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Twin Falls — Jan. 31, 2011

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
4 photos
Beware of: trail conditions
 
Taking in a short hike today allowed for a later start time in the hopes the morning clouds would clear and the sun would break through and warm things up a bit. This trailhead is easy to find less then a mile off of I-90, Exit 34 in Olallie State Park. At 1:00 p.m. there was lots of activity in the parking lot; people returning from their hike and a few starting as well. Fortunately, there was plenty of parking. What was most amazing upon arrival was the pronounced rushing sound of water once the car door opened. It was quite invigorating to hear the sounds of the rushing water in anticipation of seeing the falls. The trail starts off next to the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River. It is entertaining to watch the river, boulders, rocks and sun reflecting off of the water. The trees are huge and the amount of thick moss on the trees, branches and rocks were everywhere creating interesting and stange shapes as though they were unusual art sculptures. The trail moves away from the river and climbs to the first set of benches to get the first real view of Lower Twin Falls. Ensure you bring a hat as the temperature was a bit cold and windy as the trail is tucked in the shadows of the surrounding mountains. Look closely at the falls here and you can see a wooden bridge that crosses the falls. This is your destination. Continue on the trail and you will come upon a huge, old fir tree majestically standing amongst some other large trees. You will see a sign posted on a wooden fence informing the many year-round visitors of its purpose to protect the tree from damage. As the sign indicates, the fence was built as a Boy Scout Eagle project in 1993. A bit farther on don't miss the set of wooden steps to the right leading to a 2 tier viewing deck that protrudes out over the edge of the hillside to allow one to experience the power and beauty of Lower Twin Falls. The deck is amazing and it actually takes a moment to steady one's self to feel comfortable looking out and looking below - straight down into the pooling water. This view point is definitely the highlight of the hike. The Upper Falls are not far away. Return to the main trail and soon you will reach the 80-foot bridge which you first saw at the beginning of the hike at the first benches and view point. Part of the trail was wet and rather muddy but the bridge was safe and it was fun to watch the water and check out the views on each side. Not far after crossing the bridge, the trail climbs and there is another bench along the trail with a sign indicating this was also a Boy Scout Eagle project installed in 1999. A short climb farther allows for the best view of the Upper Falls. This is the end of the Twin Falls trail. At this point, the skies had cleared some and you could see the trail continued via switchbacks with an elevation gain. Venturing on it was surprising to get a clear glimpse of the Haystack on Mount Si through the trees. A few more switchbacks and an even better view of the Haystack. The trail started to pull away from the views so it was time to turn around. It was a quick return to the car as the sun was low in the sky and a chill in the air. Lots of fun today for a 2 hour hike.

Twin Falls — Jan. 22, 2011

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
4 photos
ejain
WTA Member
Outstanding Trip Reporter
900
 

The parking lot was full when we arrived around noon, but there was still plenty of space along the road. The trail was in good condition, apart from a few slightly muddy spots, and some short but slippery sections on boardwalk. No traces of snow anywhere. The waterfalls appeared to be running full blast. Encountered a lot of people, many with kids and (leashed) dogs.

Twin Falls — Jan. 13, 2011

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
3 photos
Beware of: snow conditions
 
Weather was rainy but not cold. The first section of trail along the river was very slushy. Maybe 3 inches of snow and slush and standing water. My boots kept me dry enough till the very end. The switch backs are less slushy but still a bit wet. The stairs were super slick. We used trekking poles but not traction devices but I could see them being necessary if the temperature drops. Poles were very helpful. We were the first ones up the last half of the trail or so and it was easier to walk through that snow. The falls were impressive. There was one tree across the trail right at the top of the last stairs before the overlook for the upper falls. It was easy to duck under. The way down was slippery but neither of us fell. The forest was mossy and green and wonderful, the snow was nice, I would hike this again.

Twin Falls — Jan. 2, 2011

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
4 photos
Beware of: snow conditions
 
Arrived at trail head around 11:45. Some cars couldn't make the very last hill before the parking lot due to ice. It was VERY cold out!Snow on trail from the start but the trail was not icy for the most part for the first part of the hike. You come to some benches for a bit of a look out. Then about 10-15 minutes later you hit a super icy hill where many people tried to get up and couldn't so they turned around. I had chains on my shoes and trekking poles so I got up fine. There were of course those people who go out hiking in there tennis shoes and made it just fine. at one point you come to stairs on the right that go down and it is a awesome view! A must! Right now the waterfall has tons of icicles forming all over the cave area where the waterfall falls from. Then we got up to the bridge for the next lookout but was not nearly as nice as the one from the stair cases. We turned around there since we were told there wasn't much more for lookout points and the trail just headed up to the Iron horse trail. Was a nice hike for sure. I would recommend getting some traction for your shoes and getting out there asap before the icicles melt. There was lots of people on the trail (was a Sunday) and lots of dogs and kids.

Twin Falls — Dec. 29, 2010

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
1 photo
Beware of: snow conditions
 
Snow from the trailhead onward! Nothing impassable in just hiking boots, though. I90 was closed just a few miles further. South Fork Snoqualmie River is beautiful with its snow-covered rocks, and the hike is quiet (till you reach 90 again!).