2012 cascade vistors guide

Gateway to

THE CASCADES S n o q u a l m i e Va l l e y Visitors Guide 2012

FULL BLEED

Celebrating

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1915 140th NE D3, Bellevue

1460 NW Gilman, Issaquah

(Evergreen Shopping Center)

(QFC Shopping Center)

Proud to be voted 2010 Best of Issaquah

A DRIVING COMMITMENT

Sales Department Hours Mon - Sat 9am - 8pm Sun 10am - 6pm

Maybe it’s the antique pedal cars, the 1950’s charm or the small-town appeal. There’s something about Chaplins North Bend Chevrolet that makes it very special. We’re a family-run business. Our mission is to embody the spirit and culture of our automakers and personify the spirit of excellence in our store. At Chaplins, our success is achieved through communication, not confrontation and through motivation, not intimidation.

We strive to provide the highest level of service for customers. We seek an uplifting environment in which we can efficiently and peacefully fulfill the needs of our customers. In short, we strive to be the best without compromise. That means being proud of who we are and what we do “servicing our customers,” and remembering there are no greater assets to our business than having a positive attitude and pleasant smile.

Full Service Dealership • Friendly Staff • Certified Service Technicians

10% off any service appointment Tires • Transmission Flush • Brakes TIME FOR A TUNE-UP! *excluding Quick Lube Service. Expires 8/31/12.

Certified to do warranty work on all GM Models

OIL CHANGE SPECIAL

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Visit our quick lube Full synthetic extra WE SERVICE MOST MAKES & MODELS! Service Department Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5:30pm Sat. 8am-2pm

106 Main Ave. N, North Bend • 425-888-0781 • www.chevyoutlet.com

Summer Session Enrolling Now!

• Most students fall more than two months behind in math over the summer.

• Teachers spend four to six weeks in the fall re-teaching forgotten material • Our children’s counterparts in China, India, Sweden, Singapore for sure, are not taking 2 whole months off from school.

Don’t let your kids fall behind in Math!

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When you sign up for Summer Camp before June 30, 2012 7802 SE Center Blvd. Suite A Snoqualmie 425-367-4747 www.mathnasium.com/snoqualmie

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Publisher

Page design

HISTORY

Page 6

INFORMATION CENTERS

Page 8

RIVER RAFTING

Page 10

ARTS ON STAGE

Page 12

HIKING

Page 14

FARM FRESH

Page 18

BICYCLING

Page 22

PARKS

Page 24

CASINO GAMING

Page 26

TRAIN DEPOT

Page 28

FISHING

Page 30

Deborah Berto

David Hayes

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Page 32

Managing Editor

Cover photo

SCIENCE CENTER

Page 37

GOLFING

Page 38

SKIING

Page 40

OFF ROADING

Page 41

ELK HERDS

Page 42

GREENWAY

Page 43

FESTIVALS

Page 44

SNOQUALMIE FALLS

Page 46

Kathleen R. Merrill

Elk photo by Garrett Meyers

Advertising manager

Page 5 photo

Jill Green

Advertising staff Neil Buchsbaum Michelle Comeau Terry Sager Vickie Singsaas

Production Breann Getty Dona Mokin

Cover design Breann Getty

Greg Farrar

Writers Tom Corrigan David Hayes Caleb Heeringa Warren Kagarise Christina Lords Michelle Mihalovich Sebastian Moraga Lillian Tucker

Photography Greg Farrar

Printing Rotary Offset Press

SUMMER Gateway 6

LOCAL HISTORY

Summer 2012

PHOTO COURTESY OF SNOQUALMIE VALLEY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

}

The Edmund Kinsey Family in circa 1885.

Valley history is rich with culture, industry

BY CHRISTINA LORDS

While Jeremiah Borst is often dubbed “the father of the Snoqualmie Valley,” the people known today as the Snoqualmie Tribe — which now has about 650 members — have lived in the Puget Sound region long before explorers came to the Northwest.

They hunted deer, elk and other game animals, fished for salmon,

and gathered berries and wild plants for food and medicinal purposes generation after generation.

In 1855, the tribe signed the Point Elliott Treaty. The agreement ceded to the United States government all of its land between the Snoqualmie Pass and Marysville.

The signing of the treaty allowed homesteaders to stake their claim in the Valley. Borst, who made his home near Snoqualmie Falls in

1858, is considered by many to be the first white permanent settler here.

