Fall City isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind when considering a visit to Snoqualmie Valley. However, this small town is chock-full of beautiful nature, charming farms and unique restaurants, which make it ideal for an adventurous local getaway.
Only the locals know …
Despite its name, Fall City isn’t an actual city. It’s an unincorporated rural town nestled along the banks of the Snoqualmie and Raging rivers. Despite a population of fewer than 2,500 residents, Fall City has a thriving arts community that hosts a variety of family programs and fine arts events throughout the year.
According to the neighbors …
“I think the Snoqualmie River is really great to have a good time. You can spend hours wading or playing in the sand,” says Rodrigo DeMedeiros, a longtime Fall City resident and father. “We also like going to Fall City Community Park. You can play baseball, and there’s an arena for horseback riding.”
Get your play on
Make the most of your trek to Fall City by taking in the lush scenery at its many parks, trails and farms. The Snoqualmie Valley Trail is a favorite among locals. Families can walk along an old railroad grade and through beautiful forested areas on a flat, mostly level path (great for strollers). Fall City Community Park is a popular spot, too, with its baseball field, horse arena and ample river access.
It wouldn’t be a day well spent in the valley if you didn’t visit at least one farm. Fall City Farms offers the perfect small-farm experience. Kids can watch as apples are pressed to make cider and doughnuts sizzle. Meet the cows and donkeys, enjoy a wagon ride and pick a pumpkin from the patch. Baxter Barn is another local favorite. Kids will love seeing the horses, miniature donkeys, chickens, pheasants and quail. In October, along with picking pumpkins, you can take a tractor ride, buy certified salmon-safe eggs and take an educational tour of the farm. Nearby Remlinger Farms is a bit grander. It includes an amusement park, an expansive pumpkin patch and a corn maze. Looking for something a little more unusual? Check out Fall City Wallaby Ranch and meet some adorable wallabies and kangaroos. Or hop on a pony at The Fancy Farm of Fall City.
Fall City can also make a great weekend getaway for parents (that’s right, no kids allowed). Forgo the boring hotels and stay in a tree house. TreeHouse Point offers six tree houses for a unique lodging experience.
Eats + Treats
Small Fryes is the place to go in the valley for burgers and shakes. Though there’s usually a line, locals declare that the grease, salt, sugar and caffeine are worth the wait. And you can’t beat the price, with the kids’ combos usually only $6.29.
Aroma Coffee Co. may be a relatively new addition to the valley, but it’s become one of its go-to coffee shops. All baked goods are made in-house using locally sourced ingredients.
Known for its fresh flavors and robust menu (the better to appeal to everyone’s tastes), El Caporal is an excellent place to bring the kids.
For those interested in a bit of history, head to the Roadhouse Restaurant & Inn. This place has been offering tasty food and comfortable lodging since 1916.
What to bring
Fall is one of the best times of the year to see fall foliage and explore the valley. Just remember that the season’s cool and rainy days call for light jackets and hiking boots or rain boots. Check out ParentMap’s guide, “How to Play Outside in Wild Weather” for more tips.
