Twin Falls: A Hidden Gem with Immediate River Views and a Trail That Just Keeps Giving!

We followed our own kid-friendly hikes list and hit Twin Falls today. From the moment you step on the trail, you’re right next to the South Fork Snoqualmie River — no long boring approach, just instant beauty. And it only gets better from there. Waterfalls, old-growth forest, a bridge over the gorge, and views that make you stop and stare.

Here’s our full experience with real photos, GPS-pinned trail map, and a printable packing list so you can do this hike tomorrow.

---

The Trail at a Glance

Detail	Info
Location	North Bend, WA (Exit 34 off I-90)
Distance	2.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain	~500 ft
Difficulty	Easy to Moderate
Kid-Friendly	Ages 4+
Time	1.5–2.5 hours
Pass Required	Discover Pass ($30/year or $10/day)
AllTrails	Twin Falls Trail

---

Our Photos

---

Interactive Trail Map

Our GPS coordinates tracked along the trail. Each pin marks where a photo was taken — from the trailhead down to the falls and back.

View full trail on AllTrails →

---

What Made This Hike Special

The lower falls hit you about 20 minutes in. There’s a wooden viewing platform where you can feel the mist on your face. The water drops probably 30-40 feet and the pool below is this deep emerald green.

The bridge crossing between the lower and upper falls is the highlight. You’re literally suspended over the canyon with the waterfall roaring below you. Bring your phone but grip it tight.

The upper falls are the big ones — 150 feet straight down. The viewing platform gives you a direct line of sight. In March, the snowmelt had them absolutely raging.

The forest — this whole trail is wrapped in old-growth cedar and Douglas fir. Even without the waterfalls, the cathedral-like canopy is worth the drive.

---

Trail Tips (Learned Today)

1. Check the weather before you go — PNW weather changes fast. We got lucky with a dry window but the forecast said rain an hour later
2. Go on a weekday if possible — we went on a Sunday and the parking lot was manageable, but summer weekends are apparently a zoo
3. The trail is muddy — even on a “dry” day, wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Waterproof hiking shoes are a must November through May
4. Bring hand sanitizer — the trail restrooms at the trailhead are pit toilets with no running water
5. Download the trail map offline — cell service is spotty at Exit 34. Open AllTrails at home and download the map

---

Gear That Made a Difference

After this hike, here’s what proved essential — grab what you’re missing before your next trip:

• Waterproof hiking shoes — the trail has creek crossings and is muddy year-round. Don’t wear sneakers.
• Trekking poles — saved my knees on the descent. The trail has some steep sections near the upper falls.
• Shoe spikes / microspikes — essential November through March when the trail gets icy near the falls. Strap these over your boots.
• Portable phone charger — took 90+ photos and used AllTrails GPS the whole time. Phone was at 30% by the end.
• Compact first aid kit — didn’t need it this time, but you always pack it.
• Merino wool socks — zero blisters, zero moisture issues. Worth every penny.
• Lightweight rain jacket — we didn’t get rained on, but we packed it because PNW.
• Compact compass — cell service is spotty, trails fork. Old school but reliable.
• Biodegradable wet wipes — no running water at the trailhead. Also great for post-hike cleanup.
• Packable daypack — 20L is the sweet spot. Hip belt distributes weight off your shoulders.

For the full gear breakdown, check our Complete Day Hike Packing List.

---

Day Hike Packing Checklist

---

Getting There

From Seattle: Take I-90 East to Exit 34 (468th Avenue SE). Turn right off the exit, then left onto SE 159th Street. Follow it about half a mile to the Twin Falls Trailhead parking lot.

Drive time: About 35 minutes from downtown Seattle (without traffic — add 20 min on weekends).

Parking: Free lot but you need a Discover Pass displayed on your dashboard. $30/year or $10/day. Buy it online beforehand — there’s no cell service to buy one at the trailhead.

Pro tip: The lot fills up by 10 AM on summer weekends. Aim for 8 AM or try a weekday.

---

More Seattle Area Hikes

Planning your next adventure? Check out:

• 5 Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Seattle — Twin Falls is #2 on our list, plus 4 more that work great for families
• Complete Day Hike Packing List — our full printable checklist
• What to Wear Hiking in the PNW — layering guide for Pacific Northwest weather
• Best Budget Camping Gear — if Twin Falls makes you want to go deeper into the outdoors

---

Hiked March 2, 2026. Trail conditions: muddy in spots, both falls flowing strong from snowmelt. Total time: ~2 hours including lots of photo stops. Would do again tomorrow.