My #OptOutside event of 2015 was to visit one of my favorite destinations ~ Snoqualmie Falls and Salish Lodge and Spa.

On this morning, ice was present and frost clung to the leaves and branches.  The fog with the sun peaking through, made for an especially invigorating experience.  We viewed the falls from above and hiked to see them below.

The few hours consisted of 1) special trip to the Country Store within the Salish Lodge, where a long sleeve Tee was purchased along with a Christmas ornament for the tree 2) photos taken of the roaring waterfall named Snoqualmie Falls. The voices of international visitors could be heard during this traditional Thanksgiving weekend visit 3) a hike down the trail that is near to the bottom of the falls.  In the past, we were able to climb the rocks near the falls but now there are barriers to help prevent this.  I was lucky enough to get some of my wedding engagement pictures taken here prior to. Also, it has been fun to bring  out of town guests here at different times.  So, it continues to be a favorite place.

To walk among the trees is magical…touch the moss and the hear the crispy earth beneath my feet. I especially liked seeing the engravings in the pavement of the newly built lower parking lot which has restrooms and a resting area.  The engravings showcase a word in English and then beside it, in the Snoqualmie language ~ ‘Waterfall’ and ‘s.tkʷab’.   The Snoqualmie People spoke the Southern dialect (txʷəlšucid) of the Lushootseed language used by many regional tribes who often spoke both the Southern and Northern dialects because of extensive travel in the Unites States and Canada. This language is now on the ‘endangered’ list with few remaining fluent speakers. The Snoqualmie people are southern Coast Salish Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast.

A visit was made a year ago at this time as well, which included the delicious Salish Lodge Country Breakfast in The Dining Room at the Salish Lodge & Spa.  The Snoqualmie Falls Store has a nice selection of Pacific Northwest gift options.  And yes, I have stayed at the Lodge and enjoyed the Spa too. 🙂  See March 2011 post.

Welcome!

http://www.salishlodge.com/index.php

Below are a number of images from this last adventure ~

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Here’s to one of the Pacific Northwest’s (and my) “Best Places”!