Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Seattle, WA

If you have ridden one of the trains from the Northwest Railway Museum, then you have probably experienced the beauty of the Snoqualmie Falls. It is a 268 foot waterfall located on the Snoqualmie River between the cities of Snoqualmie and Fall City. Visited by approximately one and a half million people each year, it is one of our state's most popular attractions.



Near the falls, most of the is diverted into two Puget Sound Energy (PSE) power plants, but at times when the river is high (due to heavy rains or melting snowfall) the resulting spray is almost blinding - in a spectacular way, of course. This usually occurs during our area's rainy season (and no, that's not all the time!) in November through the late spring.

The river and the falls hold a high importance to the native Snoqualmie People, who for centuries have called the Snoqualmie Valley their home. It is central to their culture, beliefs and faith. As a traditional burial site, they hold that the falls are the "place where First Woman and First Man were created by Moon the Transformer". They view the spectacular mists that are created by the falls as a connection to heaven from earth.

The two PSE hydroelectric plants were built in 1898 and 1910, respectively. Plant 1 operates embedded 270 feet below the surface in the rock at the base of the falls and was the worlds fist completely underground structure of its kind. Plant 2 is located downstream and was also expanded in the late 1950s. Between Plant 1 and Plant 2, the power generates enough energy to service 16,000 average homes.

You may also have been lucky enough to spend a night or two in the spectacular Salish Lodge. Built in 1919, it was completely remodeled in 1988 (well, reconstructed actually) and the only remaining item from the first lodge is the grand fireplace. The view of the falls from the Salish Lodge is unique and their multi-course breakfast is world renowned.

How best to enjoy the Snoqualmie Falls with your preschooler in tow? I recommend a trip on one of the trains operated by the Northwest Railway Museum. You'll be able to ride an historic train, view the falls, AND visit the museum. A great afternoon for those train lovers in your house - you know who they are!