If I had to select just one adjective to describe the Pacific Northwest, it would be lush. Especially during summer months, the landscapes of this region transform into something out of a fairy tale. My hike this past July out to Twin Falls, a gem of a waterfall located in North Bend, Washington reminded me of that 2004 Anne Hathaway movie Ella Enchanted. I can’t be the only one who remembers this film; it was one of my favorites all throughout the seventh grade.
My movie tastes have since matured, but I think the comparison between a fantasy film set and the hike to Twin Falls is an apt one:
Yes, that’s right, blue skies do blanket the northwest from time to time during summer months. Who says it’s always rainy in the Seattle area? Wait…I’ve definitely made that claim before, typically after two straight weeks of rain in the middle of a Seattle October.
Summertime is different, though. I promise! I’m usually a strong advocate of off-season travel, because adventuring during the winter months costs less money and means fewer crowds, but Seattle during summer is worth the extra stress and money.
This past July, Kevin and I spent three weeks in the Seattle area and we were able to escape and have outdoor adventures nearly every single day – this hike to Twin Falls chief among them. But, when we visited a few months later, in late October, we barely managed to get outside once. The only recommendation I have for summer travel in Washington is to enjoy the outdoors on weekdays – the trails get far too crowded on weekends with both locals and tourists alike. We visited Twin Falls on a weekday afternoon, and while the trail wasn’t empty, the crowds were a far cry from what one would see on a sunny Saturday in July at 11 a.m.
Twin Lakes trail, which is a mere 3.5 miles round trip, is well-maintained and requires little hiking skill or previous experience, making this a wonderful trail for families with younger kids. I also had a blast photographing Twin Falls and its trail, so take note, fellow shutter-happy travelers. The northwest is one of my favorite spots to photograph in the United States because of these wild forests and, as you’ll see below, rushing streams:
So. Freaking. Peaceful. I swear, I could have stood in front of this view all day. Even though the trailhead was a tad on the crowded side – the small parking lot at the Twin Falls trailhead was full upon arrival – there were still countless opportunities for quiet and tranquility while hiking…which, in my world, means I enjoyed ample chances to take photographs without either getting in someone’s way or someone getting in my way.
I took well over one hundred photos on our one hour and fifteen minute round-trip hike to Twin Falls. #SorryNotSorry, I was obsessed with this landscape. Can you blame me?
Now, for the primary attraction: Twin Falls. Although, to be honest, I would still have eagerly hiked and recommended this trail even sans waterfall (the scenery was that spectacular!) but hey, I’m never one to pass down an awesome waterfall:
We turned around at the waterfall, but hikers looking to extend their trek can continue along the trail, which eventually links up to the longer Iron Horse Trail, North Bend’s primary trail. As I said above, the trail is relatively flat and easy, only 3.5 miles to the waterfall and back, and I successfully hiked it without tripping or otherwise injuring myself. Do you have any idea how hard it is to be a klutz who loves hiking? At any rate, the lack of hazards on Twin Falls trail makes it an appealing choice for less-skilled outdoors people who still want a taste of Pacific Northwest scenery.
I loved this particular trail because it didn’t just lead to one waterfall – it lead to several, in addition to the rather photogenic stream the trail initially followed. Would I hike to Twin Falls again? Absolutely! And I recommend it heartily to any traveler visiting the Seattle area.
In order to hike out to Twin Falls, visitors need to purchase the Discover day pass (provided you don’t already own the Discover pass, which is valid for one year – if you plan on hiking frequently while in Washington state, it might be a good investment). Both the day and year passes are available for purchase here. I know, at $11 a day, the pass is expensive – almost prohibitively so. And I’d say that reflects the greater Seattle area well. Food, lodging, and entertainment costs are higher than many other parts of the country, but trust me, a day hike is a must when visiting the city. Sure, the Space Needle is cool, but I’m a sucker for the forests of the northwest.
