Olallie State Park
Olallie State Park
4
About
This park is best known for its many bike trails.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Olallie State Park and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
9 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
21 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
12
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
StotheN
Stockholm, Sweden538 contributions
Nov 2022
It has everything you want - a viewpoint, beautiful nature and a cool river to chill by. I even saw a cave below the falls too. It is just a 30min drive away from Seattle area. The hike is not an issue at all. Why dont more people come here??!!
Written 22 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
capableengineer
Kirkland, WA102 contributions
Jul 2017 • Solo
One of the things I love most about living within metro Seattle is the near immediate access to many excellent trails, that offer a variety of skill levels and scenic views.
Hoping to find one within easy reach, I chose to explore the Twin Falls trail, just outside of North Bend, Washington, at exit 34 off of Interstate 90. The trail lies within Olallie State Park, which has a number of features, including Twin Falls, Weeks Falls, the South Fork picnic area, and the Iron Horse State Park Trail.
A short trail (1/2 mile to the Twin Falls overlook, and another rough 1/2 mile before intersecting the Iron Horse Trail), it is not unlike many others, superb for families, those with dogs, or those looking for a leisurely walk through the woods. The trailhead is well equipped with restrooms and information about the area, and parking is adequate, but only offers about thirty spaces and fills up quickly, so plan on early arrival (I arrived around 9 AM on a Sunday and got the last spot before the overflow parking started). When I left at 11:30 AM, the road to the trail had at least a mile's worth of cars parked on the berm.
The first part of the trail lies within beautiful old growth trees, and follows along the edge of the Snoqualmie River South Fork, where you can easily access the river's edge, and get some spectacular views of the valley, large boulders, nice wildflowers, and even spot an occasional fly fisherman.
As you turn away from the trail, the path quickly becomes steep, with a number of switchbacks, but there are virtually no technical challenges, save a fallen log or two across the path.
Now normally, I am not critical of most trails, because they are either well marked and/or obvious as to where they lead. To the traveler that approaches the trail from the west, do NOT ignore the long, multi-tiered set of steps that go DOWNWARDS BEFORE you reach the overlook at what you THINK are the Twin Falls. While heading eastward, I completely ignored these, believing it was only leading to an overlook. An overlook INDEED! This IS the vista point for Twin Falls (only 1/2 mile in), an incredible, lacy, velvety, 100+ foot tall waterfall that is a sight to behold (though the name "Twin Falls" is somewhat befuddling). It IS the highlight of the trail!! Why it is unmarked is an absolute mystery; had I not "taken a chance" on the return route, I would have missed this fabulous sight! In fact, I "warned" many people coming up the trail to be sure not to miss these stairs. TO THE READER HERE: DO NOT MISS THESE!
Should you continue up the trail past Twin Falls, you will cross a lovely wooden bridge that looks down upon the water, about seventy feet below, and also at another small waterfall to the North. Continue on to another few sets of small stairs, and another beautiful waterfall awaits you, at a nice overlook.
Beyond this point the trail meanders into heavy forest, with no real vantage points, towards the Iron Horse trail. At this point, there is a great deal more noise from the valley through which interstate 90 passes; I decided against completing the path, and turned back.
For a simple, family friendly hike, I recommend Twin Falls as a convenient getaway that is easy to get to, has some decent beauty, and is not overly technical. Just don't miss the Falls themselves - they are absolutely delightful.
Hoping to find one within easy reach, I chose to explore the Twin Falls trail, just outside of North Bend, Washington, at exit 34 off of Interstate 90. The trail lies within Olallie State Park, which has a number of features, including Twin Falls, Weeks Falls, the South Fork picnic area, and the Iron Horse State Park Trail.
A short trail (1/2 mile to the Twin Falls overlook, and another rough 1/2 mile before intersecting the Iron Horse Trail), it is not unlike many others, superb for families, those with dogs, or those looking for a leisurely walk through the woods. The trailhead is well equipped with restrooms and information about the area, and parking is adequate, but only offers about thirty spaces and fills up quickly, so plan on early arrival (I arrived around 9 AM on a Sunday and got the last spot before the overflow parking started). When I left at 11:30 AM, the road to the trail had at least a mile's worth of cars parked on the berm.
