Snoqualmie Falls Letterbox Series
Placed by ~ Mischief ~ on 7-14-01

While in the area, check out....
Snoqualmie Falls Overlook
      

Notice: Boxes #2 and #3 have been reported missing.
There are no plans at this time to replace these boxes.

Location - Snoqualmie Falls
State - Washington
County - King
Town - Snoqualmie
Number of boxes: 3

Clues - Easy. Straight forward directions.

Trek - Moderate to Hard. This is a steep, but short (half mile) climb, first down then back up. There are several resting places with benches. Make sure to pace yourself, and bring water.

Time to complete - 1 to 2 hours (depending on hiker's speed and how much you 'play' at the bottom)

Weather Factors - Best in dry weather.  Recent rains will make this hike very muddy.

Kids and Dogs - Loads of kids go on this hike, and they have a grand time exploring and climbing everything.  Be sure to bring a snack (or better yet a picnic) for at the bottom.  And don't forget the water.  Sorry dogs not allowed.

Notes:
This is a very busy and popular tourist area. All the boxes are slightly off the beaten path, but within view of trail walkers.  This should not be a problem, so long as you don't look too conspicuous. Everyone is far to busy with their touristy agendas to pay much attention to you.

Directions:
From the Puget Sound area, take I-90 East towards Spokane. Take exit 25 and turn left onto Snoqualmie Parkway. Continue over the parkway until you reach the lights on Railroad Avenue. Turn left and proceed 1/4 mile. The Salish Lodge & Snoqualmie Falls Park are on your left. It's best to park in the lot on the right. The parking entrance is right next to the sky-bridge.

Clues:
Begin at the Snoqualmie Falls Park. Look for the sign to the "River Trail". Begin down the trail.

Box #1
Shortly after you start down the trail you should find a narrow stump (about 3 to 4 feet tall) on the left side of the trail. (if you get to the power lines, you've gone too far).  From this stump, backtrack up the trail 12 steps. On your left there will be a small trail going away from the main trail. Follow this smaller trail for 25 steps to a set of 'staircase like roots'. Climb up the root-steps and look for a rotting log on your left. The letterbox #1 is lodged behind this log.

Box #2 -- MISSING
(Box replaced on 7/3/02)
Return to the main trail and continue down the path. The path will make a hairpin turn to the left and then level off some. Look for a small inviting clearing on your right (if you get to the power lines again, you've gone too far). Stand in this clearing and face 250º (roughly NW).  The box is hidden on the left-back side of the larger mossy tree, under a piece of bark.

Box #3 -- MISSING
(Box replaced on 7/26/03)
Return to the main path and continue down. When you reach the paved road, turn left and go toward the PSE building. Follow the "Falls Trail" sign and walk thru the 'chain link cage'. After you exit the cage, follow the boardwalk to the observation deck.

~ Continue At Your Own Risk ~

Either from the beginning of the board walk or from the observation deck, work your way down closer to the falls.  On the left look for a large "Danger" sign.  Do Not climb up to this sign.  Now scan the hillside to the left (toward the observation deck) and look for a much smaller rusty sign.  Do Not climb up to this sign.  Align yourself with this sign and then work your way back (away from the falls), behind some shrubs to a nice sized sitting rock.  The last box is hidden under some rocks on the falls side.

Make sure you enjoy the view of the falls.  It may be crawling with tourists, but it's still beautiful to behold... plus, you just got 3 more stamps in your log book!

         
Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.