After a successful run during the California gold rush, he was able to move to Washington and buy various sections of land. By the 1880s, he was far and away the wealthiest man in the Valley, according to HistoryLink.org.

Large, tree-rich tracts of land provided employment opportuni-

LOCAL HISTORY 7

Summer 2012

ties for loggers and rich farmland enticed farmers from all over the area, including hop farmers who formed the Hop Growers Association in 1882.

The first local mill, run by water power, was opened at the mouth of Tokul Creek in about 1872 by Watson Allen, according to the city of Snoqualmie.

By 1877, there were 12 logging operations on the Snoqualmie River. Some logs were floated over the falls and downriver to Everett and the Puget Sound.

By 1886, logging camps on the river employed 140 men and sent millions of board feet of logs downstream, according to the city of Snoqualmie.

As employment and settlement opportunities arose, so, too, did transportation services, with the railroad coming to town in about 1889.

With the influx of railroad activity, towns in the Valley became more defined.

North Bend was platted in February 1889 and Snoqualmie was platted in August 1889. Snoqualmie was officially incorporated in 1903.

Edmund and Louisa Kinsey, with their six children and ample purchased plots at their disposal, built the first hotel, livery, general store, dance hall, post office and meat market.

SUMMER Gateway

PHOTO COURTESY OF SNOQUALMIE VALLEY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

A cargo transfer hoist at the Snoqualmie Falls Railroad Depot in the year 1910.

The first church in Snoqualmie, which has since been repurposed as the American Legion hall, was also built

by Edmund Kinsey. His name is forever engraved on the church’s bell.

While fewer than 50 people lived in the entire Valley in 1870, by 1900, population estimates showed Snoqualmie grew to 429 people.

The second all-electric lumber mill in the nation opened at the new company

PHOTO COURTESY OF SNOQUALMIE VALLEY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The Kinsey Hotel and Kinsey’s Hall in Snoqualmie in the year 1902.

town of Snoqualmie Falls in 1917, built across the river from Snoqualmie. The economy of the Valley was given a significant and stable employment base.

As World War I funneled mill workers away, they were replaced by soldiers to keep essential wood products, which included spruce for airplanes, in production, according to the city.

The building of U.S. Highway 10, the precursor to what is now Interstate 90, bypassed the towns of Snoqualmie and Fall City and curtailed economic opportunity.

The highway continued through the center of downtown North Bend for some years before the current bypass was built. The Valley’s economic stability was encouraged by the opening of a new Weyerhaeuser plywood plant in 1959.

By 1958, the majority of the homes at the mill town of Snoqualmie Falls were moved to other places in the Valley.

Snoqualmie had stabilized by 1960 to a population of 1,216, which grew slowly to 1,546 over the next 30 years, an average growth increase of just 11 persons per year, according to city statistics. The town’s population had grown to more than 10,600 people by the 2010 census.

{ SUMMER Gateway 8

VISITOR CENTERS

Information centers welcome guests throughout the summer

Summer 2012

The Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce operates two visitor information centers. One center is at 205 McClellan St. in North Bend; the other is at 38767 S.E. River St. in Snoqualmie.

Open during the summer months, the visitor information centers are chock full of helpful tips and brochures for must-see spots in the Valley, as well as nearby.

Both centers are staffed by

Dining Out!

locals who can help visitors navigate the area. They have maps, directions and activity ideas available.

The North Bend location has a bit more of a focus on hiking trails, while the Snoqualmie locations has more details about Snoqualmie attractions, such as the railway museum, said Kevin Dwyer, executive director of the chamber.

And, yes, they can answer your questions about some of the locations from “Twin Peaks.”

“We’ll give you a lot of information,” Dwyer said.

Both centers are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

SNOQUALMIE FALLS BREWING COMPANY Making Handcrafted Ales since 1997

Our taproom provides a fun, family friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy the finest beers, gourmet sandwiches, phenomenal pizza, our handcrafted root beer and a menu just for the kids!

We are family friendly!

MON - THURS 11AM - 10PM FRI & SAT 11AM - 11PM SUN 11AM - 9PM 8032 Falls Ave. SE, Snoqualmie 425.831.2357 • www.fallsbrew.com

Because life is too short to drink average beer!

