Hiking Checklist

  • backpack

  • hiking boots

  • water + snacks

  • insulating layer

  • sunscreen

  • hat/sunglasses

  • bug spray

Clothing

I would suggest hiking in comfortable clothing and changing into your formalwear and wedding dress down at the base of the falls. Typically, wedding dresses are best carried in a garment bag on the outside of your backpack. This is the step-by-step process that I tell brides that works best for dress transportation.

1. Hang your wedding dress on a hanger

2. Place it in the garment bag

3. Fold the bottom of the bag up around the hanger

4. Grab a carabiner or other fastening device

5. Clip garment bag to the outside of your backpack

If you guys need bigger backpacks or any specific gear — just let me know! It’s very likely that I have it. I will also be bringing a full medical kit, multiple headlamps, and extra granola bars. Just in case! I’m here to answer any gear questions or go over this checklist with you! Email, call or text me anytime ❤️

 

Preston-Snoqualmie Trail

 

Part 1: Wide Paved Trail

  • this section of the trail is completely paved and is used as a walking and bike trail

  • meanders through the woods and feels very secluded and quiet

  • at the end of the paved section, you start to head down a narrow muddy path to the falls.

Part 2: Trail to the Base of the Falls

  • the beginning of the trail is steep and could be difficult when wet

  • the remainder of the trail has a beautiful narrow pathway through the woods and there are some short extremely muddy sections

Part 3: Base of Falls

  • at the end of the trail, you emerge almost directly across the river from the “lower observation deck”

  • The rocks and driftwood are very slick at the base of the falls. Footwear with firm soles and good grip would be important to have vs. tennis shoes.

  • Photos here would allow for you to stand directly in front of the falls. All of the images you see on Pinterest/online of couples in front of the falls happen from this side of the river.

Trail Mileage: total mileage for the trail is around 5.2 miles round trip. I would allow 4 hours for this hike including photos. There are many private and secluded areas near the base where you could change into your wedding dress.

 
 
Drive from Salish Lodge to the Preston-Snoqualmie Trailhead

Drive from Salish Lodge to the Preston-Snoqualmie Trailhead

Paved trail shown by the solid green line, forest trail shown in orange.

Paved trail shown by the solid green line, forest trail shown in orange.

AllTrails trail map showing distance and elevation.

AllTrails trail map showing distance and elevation.

 
Most of the trail looks like this, walking through a secluded well marked path through the woods.

Most of the trail looks like this, walking through a secluded well marked path through the woods.

Great spot for the “dip kiss” picture with the falls in the background. My mother is inserted for scale lol, it was also very private. We didn’t see one other person on this trail.

Great spot for the “dip kiss” picture with the falls in the background. My mother is inserted for scale lol, it was also very private. We didn’t see one other person on this trail.

There are several areas that would allow you to have images in front of the falls that wouldn’t have any obstructions of the view.

There are several areas that would allow you to have images in front of the falls that wouldn’t have any obstructions of the view.