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Snoqualmie, WA

Frequently asked questions

Snoqualmie, WA

Snoqualmie is a city next to Snoqualmie Falls in King County, Washington, United States. It is 28 miles (45 km) east of Seattle. Snoqualmie City is home to the Northwest Railway Museum. The population was 14,121 at the 2020 census.

Many of the exterior shots for David Lynch and Mark Frost's Twin Peaks television series and movie (Fire Walk with Me) were filmed in Snoqualmie and in the neighboring towns of North Bend and Fall City. Movie actress Ella Raines was born on August 6, 1920, in Snoqualmie Falls, a mill town across the Snoqualmie River that is now part of Snoqualmie.

The name "Snoqualmie" comes from the name of the indigenous people of the same name. It is an Anglicization of the Lushootseed name sdukʷalbixʷ, which means "people of the moon".

The second written record of the exploration of the Snoqualmie Valley comes from the notes of Samuel Hancock, who ventured upriver with the Snoqualmie tribe in 1851 in search of coal. Near the current location of Meadowbrook Bridge, Hancock was told by his guides that the land was known as Hyas Kloshe Illahee, or "good/productive land". Hancock took this useful information back with him to the area now known as Tacoma. The area that is now Snoqualmie had been continuously occupied by members of the Snoqualmie Tribe and their ancestors for at least 13,000 years.

During the 1850s, tensions were very high between the native populations and the new settlers claiming the land as their own. In 1856, in response to these tensions, Fort Alden was built near a Snoqualmie village, in the area that would become Snoqualmie. After the Treaty War ended, Fort Alden was abandoned (along with other forts built around this time).

The most successful early pioneer in the Valley was Jeremiah Borst, who arrived in the spring of 1858 over the Cedar River trail from the eastern side of the mountains. He settled in the area that formerly held Fort Alden, and used his sales of pigs and apples in Seattle to buy out much of the surrounding land from other settlers.

The official vote for incorporation of "Snoqualmie Falls" as the city of Snoqualmie occurred in 1903. At the time, land prices had not decreased since initially set in 1889 — prices that did not reflect the financial reality of the region. In response to these high prices, people had created a large "squatting" community, building where they wanted regardless of land ownership or interests. The first challenge that the city council faced was lowering lot prices and migrating these buildings off the public right-of-way, establishing the basic layout of the town that exists to this day.

Snoqualmie is located at 47°31′59″N 121°50′40″W (47.532934, -121.844341), at an elevation of 410 feet (120 m) above MSL. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.51 square miles (16.86 km²), of which 6.40 square miles (16.58 km²) are land and 0.11 square miles (0.28 km²) are water.

Snoqualmie places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Snoqualmie Valley Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Anytime Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Mt Si Sports + Fitness is another popular gym offering fitness classes and personalized training. For a community-focused option, the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA features fitness programs, swimming pools, and wellness workshops. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the scenic trails of the Three Forks Natural Area, ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. Oom Yung Doe provides martial arts training focusing on physical and mental discipline.

Top sites in Snoqualmie WA include Snoqualmie Falls, Snoqualmie Point Park, and Northwest Railway Museum, Snoqualmie Depot.

Population: 13,621 (2022). Elevation: 440 feet. Area: 3.33 square miles. Main ZIP Code: 98065. Main Area Code: 425.

FAQs

What is Snoqualmie, WA known for?

Known for the natural wonder of Snoqualmie Falls, Snoqualmie is a destination for travelers worldwide. Located 25 miles east of Seattle in the upper Snoqualmie Valley, this small town is rooted in natural beauty. Snoqualmie is officially recognized as Home of the Boeing Classic, draws a pilgrimage of Twin Peaks fans, and is a recipient of many quality of life awards. Explore some of the attributes that make Snoqualmie a special place to live and visit. 

Is Snoqualmie, WA expensive to live in?

Snoqualmie is ranked 29 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Snoqualmie is 120.1% of the national average. The average rent in Snoqualmie (located in the Seattle-Bellevue-Kent Metro) metro area for a 2-bed home is $2,075, which is 41% more than the average rent across the US. The median home price in Snoqualmie is $1,225,000 with a median price per sqft of $459.

What is the crime rate in Snoqualmie, WA?

The crime rate in Snoqualmie is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 24 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Snoqualmie is 1 in 42. Based on FBI crime data, Snoqualmie is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Washington, Snoqualmie has a crime rate that is higher than 68% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

City of Snoqualmie

Wikipedia

Flyhomes

Neighborhood Scout

Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Point Park

Northwest Railway Museum, Snoqualmie Depot

Snoqualmie Valley Hospital

Anytime Fitness

Mt Si Sports + Fitness

Snoqualmie Valley YMCA

Three Forks Natural Area

Oom Yung Doe

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