Voted BEST BURGER

Your D

Based on the simple belief that every neighborhood needs a place for families to get together and enjoy a treat.

in the Valley since 2004!

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7730 Center Blvd, Suite D, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 425.292.0739

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SUMMER Gateway 10 RIVER RAFTING

}

Summer 2012

Dangerous Snoqualmie River is only for experienced rafters

es the volume of the water, sometimes tripling it overnight,” Martin said. Over the years he has made The crashing waves and churning several attempts to plan to take a white water of the Snoqualmie River group down the Snoqualmie. Each may appear to beckon to you but don’t time, however, the water’s unpredictbe deceived – its volatile nature makes ability proves too dangerous the river a real danger. for him to risk it. “People “No one commercially rafts can get in over their heads the Snoqualmie river,” said quickly.”

DonMartin,aWashingtonriver That’s why he recomguide and volunteer rescuer mends that everyone, from with over 20 years experience. experienced kayakers to “Unfortunately the river levels families hanging out at their come down and up very fast so it favorite swimming hole, ishardtopredictwhenthewater wear a life-jacket. is good…the water levels are so “Over the years of going on volatile,it’ssohardtoschedule.” rescue calls I have seen way The Snoqualmie’s headtoo many tragedies that could waters are broken into three have been avoided if they had forks: North Fork Snoqualmie been wearing a personal flotaRiver, Middle Fork tion device.”

Snoqualmie River and South Martin is not the only one Fork Snoqualmie River. The who feels that way. Since 2011 North Fork and the Middle King County has required that Fork, the larger of the two, is everyone, except adult fisherwhere class III, IV and V, the men, wear a life vest when largest and most dangerous venturing into the water. If rapids are found. a swimmer is caught in King According to Martin the

BY DAVE OLSON County, which includes the optimal flow for an experienced boater to raft Middle Fork A North Bend resident maneuvers his kayak just below Snoqualmie River, they could face a fine of nearly $100. is 2500 cubic-feet-per-second. Percolator Pool at the base of Twin Falls.

BY LILLIAN TUCKER

But, he said, catching the river at that level is very tricky and he has seen it reach 10,000 cubic-feet-per-second.

“They are highly affected by rain.

All that moisture that dumps on the west side of Snoqualmie Pass increas-

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{

SUMMER Gateway 12 ARTS ON STAGE

Put down the remote and tune in to the area’s live entertainment

When there are more than 900 channels of cable television and still nothing worth watching, it’s good to knowtheSnoqualmieValleyhasplentyof reasons to turn off the squawk box and enjoy a night out on the town.

Whether you’re seeking a seat at a local leg of a performer’s national tour or looking to sit back and enjoy an act from down the road, Snoqualmie’s music scene has something for all tastes. And if it’s a little drama you seek, be it an elaborate production or the shoe-stringed budget of community theater, all the world’s stage finds its niche in the Valley.

Here’s a look at the summer’s entertainment, all within a stone’s throw of Snoqualmie.

Summer 2012

adults, $10 for seniors and students, and are available at www.valleycenterstage.org. Performances are on the second floor of the Masonic Lodge, 119 W. North Bend Way, North Bend.

National acts Snoqualmie Casino All events start at 7 p.m.

Get tickets at http://snocasino.com/ entertainment/ballroom-events.

Theater Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” presented by the Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater & Family Park, runs from July 21 to Aug. 26, at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. The theater is at 36800 David Powell Road, Fall City. Tickets for the performance are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and students and $8 for children ages 6-12. Children under five are free. Purchase tickets at http://store.foresttheater.org.

Valley Center Stage Little Eddie Visions presents “David,” a new drama about the 1960s love generation written and directed by Ed Corrigan, from 7:30 p.m. June 7-9. Tickets are $12 for

Snoqualmie Ballroom June 3 — Merle Haggard June 10 — Chaka Khan Mountain View Plaza June 30 — Meat Loaf July 3 — Joan Jett July 6 — Smokey Robinson July 15 — Bachman and Turner July 21 — Toast of the Cascades July 29 — The Jacksons Aug. 9 — Roger Hodgson (of Supertramp) Aug. 10 — Kenny Loggins Aug. 12 — Yes and Procol Harum Aug. 19 — Frankie Valli Aug. 31 — War and Tower of Power Sept.2—TheTemptationsandTheFour Tops

