Posted February 20, 2025
By NOELLE GRANT
SEATTLE —The Emerald City of Seattle is known for its lush natural landscape, flourishing thanks to the frequent rain showers synonymous with the state. Whether it be the marveling stature of the space needle, the first Starbucks, or the iconic fish-throwing at Pike Place Market, downtown Seattle has secured itself in the annals of American beauty.
Friday
But the West End of the Seattle area only dips its toe into the sprawling icy waterways of Western Washington. Beyond the skyscrapers lie staggering snow-capped mountains, even in summer, and canyons that capture the golden sunlight of dawn, only beheld in the West.
The region, thick of century-old evergreen trees and grasslands home to animals like the Roosevelt elk, requires more driving than the city. But the cost is rewarded by the raw beauty of the land and towns reminiscent of the Wild West, such as Historic Snoqualmie, just 30 minutes east of Seattle.
From the charm of hallmark-like fall scenes to the inviting farm-to-table culture of the countryside, the Eastside tells a story beyond the success of tech giants such as Amazon and Microsoft.
Noon
At the base of the Sammamish plateau and the Tiger Mountains lies Lake Sammamish, a shining beacon of community, the logging industry that founded the area, and a tragic past not long forgotten. The lake is often filled with boats pulling tubes, water skiers, and swimmers from the surrounding towns in the summer, but as the leaves begin to fall, it is the sunset views and encompassing trail that become its star attractions. Lake Sammamish Park at its southern tip is located in the city of Issaquah, roughly 20 minutes east of Seattle, offering fishing, marshy trails, canoeing, picnic spaces, and of course a lovely view of the water and the land formations surrounding it. The park offers family-friendly adventures for a low cost (a Discover Pass is required for parking; a $10 day pass is available), nestled in a beautiful valley offering a myriad of local eateries, art galleries and the theater of historic Gilman Village.
2:30 p.m.
Although Seattleites are known for their love for coffee, influences from religions like Mormonism have brought an entirely new drink industry to the region. Due to abstinence from alcoholic or coffee beverages, chains specializing in beverages called “Italian sodas” or “dirty sodas” by locals have sprung up all over. One of the most popular is the Washingtonian-based chain Bigfoot Java, where you can order almost any beverage imaginable, ranging from $4 to $9 in sizes of 12 oz.,16 oz., 20 oz., and 24 oz. Flavored syrups, teas, sodas, hemp, oat, soy, lactose-free milk, whole milk, Red Bull, and coffee options can be shaken, blended, layered, and more to fulfill a customer’s wildest dreams. Pair any of these “Sasquatch Specialties,” paying homage to a regional folktale, or pastries for a perfect breakfast or refreshing treat with a quick pass through their exclusive drive-thru setup.
3 p.m.
Not even on the other side of the parking lot is a local artisan burger bar, the kitschy dairy farm-themed Tipsy Cow, a nod to their support of local farmers, breweries, wineries, and environmental consciousness of the Cascades. With freshly baked buns, golden crispy fries, and juicy fresh 7 oz. patties, these burgers are what some, like local bartender, Jenna Bel, call, “the best they’ve ever had.” Extravagant burgers like The Rockstar are stacked with a patty, fried egg, local beer-battered bacon, maple syrup, caramelized onions, white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and their house Tipsy sauce, a testament to their emphasis on local produce and ingredients. But the meal wouldn’t be complete without a handspun shake made with local dairy, liquor, and berries. A full spread like this is perfect for flavor and a filling lunch to prepare for outdoor activities later in the day.
5 p.m.
One of the most significant parts of Issaquah is Cougar Mountain, also known as Tiger Mountain, a smaller mountain in the marveled temperate Cascade Mountain range of the west. With various trailheads, diners, and a rescue zoo, the mountain offers more than its astounding beauty. Its peak, humorously and formally named Poo Poo Point, stands at 1,794 feet, with a round trip of about 6.6 miles. The moderately difficult hike averages just under four hours round trip, leading to views of Lake Sammamish and several surrounding cities. For those who want a quicker and more exciting way down, paragliding is a characteristic activity of the Point.
10 p.m.
Just 10 minutes towards Seattle in Factoria is a new hot spot Chi Chi Korean Pocha. This popular food and bar franchise from South Korea brought its first location to the U.S. and has been a hit with locals of all backgrounds. The restaurant centers around games— drinking games, to be specific— fashioned with virtual DJs and a fun, flashy atmosphere that becomes club-like at night. Chi Chi’s serves dishes like Korean fried chicken, tteokbokki, takoyaki, bulgogi bowls, kimchi fried rice, and multitudes of Soju flavors and brands, a testament to the ever-expanding influence of Asian culture on the Seattle area.
Saturday
10:30 a.m.
Further south lies the city of Snoqualmie, often receiving higher levels of snow and home to Snoqualmie Pass, which attracts large numbers of skiers, tubers, and snowboarders each year. On an early fall day, however, the Snoqualmie Falls are most inviting. The 2-acre park brings visitors to a viewing point to observe the flowing turquoise waters of the 270-foot waterfall. Visitors are welcome to hike down to the base of the falls, check out the gift shop, or engage with educational plaques around the park. The Salish Lodge at the top of the falls offers overnight stays, spa experiences, and fine dining, but Snoqualmie has so much more to offer.
