Snoqualmie Falls In Winter

Snoqualmie Falls in winter from the lower viewpoint

I'm pleased to announce that this special image of Snoqualmie Falls, taken during an exceptional December cold spell, will be used by Seattle University for a "Mountains to Sound" course they are teaching this winter, which focuses on the geology of the I-90 corridor.  Students will even be visiting the falls mid-course - hopefully it won't be this icy!

This image was taken at sunrise during a particularly harsh December cold spell, causing the spray of the falls to freeze against the surrounding rock and creating a true winter wonderland!

Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington states most scenic attractions, with 1.5 million visitors annually.  This dramatic 270 foot waterfall is a sight to behold as it plunges to a pool of the Snoqualmie River below.

The best views, in my opinion, are from the observation deck, only 200 feet from the parking lot.  However, the interesting alternate scene pictured here can be viewed by hiking the path down to the base of the falls, or finding the lower parking lot off SE Fish Hatchery Road.

This is one of many images I have taken of Snoqualmie Falls.  If you wish to view more, please feel free to visit my Snoqualmie Falls Gallery.

As always, thanks for looking, and enjoy your winter!

Snoqualmie Falls in Winter

Snoqualmie Falls and an ice filled basin in winter.

One of my favorite winter destinations in western Washington when the temps dip into the teens is Snoqualmie Falls.  The splash from the falls coats the cliffs and rocks in the area and instantly freezes, creating a winter wonderland for the eyes!

Typically, the most common time for this to happen is the month of December.  But it can take place in January and February as well.  Whenever the cold snap happens, I jump in my vehicle and make the half hour drive from my house to the falls, commonly in the dark so as to be there before sunrise.



Snoqualmie Falls in winter.

The facility at Snoqualmie Falls has had a recent face lift.  Previous visitors might remember the gazebo-like platform for viewing the falls from the cliff edge.  This is gone.  A new platform without a roof has taken its place. 

Also installed are some new spot lights that are pointed at the upper falls.  I think this is a pretty cool feature, both for casual tourists and photographers.  See the color highlights at the top of the falls in the image to the left?  Evening light as the sun is about to set?  Nope.  The illumination is actually coming from the new lights.  Pretty soft and natural looking, isn't it?

There have been other changes made as well.  I really like the upgrade.

There are a couple of different places to enjoy the falls.  The most obvious is the platform high up on the cliff edge near the Salish Lodge.  This vantage offers a bird's eye view of the falls and is the most famous.

However, curious and adventurous photographers will want to investigate the base of the falls.  There is a trail which from the platform area that leads down to the base of the falls.  This was closed due to ice during my visit.  My advise?  Do what most people do and drive down the road a little further to find parking at the lower TH.




Rime ice beside Snoqualmie Falls.

For photographers, there is a lot to do here!  The obvious subject is the falls, of course.  And one can play with both horizontal and vertical compositions.  You can include a lot of the area with a wide angle lens, or come in tight with a medium lens.

Ah, but there are even more opportunities with 200mm lens or greater.  You can isolate some of the ice formations, working with patterns and natural features.

While photographing the falls, don't forget to play with shutter speeds for a completely different look.  You can shoot fast to freeze (almost, in this case) the water, or shoot slower to get the smooth, ribbon effect.  Each tell a much different story.  What is your preference?  Many photographers follow the rule that powerful, turbulent waterfalls are best frozen, while smaller, lighter streams should be shot slower for more artistic effect.  What do I think?  I think every rule is meant to be broken, and that it is up to artistic perception and interpretation.

Here is a top-bottom comparison of what I am talking about - same composition, different shutter speeds.  Which do you like?


f 2.8, 1/80th second.




f 22, 0.8 second.

Most people equate the choice to, artistic or dramatic? I'll let you be the judge.

For more images of Snoqualmie Falls, check out an older post I did.  You may also view more images in my Snoqualmie Falls Gallery.

As always, thanks for looking!