Local talent The Black Dog Wine bar, live music and theater 8062 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie 831-3647 www.blackdogsnoqualmie.com

SUMMER ARTS ON STAGE 13 Gateway

Summer 2012

q June 8 — Jessica Lynne (new CD release), 8 p.m. q June 9 — The Stillwater Hill Band (bluegrass), 8 p.m. q June 15 — Nancy Colton, 8 p.m. q June 16 — MAD (metal), 8 p.m. q June 22 — Rupert Wates (acoustic art/folk), 8 p.m. q June 23 — Dorian Blu (fundraiser for Three Rivers Animal Rescue featuring a mix of classic and modern rock), 8 p.m. q June 24 — Nick Vigarino, 8 p.m. q June 30 — Northwest songwriters in the round show, featuring Jean Mann, Jay Pinto, Steven Fletcher and CDK, 8 p.m. q July 6 — Late Summer Travelers, 8 p.m. q July 7 — AGB, 8 p.m. q July 13 — Valley Green, 8 p.m. q July 14 — Left Coast Gypsies, 8 p.m. q July 16 — Wasteland Hop, 7 p.m. q July 20 — Tim Hickey, 8 p.m. q July 21 — Blew Smoke, 8 p.m. q July 27 — Budget Funeral Band, 8 p.m. q July 28 — Shotgun Kitchen, 8 p.m. q Aug. 3 — Greasy Spoon

(grunge), 8 p.m. q Aug. 4 — Redwingblackbirds (American gothic roots), 8 p.m. q Aug. 18 — The DTs, fundraiser for “Rock for Talk,” 8 p.m. q Aug. 27 — Out to Lunch, 8 p.m.

Boxley’s Voted one of the best 150 jazz clubs in the world by Downbeat Magazine 101 W. North Bend Way, North Bend 292-9307 www.boxleysplace.com Live music every night at 7 and 9 p.m., Sundays at 6 and 8 p.m.

(A summer schedule was not available.)

Finaghty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant 7726 Center Blvd. S.E., Suite 110 http://www.finaghtys.com q June 2 — The Classic Roads Band, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. q June 16 — VOODOOs Acoustic Show, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. q June 22 — Janet Robin, 9 p.m. to midnight

q June 23 — Rock Stars Show, featuring Big Star Studios, 7-9 p.m. q June 16 — VOODOOs Acoustic Show, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

MyCakes is the premier cake, pastry and catering destination within the Snoqualmie Valley.

Exciting Live Theater in North Bend!

birthday cakes • wedding cakes • anniversary/showers • graduation • corp. events

Great Family Entertainment September - June www.valleycenterstage.org

• • • •

Cotton Candy Slush Puppies Ice Cream Birthday Parties

$5 OFF a dozen cupcakes

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a half dozen cupcakes 119 W. North Bend Way North Bend, WA 98045 425-831-5667

7726 Center Blvd. SE, Ste 140 • Snoqualmie

425.292.3077 www.mycakes.biz

SUMMER Gateway 14 HIKING

Summer 2012

{

Meander down some of the state’s best hikes right here in the Snoqualmie Valley’s backyard

BY CALEB HEERINGA

There’s a reason Seattle keeps topping those lists of the best metropolitan areas in which to live, and it doesn’t all have to do with things inside its city limits.

Drive a half-hour east on Interstate 90 and you’ll find some of the most popular and accessible hikes in the state, between Issaquah and North Bend. Keep driving

Twin Falls

Three miles round trip, 500-foot elevation gain, 1,000-foot high point Twin Falls is kid-friendly but offers plenty of great sights for parents. After meandering through mossy forests along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River for .7 miles, the trail follows a series of switchbacks up to an impressive series of stair-step waterfalls, the largest of which falls 150 feet.

Directions: From Exit 34, turn south on 468th Avenue Southeast. After about a half-mile, turn left on Southeast 159th Street and follow it to the trailhead at the end of the road. A Discover Pass is required to park.

for another half-hour and you’ve reached Snoqualmie Pass and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, which offers miles upon miles of some of the most pristine alpine environment in the country.

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll in the woods with young children or a vigorous mountain climb that will turn your legs to jelly, the I-90 corridor has a hike for you.

