Must See Sights and Landmarks in Snoqualmie Falls Area

"It’s rare that you see a library on a list of awesome architecture, but Seattle’s main library is no architectural slouch. In fact, it’s pretty strange looking to say the least — all angles and glass and steel. But look closer and you’ll see that this building is a marvel of both creativity and function."

"Once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, Smith Tower is one of the coolest and lesser known landmarks and unique things to do in Seattle. Ride to the observatory to the top of the building in one of the only remaining man operated elevators left in the US. The operator will be wearing period attire and make you feel like you’re entering Disney’s Hollywood Tower of Terror rather than a famous Seattle building."

"Located in historic Pioneer Square, Smith Tower is the city’s original skyscraper. Built in 1914, its 38-stories made it the tallest building in Seattle – a title it proudly held until the arrival of the Space Needle in 1962. In fact, at the time of construction, Smith Tower was considered the tallest building in the United States outside of New York!"

"It’s not the tallest building in town and it's not the flashiest either. But the triangle-topped tower is unique and well recognized as it’s one of the older buildings downtown. When Smith Tower opened to the public on July 4, 1914, it housed, two telegraph offices, retail stores, a public telephone station and offered office space."

"At 295 metres to its tip, the Columbia Center is the tallest building in Washington State. When it was topped off in 1985 this skyscraper was the tallest building on the whole West Coast, though it has since dropped down to fourth on the list. In the 2010s the Sky View observatory on the 73rd floor has been modified to give you a 360° view, while two new express elevators and a new lounge have also been modified."

"Located in the Columbia Center of downtown Seattle, the Sky View Observatory is one of the lesser-known tourist spots of Seattle. It attracts smaller crowds than places like the Space Needle, and it isn’t as expensive. It’s perfect for visitors who like throwing away their travel guides to try new things and explore new places."

"We recommend first taking a lap through the different levels of the market, sampling your way through, peeking at the World Famous Giant Shoe Museum, look at the comic book store Golden Age Collectables, checking out the Nepalese apothecary, see one of the original Starbucks, and walk through the famous Gum Wall. After you’ve had your fair share of samples we recommend enjoying award winning Pike Place Chowder for the best New England Chowder in the world or Beecher’s Homemade Cheese for their delectable, creamy mac & cheese that Oprah has named one of her 100 favorite things!"

"Also unconventional, the Gum Wall is a gum-coated section of Post Alley, down a flight of stairs from Rachel the piggybank at Pike Place Market. From the early 90s, audience members on their way in or out of the Unexpected Productions improv theatre would stick used chewing gum on the wall and decorate it with a coin. Over time people have become creative, spelling out their name and composing little artworks with the gum."

"Let all your followers know that you, too, have mingled with the saliva of millions. (It does make a colorful, abstract backdrop.). A post shared by Emma Monden (@emmamonden) on Jul 15, 2018 at 3:36pm PDT"

"When the cherry trees are in bloom, the campus of the University of Washington becomes a grove of brilliant blossoms bursting in pink and white. The rest of the time there are plenty of classic quads, plus repositories for the best in science and culture: the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture and the Henry Art Gallery. Shop at one of the many bookstores near campus, like the comfy Third Place Books."

"Sports fans should take a tour at CenturyLink Field or Safeco Field. Once you’ve worked up an appetite again, go for a casual meal at Canton Wonton House or take your time at Red Lantern."

"Kids will be drawn to the playground, but Lake View Cemetery next door attracts fans of the late Bruce Lee, buried here. Capitol Hill is bursting with restaurants, so the options for lunch are endless. Try the upgraded diner fare at Skillet Diner, or wander down the hill to the options at Melrose Market, a collection of eateries selling everything from oysters to burgers."

"Designed by Charles Reed and Allen Stem and built in 1906, the station’s 250-foot clock tower was modeled after Venice, Italy’s Piazza de San Marco’s bell tower. A recent renovation uncovered ornate ceilings, wainscoting and mosaic tile work hidden after an unfortunate redesign in the 1960s. A post shared by Shane Medbery (@shane_medbery_pdx) on Nov 10, 2017 at 3:32pm PST"

"This old train station is one of the best photoshoot locations in Seattle. It has a very grandiose feel and it’s always a fun venue for photos. There are a lot of spots in the station where history simply oozes out of its nooks and crannies."