The first part of the trail lies within beautiful old growth trees, and follows along the edge of the Snoqualmie River South Fork, where you can easily access the river's edge, and get some spectacular views of the valley, large boulders, nice wildflowers, and even spot an occasional fly fisherman.
As you turn away from the trail, the path quickly becomes steep, with a number of switchbacks, but there are virtually no technical challenges, save a fallen log or two across the path.
Now normally, I am not critical of most trails, because they are either well marked and/or obvious as to where they lead. To the traveler that approaches the trail from the west, do NOT ignore the long, multi-tiered set of steps that go DOWNWARDS BEFORE you reach the overlook at what you THINK are the Twin Falls. While heading eastward, I completely ignored these, believing it was only leading to an overlook. An overlook INDEED! This IS the vista point for Twin Falls (only 1/2 mile in), an incredible, lacy, velvety, 100+ foot tall waterfall that is a sight to behold (though the name "Twin Falls" is somewhat befuddling). It IS the highlight of the trail!! Why it is unmarked is an absolute mystery; had I not "taken a chance" on the return route, I would have missed this fabulous sight! In fact, I "warned" many people coming up the trail to be sure not to miss these stairs. TO THE READER HERE: DO NOT MISS THESE!
Should you continue up the trail past Twin Falls, you will cross a lovely wooden bridge that looks down upon the water, about seventy feet below, and also at another small waterfall to the North. Continue on to another few sets of small stairs, and another beautiful waterfall awaits you, at a nice overlook.
Beyond this point the trail meanders into heavy forest, with no real vantage points, towards the Iron Horse trail. At this point, there is a great deal more noise from the valley through which interstate 90 passes; I decided against completing the path, and turned back.
For a simple, family friendly hike, I recommend Twin Falls as a convenient getaway that is easy to get to, has some decent beauty, and is not overly technical. Just don't miss the Falls themselves - they are absolutely delightful.
Written 13 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cliff C
Seattle75 contributions
Mar 2017 • Solo
Get your Discover Pass (state parks parking) and head to Olallie. It's at Exit 38, on the south side of I-90. The part that is most interesting is the long skinny section south of South Fork Snoqaulmie River and north of SE Homestead Valley Rd, accessed by a turnoff on the left just east of where all the semi trucks park and where the climbers park to access Deception Crags.
In this long skinny section, take the Weeks Falls trail. It's magnificent. The scenic river churns along right near the trail. You'll go through some scattered quite-large timber (western redcedar, Sitka spruce, etc.) including a few isolated trees up to 8' in diameter at the base. There's one western redcedar with a hollow base that looks like kids wriggle into it.
Sitka spruce usually hug the Pacific coast, venturing inland only in the major west-facing river valleys. The Snoqualmie River valley is one of them, with old Sitka spruce scattered here and there. There are quite a few around the Exit 38 area, with a huge one at Olallie.
At the eastern end of the trail is a tiny parking lot with a great view of the falls ... It's more like a cascade than a falls, but gorgeous nonetheless.
Olallie is a small park that you can visit as a side-trip in the North Bend area or on your way to or from Snoqualmie Pass on I-90. It's a surprising little gem.
In this long skinny section, take the Weeks Falls trail. It's magnificent. The scenic river churns along right near the trail. You'll go through some scattered quite-large timber (western redcedar, Sitka spruce, etc.) including a few isolated trees up to 8' in diameter at the base. There's one western redcedar with a hollow base that looks like kids wriggle into it.
Sitka spruce usually hug the Pacific coast, venturing inland only in the major west-facing river valleys. The Snoqualmie River valley is one of them, with old Sitka spruce scattered here and there. There are quite a few around the Exit 38 area, with a huge one at Olallie.