Mount Si

Eight miles round trip, 3,150-foot elevation gain, 4,167-foot high point About 50,000 people climb to the top of Mount Si every year, for good reason — a steadily rising trail brings hikers to a broad, rocky basin that offers a birds-eye view of the Snoqualmie Valley, with the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

Experienced climbers can scramble a couple of hundred feet up the “Haystack” — the true summit — but the route can be deadly and is not for the inexperienced.

Directions: From North Bend Way, turn north onto Mount Si Road. The trailhead parking lot is on the left, about 2.5 miles down the road. A Discover Pass is required to park.

SUMMER HIKING 15 Gateway

Summer 2012

Little Si

Five miles round trip, 1,200-foot elevation gain, 1,576-foot high point Hikers who aren’t up to Mount Si might consider starting with the mountain’s little brother — Little Si. Though it is dwarfed by its big brother to the north, Little Si offers a good workout and brings hikers through groves of evergreen and deciduous trees and along towering cliffs popular with rock climbers.

The summit offers plenty of room to sit and enjoy a snack while taking in the views of the Snoqualmie Valley.

Directions: From North Bend Way, turn north onto Mount Si Road. Look for the parking lot just after the bridge. A Discover Pass is required to park.

Rattlesnake Ledge

Four miles round trip, 1,160-foot elevation gain, 2,078-foot high point At the far side of Rattlesnake Lake, the trail heads up the mountain at a steady pace, offering views of the lake below. Not for those with a fear of heights, Rattlesnake Ledge is a heck of a summit, with sheer cliffs on each side and views up the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie Valley and to Chester Morse Lake, part of Seattle’s water supply. For an all-day adventure, drive up to East Peak (3,500 feet) and hike out of Rattlesnake Mountain to Snoqualmie Point Park, off Exit 27, after 11 miles.

Directions: From Exit 32, head south. Follow Cedar Falls Road Southeast about four miles to the Rattlesnake Lake parking area.

CONTINUE TO PAGE 16

The warmth of a small town... the comfort of a small community

Red Oak – We are an active adult and customized assisted living care offered in a smaller more personable community at the foot of Mount Si. Our caring staff insures our residents’ comfort and happiness. We offer a smaller, more personal retirement community adjacent to both thriving community activities and a tranquil parkland.

Our location provides serenity and ease of access. Real life – Real Fun – Real living.

Day and night, our staff is “on duty” to assure 24-hour security and prompt response in case of emergency.

We care about your quality of life.

Voted Best in Snoqualmie Valley 2005-2012! www.redoakresidence.com

425.888.7108 • 650 E. North Bend Way • North Bend

SUMMER Gateway 16 HIKING

Summer 2012 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Talapus and Ollalie lakes

Four miles round trip, 1,220-foot elevation gain, 3,780-foot high point Hikers don’t have to kill themselves to get to the high alpine lakes of the Cascades. A gently graded series of switchbacks brings hikers into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and to tranquil Talapus Lake, surrounded by forest and ridgelines. Follow Trail No. 1039 to Ollalie Lake, nestled among steep cliffs. Hikers who have a map and are well prepared can use the trail system in the area to hit several other alpine lakes in the area.

Directions:FromExit45,turnleft underthefreewayontoForestRoad 9030. In one mile, bear right at the junction and continue straight to the trailhead at the end of the road.

ANorthwestForestPassisrequired to park.

Parking passes

Depending on where you are hiking, you’ll likely need one of two different parking passes.

On state lands, including Washington State Parks and Department of Natural Resources land, a Discover Pass is required — $10 for a day or $30 for an annual pass. Passes can be purchased online through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at http://wdfw. wa.gov/licensing/discoverpass or at the North Bend Ace Hardware, 330 Main Ave. S. At United States Forest Service trailheads, a Northwest Forest Pass is required for $5 a day or $30 a year. They can be purchased online at www.fs.usda. gov/main/r6/passes-permits/ recreation or in person at the Snoqualmie Ranger District office, 902 S.E. North Bend Way or at Shell or Chevron gas stations in North Bend.

Size Matters

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425-391-6463

Welcome Home!

Let my expertise and enthusiasm help you with your real estate needs.

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Connected to the Pulse of Sammamish & Issaquah for Over 33 Years

SUMMER Gateway 18 FARM FRESH

{

Growing a bounty of farm fresh produce in the Snoqualmie Valley

Summer 2012

Though Snoqualmie Valley history is closely linked to logging and milling operations, the area claims a rich agricultural heritage, too.