"This longtime Pike Place wonder from chef Daisley Gordon is well-regarded for its dedication to classic Parisian fare. Locally sourced ingredients from the market go into preparations for classic dishes, such as crispy duck leg confit and beef bourguignon, now available as cook-at-home meals via takeout and delivery (as well as limited onsite dining). The quiches also still earn raves, and the chocolate cognac mousse is a delight."

"This longtime Pike Place wonder from chef Daisley Gordon is well-regarded for its dedication to classic Parisian fare. Locally sourced ingredients from the market go into preparations for classics such as crispy duck leg confit, beef bourguignon, and killer quiches, available as cook-at-home meals via takeout and delivery, as well as onsite dining (proof of vaccination required). View this post on Instagram"

"If you can't get a reservation for lunch or dinner at Campagne and still want to experience the award-winning, bistro-style restaurant, then try the café for brunch. You can't go wrong, and you can visit the Market while in the area. The quintessential Parisian decor provides a delightful backdrop for a fine morning meal, including freshly squeezed orange juice and steaming coffee."

"One step inside the slender First Ave bistro with the little black awning transports you directly to the Right Bank of Paris—with all the buzz of lively conversation, the pulse of an all-day crowd, and the petit ceramic pitchers of wine it’s named for. Just like in Paris, the menu is full of terrines, pates, charcuterie, and entrees like moules frites, that perfect combination of shellfish and fries that passes as fast food in France; or succulent roast chicken for two, wholly worth the hour wait. Francophiles idle away a morning with cafe au lait and a baguette, or lunch on country pate with greens."

"The skill in preparation that you'll find at this French bistro is practically awe-inspiring. From homemade sausages to a golden roast chicken, everything is provided the utmost care and given a light, capable touch. As a result, flavors shine through, offering diners the essence of the food."

"The best way to experience Pike Place Market is to completely avoid the crowds all together, pull up a seat at Maximilien, and simply take in the scenery. From here, you’ll get sweeping views of the Puget Sound and the Olympics, with none of the chaotic energy that usually accompanies a trip to the market. Order the oysters—it’s only right."

"True, it’s a deck rather than a rooftop, though we challenge you to find many roofs that have as spectacular a view of the hills and sea. French food with a naturalized flair, it’s settled right at the Southern end of Pike Place Market, giving you the best of Seattle within walking distance."

"Pike Place Market's longtime French bistro brings off all the familiar dishes adeptly, and is on a lot of people’s short list for its happy hour booze on the great deck, its terrific view of the bay, and its destination weekend brunches."

"Opening up in 1989, this Pike Place Market establishment is one of the older craft breweries in the city — making craft beer “before it was cool.” True to its Seattle heritage, it specializes in sustainability and organic ingredients, mainly brewing English- and American-style beers. The company not only has its flagship pub in Pike Place, but it also opened a brand new restaurant, Tankard and Tun, a seafood restaurant that offers the company’s craft brews and features its own fermentation room. Seattle Magazine named this company the Most Iconic Washington Beer Brand in 2018."

"Since 1989, Pike Brewing Company has been killing the brewing game well before craft beer was even cool. Even now with the rise of breweries in Seattle, Pike still remains popular and for good reason. Some popular beers from their wide selection are definitely the Pike Kilt Lifter and XXXXX from their eight year-round beers and their Pike Honeymoon Suite from the seasonal selection."

"The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is the official state museum of Washington, originally founded in 1899 as the Washington State Museum, though its roots date back to the Young Naturalists Society, which was established two decades prior. Today, the museum is housed on the campus of the University of Washington and showcases a collection of more than 16 million specimens and artifacts across significant ornithology, biology, geology, and anthropology collections. Three long-term exhibits display the evolution of the state over 545 million years and present the fifth-largest collection of American indigenous art in the world."

"The collections at Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture reflect groundbreaking research in biology, geology, paleontology, and cultural studies. Within those collections, visitors will find 16 million objects from across the globe and specifically from the area around the Pacific Northwest. Visitors will be able to see Northwest Native Art, flora, fauna, minerals, anthropology and natural resources of Washington and beyond."

"Within the University of Washington campus is a gem of a museum, the Burke Museum. We recently went here for the first time a few weeks ago, and were surprised at how cool it was. My daughter loved the exhibit showcasing the geology and Paleolithic history of the Pacific Northwest (dinosaurs and volcanoes)."