Hike #18: Twin Falls Hike
The Twin Falls hike is elegant in its simplicity. Located just 29 miles from church, Twin Falls State Park is a long, narrow piece of quasi-wilderness that straddles the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River just east of the town of North Bend. The hike is short; only 1.3 miles each direction. The hike is easy; never gaining more than about 200 feet of elevation. The hike is also lovely: old growth trees, the pristine waters of the Snoqualmie and, treat of treats, the two splendid water falls. Of course, there had to be two falls in order for the park to be named Twin Falls!
Grand View
About half way to the destination, the trail winds up a low rise. At the top of the rise is a viewing bench and a view. What a view! From here, the hiker can take in the best perspective of the smaller upper falls and the huge, cascading lower falls. Since the hike is so short, do stop and soak up the view. It is just too good for words. Weary folks or those who do not care to go farther will find this to be an excellent place to have a light lunch and rest before heading back to the car.
Staircase to splendor
Those who continue on with the hike will eventually come to a staircase that descends steeply to the right of the trail. Stop! Do not rush on. Take time to go down the staircase. At the bottom of the staircase hikers will end up on a small platform that puts you eyeball to eyeball with the plunging face of the lower falls. This is quite a thrilling experience, to say the least. Though there is a well-designed guard rail, small children need to be with their parents at this time. Try to imagine the strategy it took to build the platform out over the river raging far below. Don't overcrowd the platform, Though no load limit is posted, parish members will not want to take any chances here.
Destination bridge
The 1.3 mile destination point is a sturdy, safe foot bridge that crosses the river between the upper and lower falls. Hikers with excess energy may want to go several switchbacks farther for more intimate views of the upper falls. The bridge will be the formal turnaround spot. Open areas just prior to the bridge make good, shady places to sit and have lunch. Do not rush back. Take time to relax.
Protecting the park
During the hike it is most important that parish children do not take shortcuts. While there is ample evidence that others have taken shortcuts, park personnel are pleading with the public to avoid the practice. Not only is an unsightly mess created, but cutting trails causes the fragile vegetation to die and erosion to begin.
Also, parents will probably prefer to keep their children with them since the river, along which the trail is located, is quite swift.
While the Twin Falls hike is really easy, if you are more used to hiking from the television to the refrigerator and back, the Twin Falls hike is a good trail for the out-of-shape, for beginners, or for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of God's creation (which can include those who are already avid hikers). Hikers can get by with sturdy athletic shoes. Carry water in a rucksack, along with snacks and lunch.
How to get there
Take Highway 18 to I-90. Head east toward North Bend. Once you are past North Bend, take Exit 34. After you have exited, turn right and follow the small brown signs that indicate that you are heading toward Twin Falls State Park. Parking is at a premium, but there are two clean toilet houses. Expect a lot of other visitors. Twin Falls is a popular destination.
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