Growers formed the Hop Growers Association in 1882, and expanded to more than 1,500 acres — including about 900 acres for hops. Hops flourished in the area for about a dozen years — in fact, the Snoqualmie Hop Farm claimed the title as “The Largest Hop Ranch in the World — until market conditions and aphid attacks sent the crop into decline in the late 1890s.

Other types of agriculture flourished on the fertile land until the mid 1960s. In 1993, North Bend and Snoqualmie purchased the former Meadowbrook Farm as open space, using funds from King County Conservation Futures bonds. The land creates a permanent buffer, wildlife habitat and flood storage area between the cities.

The connection between early settlers on the untamed land and modern-day growers is strong.

Nowadays, the fertile soil yields flowers, fruit and vegetables each year. Beekeepers rely on the abun-

North Bend Farmers Market

q 4-8 p.m. Thursdays q June 14 to Sept. 13 q Si View Park, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive q Learn more about farms in the Snoqualmie Valley from Sno-Valley Tilth, a nonprofit organization dedicating to support organic and sustainable food production practices throughout the Snoqualmie and Snohomish watersheds, at www.snovalleytilth.org. dant blossoms to produce honey.

The bounty journeys from farms in the Snoqualmie Valley to farmers markets throughout the region, community-supported agriculture boxes on doorsteps, produce sections in grocery stores and tables at top-notch restaurants in Seattle.

The serpentine Snoqualmie River coils around the land and the rich soil in the river valley acts as the CONTINUE TO PAGE 20

Summer 2012

Do-it-yourself farming Some of the local farms offer U-pick harvests, or U-cut Christmas trees.

Dahlia Barn — U-pick and fresh-picked flowers 13110 446th Ave. S.E., North Bend www.dahliabarn.com 888-2155 info@dahliabarn.com Open: weekends in September Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Blue Dog Farm — U-pick organic blueberries 7125 W. Snoqualmie Valley Road N.E., Carnation www.bluedogfarm.com berries@bluedogfarm.com Check the Blue Dog Farm website for a current picking schedule, hours of operation and directions.

Bybee-Nims Blueberry Farm — U-pick blueberries 42930 S.E. 92nd St., North Bend Recording: 888-0821 Phone: 888-5745 www.bybeenimsfarms.com sbybee4@comcast.net Open: mid-July to mid-September, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Call the recording for specific information about the crops CONTINUE TO PAGE 21

SUMMER Gateway 20 FARM FRESH

Summer 2012

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

agricultural engine for East King County.

The fertile land and consumers’ interest in farm-to-fork eating led to a resurgence in farming in the Snoqualmie Valley in recent years.

The annual North Bend Farmers Market is a hub for eatlocal devotees from the Snoqualmie Valley and beyond. From early June until mid-September, market goers head to Si View Park near historic downtown North Bend for the ritual of checking fresh produce for ripeness, browsing handmade crafts, sampling specialty products and noshing on treats from food sellers.

In addition to the homegrown offerings, the farmers market lineup includes homemade wares.

Sellers offer baked goods, dried pasta, seasoning mixes, organic teas and candies, plus wood-fired pizza, tamales, barbecue and

shaved ice. The menu comes from vendors hailing from throughout the region.

Organizers said the North Bend Farmers Market promotes healthy living, builds a stronger sense of community, provides farmers and

artists a chance to sell products to consumers, and encourages local business development.

The small-town atmosphere is complimented by musical performances in the park each week throughout the summer.

Summer 2012 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

— when they will be ready, price, weather closures, etc. Email or call 888-5745 before you go to the farm to check on weather and picking conditions.

Christmas Creek Tree Farm — U-cut noble fir, grand fir, and Douglas fir Christmas trees www.yourchristmastree.com Phone: 888-2099 Toll-free phone: 888-534-TREE LYNNMCDONALDD@ netscape.com Call or email the farm for a picking schedule, open dates and hours of operation. Go to www. yourchristmastree.com for directions, and information about trees and prices.

Crown Tree Farm — U-cut Christmas trees 13005 424th Ave. S.E., North Bend www.crowntreefarm.com 888-1506 Call or go to the Crown Tree Farm website for a picking schedule, open dates and hours of operation.

