About half an hour east of Seattle, Washington State begins to reveal its true self. The sky scrapers fall away, giving way to the epic mountain-scapes and lush forests that previously blanketed the area, from coastline to mountaintops.
It is here that you’ll find the mighty Snoqualmie Falls, a huge waterfall that produces 44,000 kilowatts of electricity via hydropower. It’s a beautiful place to visit at any time of year–in the winter, huge icicles form around the edges of the falls, creating the illusion of being frozen in a photograph. In the spring, the falls are engorged, falling to the river below with exaggerated force.
As much as you may want to tumble over the waterfall in a barrel, it is definitely not advised. Travel just downriver, though, and you’ll find a launch point where rafters and floaters take advantage of the gentle current and cool water in the summer heat.
Before you jump in with your raft and call yourself Huck Finn, you must first consider the logistics. Firstly, go with friends; it’s safer and more fun. Second, take two cars; this is a must, because you’ll need a car where you get out of the river to go and fetch the car you took to the launch point. Third, take ample beer; the river will keep it nice and frosty as you tow it behind you. Fourth, wear shoes, as you’ll have to hike a bit down to the river in the first place, and get back up onto the bank at the end. Besides, you never know when you may capsize and need to finagle your way back onto your mode of transport by pushing off rocks or driftwood. And finally, be aware that if you go later in the day, you will get very, very cold. Hence, going with just a pool tube can be a bit uncomfortable depending on your body’s thermostat. I’ve seen all modes of float on the river, from pool noodles to survival rafts with deluxe coolers and above-water seats for dog co-pilots. The river is very tame except for the occasional bump, and you’ll be perfectly safe as long as you steer a little bit in the event of logs and occasional boulders.
The landing point is in downtown Fall City, about a three-hour float down river. It should be obvious to you that this is where you left your car, but if you do miss it, you’ll float on down to Carnation. I’d recommend getting out at Fall City on the left-hand side. Some girls and I once got in some trouble for getting out on a golf course on the right-hand side, but that’s another story.
After you dry off, or maybe while you’re still dripping, you can check out what the illustrious City of Fall has to offer. The Last Frontier Saloon is said to be a hearty local dig. One local proudly boasts, “It is awesome. So good. Did ya hear? So. Good.” Another local legend is The Roadhouse, featured in that great ’90s show… Twin Peaks! Yes, this town is famous (Northern Exposure was filmed just east in Roslyn, WA). If you fancy a burger and jumbo shake after your stressful day on the river, you can stop in the little tiny burger joint, Small Fry, where they have “okay burgers” according to an overseas visitor.
Does all this mediocre food and Mark Twain activity add to the small town charm and backwoods America summer adventure feeling? You bet it does.
