Snoqualmie Valley Trail

Walk along an old railroad grate that climbs gently though forested hillsides. In summer, look for wildflowers: blackberry, elderberry, pea, daisy, buttercup and wild rose.

The trail begins in Duvall at the Park and Ride. It heads south, along the Snoqualmie River and through the Stillwater Natural Area. Continuing through the small town of Carnation, it passes a junction with Tolt-MacDonald park, and parallels the Fall City/Carnation Road.

It passes Snoqualmie Falls, and continues into the city of North Bend. Shortly beyond the Tanner trailhead, the trail crosses under I-90 and over the south fork of the Snoqualmie River. At this point, the river is a pretty, crystal clear stream.

Enjoy hiking parallel to the river before beginning a slow ascent up the valley of Boxley Creek. Occasional views of Mailbox Peak and other North Bend area summits liven up this easy walk, along with one high trestle bridge over a branch of Boxley Creek. A number of side trails heading into the woods on either side of the trail make for some interesting exploring.

Upon reaching Rattlesnake Lake, walk along the shoreline trail to reach the Watershed Nature Center, where there is lovely landscaping, informative education materials, as well as a beautiful water drum garden in which water jets drip onto an array of drums, producing an ever-varying rhythmic music.