Mountain Creek Christmas Tree Farm — U-cut Christmas trees 6821 440th Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie www.mountaincreektreefarm.com Open: late November to late December, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

888-1770 Call or go to the Crown Tree Farm website for a picking schedule, open dates and hours of operation.

Keith & Scott Tree Farm — U-cut Christmas trees 12-acre farm located behind the Ranger Station on Middle Fork South Ranch North Bend www.kandstreefarm.com 888-9170 Call or go to Keith & Scott Tree Farm website for open dates and hours of operation.

A Local, Family-Owned, Choose and Cut Tree Farm that offers:

NOBLE • GRAND • TURKISH • DOUGLAS • RED SHASTA FIRS

OPEN Daily NOV. 17 - Dec. 22 9 am to Dusk

(or when all trees are sold out) All trees are priced. There are many Elves to help with every step of choosing, cutting, and packing up a tree.

Besides a great selection of gifts, the gift shop has a warm fire, free coffee, hot cider and candy canes.

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SUMMER Gateway 22 BICYCLING

{

Summer 2012

Bicycle your way around the Valley and up the Cascades

Learn more about the Cascade Bicycle Club at www.cascade.org.

BY LILLIAN TUCKER

Nestled on the western slope of the Cascades, the Snoqualmie Valley offers many options for the cyclist who wants to cycle his or her way along the back roads and trails — and see some nature along the way.

One popular route is the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. Along it’s 31.5 miles, cyclists pedal past working farms, open fields and points of interests like the Three Forks Natural Area. To get a taste of the Cascades, pick up the trail near its midpoint from Meadowbrook Farm, just outside the town of Snoqualmie.

Follow it for about 15 miles to connect to the Iron Horse State Park Trail. The route is ballasted with gravel for stability and incorporates old railroad trestles that have been reworked to support foot and bike traffic.

The Snoqualmie Valley Trail ends at Rattlesnake Lake, but the ride can easily be continued for as long as you like on Iron Horse, all the way over the moun-

tains to the eastern slopes. The 66.5-mile Iron Horse Trail was constructed from the western section of the Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific railroads. If you ride to Snoqualmie Pass, a shuttle bus service operates summer weekends between Cedar Falls and Hyak to bring you back.

While there are plenty of trail options for bicyclists, it is always a good idea to be prepared to ride on roads. In Washington state a cyclist on any roadway has all the same rights and responsibilities of any vehicle. q Ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic. q When traveling at a slower speed than traffic, ride as near to the right side as possible. q A white front light and a red rear reflector are required. Use of reflectors alone does not satisfy the law. q You are allowed to ride on sidewalks; just remember to yield to pedestrians. q Wearing a helmet is required

by King County law.

Tour de Peaks invites cyclists to three route options

Nestled at the base of Mount Si in North Bend, the Aug. 12 Tour de Peaks festival offers something for everyone. Three fully supported bicycle rides start and end at the festival and take cyclists around the Snoqualmie Valley where they can enjoy fantastic mountain views.

Back at the Festival at Mount Si there are arts and crafts, a parade, a beer garden, music and a lot more. Learn more or register at www.tourdepeaks.org.

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Torguson Park

Three Forks Park

750 E. North Bend Way, North Bend Torguson Park is full of the sound of bats hitting balls during the spring and summer, with six baseball fields. It also offers the only skate park in the Valley, as well as a playground and picnic facilities.

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Snoqualmie Point Park

37580 S.E. Winery Road, Snoqualmie Fans of the cult classic television series “Twin Peaks,” parts of which were filmed in the Snoqualmie Valley, will recognize the view from Snoqualmie Point Park. The park offers a vast panorama of the Valley, along with picnic shelters, an open-air amphitheater and access to the nearby Rattlesnake Ledge Trail for hiking.

.2.8 miles to Rattlesnake Lake

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Tanner Landing Park

436TH AVE SE

Dog Park

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Skate Park

7805 Fisher Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie Located just off Snoqualmie Parkway, Fisher Creek Park is perfect for older and more active children. It offers a small climbing wall, a basketball court and a bike park with beginning and intermediate courses.

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Sports Fields

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community and offers two soccer fields, three tennis courts, a basketball court, play equipment and access to the Laurel Bog interpretive loop trail.