Noon
Just 10 minutes down the road is Historic Downtown Snoqualmie. The town is complete with a variety of historic attractions, bars, cafés, an old biker bar, and the town’s gem, Railroad Park and Centennial Log Pavilion—an old, restored train station with functional and restored stationary cars and guided tours. The park is also home to a preserved Douglas Fir log estimated to be around 400 years old, measuring 11.5 feet in diameter at a length of 26 feet, leaving onlookers in awe while providing an educational experience for adults and children. Just around the corner is Snoqualmie Ice Cream, which relocated around the block after a tragic fire this past year but continues to thrive in the hands of its community. Patrons feeling extra adventurous are encouraged to try their seasonal black licorice flavor or any of their locally inspired flavors (prices for single scoops run about $5, $7.50 for a double, and $9.50 for a triple). Just feet away is a bridge that separates civilization from wild open land and the roaring Snoqualmie River.
2:30 p.m.
Across the Meadowbrook Bridge are isolated roads leading into the forests and mountains of the Cascades, sprinkled with farms, national parks, and outdoor enthusiasts. While the Snoqualmie River is known for tube floating in the ice-cold glacier water, providing a welcome reprieve from the summer heat, in the fall and winter, the river is preferred as a calming sight or a river rafting opportunity for the more experienced adventurers. One of the most common entry points into the river beds is the trailhead south in North Bend, just before the famous “Welcome to Twin Peaks” sign from the popular 1990s show, at the base of a large canyon and forest entry point for hunters, dirt bikers, and more.
7:30 p.m.
For dinner, take a local’s recommendation and enjoy an early dinner at the Mexican restaurant El Toreador. As you enter, the smell of fresh corn tortillas and a necessary warmth welcome you in from the brisk Northwestern fall weather. The family-owned Mexican restaurant, started by three brothers—Mark, Wayne, and Eric—inspired by their mother, has been around since the fall of 1980, overseeing the area through many changes and the birth of new cities, including, Sammamish, and new regulars.
Sunday
10 a.m.
Brisk coastal mornings aren’t as frightening as they seem. Head on down to Serres Farm, known as the Red Barn by locals, just off Highway 202 on the edge of Sammamish and Redmond. In the fall, the farm welcomes visitors to its cozy and creepy corn maze, along with a pumpkin patch filled with squash, sunflowers, and, of course, pumpkins. The farm is beloved by locals and often evokes fond childhood memories, as remembered by Emily Balt, born and raised in Sammamish.
“My brother and I have pictures there from every year until I left for college,” she said, smiling.
On your way out, grab some homemade apple cider and kettle corn, and catch a glimpse of the nearly ready Christmas trees behind the maze. Don’t rush your visit, and don’t mind the chill up your spine as a low-hanging fog rolls in all around you.
If You Go
Best Spots Between Woodinville to Snoqualmie
- Lake Sammamish State Park
2000 NW Sammamish Road, Issaquah, WA
Phone: 425-649-4275
Website: parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/lake-sammamish-state-park
Hours: Every day 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Discover Pass required for parking ($10) - Bigfoot Java
736 NW Gilman Blvd., Issaquah, WA 98027
Phone: 425-391-1976
Hours: Open 24 hours (drive-thru only) - Tipsy Cow
720 NW Gilman Blvd., Issaquah, WA 98037
Phone: 425-490-5990
Website: tipsycowburgerbar.com
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Poo Poo Point at Cougar Mountain
Trailhead: 11400 Issaquah-Hobart Road SE, Issaquah, WA 98027
Phone: 206-625-1367
Website: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/poo-poo-point
What to bring: Paragliding supplies (provided), hiking gear available at REI nearby. - Chi Chi Korean Pocha
3720 Factoria Blvd. SE, Bellevue, WA 98006
Phone: 425-590-9517
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 5 p.m. to midnight, Thursday to Saturday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday 5 p.m. to midnight - Snoqualmie Falls
6501 Railroad Ave. SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98024
Phone: 425-326-2563
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Free parking at two lots at the falls. - Snoqualmie Ice Cream
8125 Falls Ave., Snoqualmie, WA 98065
Phone: 425-292-9012
Website: snoqualmieicecream.com
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Railroad Park & Centennial Log Pavilion
7971 Railroad Ave. SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
Phone: 425-831-4919
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Free street parking available. - Snoqualmie River – Two Entrances
- Welcome to Twin Peaks Sign Place: 41433 SE Reinig Road, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
Website: northbendescapes.com/twin-peaks-sign
Hours: Not monitored, best to go between dawn and just after dusk.
- Fall City Riverfront Park: 4099 Fall City Carnation Road SE, Fall City, WA 98024
Phone: 425-222-3708
Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Welcome to Twin Peaks Sign Place: 41433 SE Reinig Road, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
- El Toreador
7845 Leary Way NE, Redmond, WA 98052
Phone: 425-883-7570
Website: eltoreador.com
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Small parking lot behind, supplementary parking at Half-Priced Books. - Serres Farm Pumpkin Patch
20306 NE 50th St., Redmond, WA 98053
Phone: 425-868-3017
Hours: (beginning Sept. 21): Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free parking on the farm.