At the eastern end of the trail is a tiny parking lot with a great view of the falls ... It's more like a cascade than a falls, but gorgeous nonetheless.
Olallie is a small park that you can visit as a side-trip in the North Bend area or on your way to or from Snoqualmie Pass on I-90. It's a surprising little gem.
Written 13 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aditi G
Seattle, WA8 contributions
We hiked to the twin falls from the homestead trailhead, as the twin falls trail head was closed due to hazard. It was drizzling for sometime, but overall a sunny spring day. The trail difficulty was moderate, with a few muddy patches. Very few signs on the way to the canyon bridge (vantage point for upper falls) from homestead trailhead and we could find a lot of hikers confused about the route. Would recommend to carry a map or keep checking with hikers you meet along if you're on track for the falls.
Written 11 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
batmom99
Brooklyn Park, MN130 contributions
Jul 2012 • Friends
We went from Snoqualmie Falls to here, as we were in the area and wanted to see some more waterfalls. My aunt was told to go here and are we ever glad we did! It was a bit tricky to find, perhaps because we were looking for Twin Falls instead of Olallie State Park.
The hike through the forest is absolutely breathtaking--it's a temperate rainforest! The trees are HUGE! and being a rainforest, it is so green. the trees are growing moss, which in turn is growing ferns! and the trail is along the river, so there is a beautiful water soundtrack to match the scenery.
the path is well marked and gradually goes uphill. we were there on a Sunday, early afternoon, in July and it was busy. Great to see! Coming from Minnesota, i was so glad there weren't mosquitos everywhere as we hiked. we started out late morning, and sadly turned around before we made it to the falls, as we were all hungry. but even what we saw was fantastic!
there is a state park fee, so we paid $10 for a day pass, not having the yearly pass, but it was SO worth it!
one port-a-potty at the trailhead.
The hike through the forest is absolutely breathtaking--it's a temperate rainforest! The trees are HUGE! and being a rainforest, it is so green. the trees are growing moss, which in turn is growing ferns! and the trail is along the river, so there is a beautiful water soundtrack to match the scenery.
the path is well marked and gradually goes uphill. we were there on a Sunday, early afternoon, in July and it was busy. Great to see! Coming from Minnesota, i was so glad there weren't mosquitos everywhere as we hiked. we started out late morning, and sadly turned around before we made it to the falls, as we were all hungry. but even what we saw was fantastic!
there is a state park fee, so we paid $10 for a day pass, not having the yearly pass, but it was SO worth it!
one port-a-potty at the trailhead.
Written 4 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Viviana C
6 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
I was looking for twin falls, but navigation was no good and came across this gorgeous place. Went on a sunday and was packed not much parking place. Has amazing views, hicking trail was hard going up with little ones some areas where really narrow. But fell in love with what it had to offer. I would go back again.
Written 15 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PatInWa
Woodinville, WA29 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
Nice small park. Easy access from I90. Large flat grass field, picnic areas, easy trails. Great place to start hiking season or get the family started.
Written 26 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill R
Seattle, WA175 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
This was my first hike of the season so I wanted something not too strenuous but with some nice payoff. Twin Falls fit the bill perfectly with a well maintained trail, lots of wild flowers, and some wonderful falls. Very little elevation change so it is accessible to pretty much any level of experience.
Written 9 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SkateSand
Shingletown, CA389 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
What a lovely place! Very scenic, with a beautiful, clear stream and walking trails through the lush woods along the water.
Written 22 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Decemberborn
Kent, WA473 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
Went hiking to Twin Falls on one of the free state parks days. I am quite over weight and I was able to hike all of the way up to the upper falls which is a little past where most people turn around. Great views. Beautiful scenery. Not much parking. Be prepared for lots of foot & dog traffic if going on a weekend. Hardly any place to sit and have a picnic lunch at.
If you don't go on a free state park weekend you will need a discover pass.
If you don't go on a free state park weekend you will need a discover pass.
Written 15 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing