South Fork Snoqualmie River Picnic Area

Along I-90 and the river banks of the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River and under the shadows of 4,420-foot Mount Washington and 5,162-foot McClellan Butte lies the 2,500-acre Olallie State Park.

Descending from Snoqualmie Pass in Washington's Central Cascades, the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River meanders down a 4,000-foot deep valley and makes two significant drops. The first is 75 feet at Weeks Falls, and the second is farther down river at the 135-foot Twin Falls. The two cascades certainly draw the largest crowds to Olallie State Park, but between the falls the river flattens out, slows down, and creates some tranquil swimming holes and sun-kissed pebble beaches. The park's South Fork Picnic Area was established precisely at one of those locations, and it makes for an excellent retreat from the blistering heat of the low-lying Seattle/Tacoma metro area. Here you'll find the swimming hole, pebble shore beach, picnic tables, open play field, and the park's ranger station/residence.

Nearly a mile further down stream, just below the Homestead Valley Road bridge, the old-growth forest of the valley surrounds another excellent sunbathing location should the South Fork Picnic Area be too crowded.