades, about half an hour east of Seattle along Interstate 90. The town is best known for Snoqualmie Falls, where the Snoqualmie River drops about 270 feet into a misty gorge. The falls have long been sacred to the Snoqualmie Tribe, and today they draw visitors from around the world. Fans of the television series Twin Peaks will also recognise the area, as much of the show was filmed in and around Snoqualmie and North Bend.
As a start and fuel stop, Snoqualmie is well placed. You will find gas stations in town and in neighbouring North Bend, and it is a good idea to fill up before heading into the mountains, where services become scarce. The Northwest Railway Museum in the old Snoqualmie depot is a charming stop if you have time, with historic locomotives and carriages on display.
The riding from here can go several ways. I-90 climbs east to Snoqualmie Pass, the lowest of the major Cascade passes, while smaller roads wind north through the Snoqualmie Valley towards Fall City, Carnation and Duvall, with farmland, forests and river views. These valley roads are gentle and scenic, though traffic can be heavy on weekends, especially around the falls.
Weather in the Cascades foothills is famously changeable. Rain is common much of the year, and mist often hangs in the valleys. In winter, snow can affect the pass. Bring layers and rain gear, and enjoy the lush green forests that make this part of Washington so distinctive.