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Si View Park

Picnic Facilities

Snoqualmie Community Park

Downtown Snoqualmie offers two spots to stop and enjoy the Snoqualmie River. Riverview Park offers playground equipment, picnic shelters, a basketball court and restrooms, while Sandy Cove Park, a little further north, offers picnic tables, an open grassy area and two horseshoe pits.

500 Thrasher Ave N.E., North Bend Located in the residential area north of North Bend Way, E.J. Roberts Park includes a playground, two tennis courts, a basketball court, paved pathways and restrooms.

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Riverview (3900 S.E. Park St.) Sandy Cove (7970 Falls Ave. S.E.)

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7121 Autumn Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie Located in the heart of Snoqualmie Ridge, Autumn Park is perfect for a small picnic or gathering. It has a playground, open grassy area, park benches and a picnic table.

35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie The 33-acre park serves as a hub of activity for the Snoqualmie Ridge

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The Snoqualmie Valley is an idyllic place, with crystal-clear rivers winding through lowland forests and mountains rising thousands of feet in every direction.

Dozens of parks in the area give visitors and residents alike the ability to get out and enjoy the sights while letting their children run off some steam. Whether it be a picnic, play date or evening stroll in the sunset, the Interstate 90 corridor has plenty of options. Here are a few of the more popular parks in the Snoqualmie and North Bend area:

the Valley, bringing in more than 1.5 million visitors a year — the sight of a wall of water falling 270 feet to the river below is hard to forget. The 2-acre park features picnic tables and an observation deck along with the luxury comforts of the Salish Lodge nearby.

Snoqualmie Falls Park

Autumn Park

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BY CALEB HEERINGA

SUMMER PARKS 25 Gateway

Summer 2012

378TH AVE SE

Experience the great outdoors at a nearby park

Summer 2012

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SUMMER Gateway 24 PARKS

SE 140TH ST

Rattlesnake Lake

One of the more popular swimming holes in the North Bend area, Rattlesnake Lake is a great place to cool off in the summer. It offers restroom facilities and hiking as well. Head south from Exit 32 on Interstate 90. Follow Cedar Falls Road to its end.

Tollgate Farm

901 Bendigo Blvd. N., North Bend Tollgate Farm is a 410-acre homestead preserved for its beauty and ties to the rural history of the area. It offers a picnic area, playground, restroom and trail system.

Three Forks Natural Area

39912 S.E. Park St., Snoqualmie Rich with natural habitat, the Three Forks Natural Area offers a lot of opportunities for wildlife viewing. It’s also popular with domesticated animals, offering a fenced, off-leash dog park.

Centennial Fields

39903 S.E. Park St., Snoqualmie Centennial Fields serves as a center for sports in the Valley, with three softball and baseball fields, one soccer and football field, and a concession stand. But it’s also got tons to offer families and the nonathletic, with play equipment, picnic tables, a picnic shelter, two barbecue pits and a walking path around the fields.

Si View Park

400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend Located near the geographical center of North Bend, Si View offers open fields used for baseball, soccer and football, playground equipment, restrooms and picnic tables. A community center offers indoor swimming, a gymnasium and classrooms. Come Thursday evenings during the summer for the North Bend Farmers Market and live entertainment..

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SUMMER Gateway 26 SNOQUALMIE CASINO

Casino offers gaming thrills, day or night

Summer 2012

The epicenter of gaming in the SnoqualmieValleyistheSnoqualmieCasino, owned by the Snoqualmie Nation. Just about any time of day or night, there are whoops of excited winners mixed with the sounds of the latest video slot machines.

The casino’s planning began in 2003, but the building itself did not open until 2008. Since then, it has become an irresistible magnet for people wanting a bit of Vegas-style gambling without having to travel too far.

The 170,000-square-foot facility features a 51,000-square-foot gaming floor, an 11,000-square-foot ballroom, a night-

club, a fine dining restaurant, a cigar lounge and a six-level parking garage.

The casino features rows and rows of slot machines, and myriad games, such as roulette, craps, blackjack and poker, happening at all hours of the day and night. The casino owes its Vegas feel to the company that designed the building, the same that designed Sin City’s iconic Mirage.

In the summer, an outdoor amphitheater is host to live concerts.

The casino is at 37500 S.E. North Bend Way, in Snoqualmie, just off Exit 27 on Interstate 90.

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SUMMER Gateway 28 TRAIN DEPOT

Summer 2012

{ Ride the tracks to the past at the Northwest Railway Museum

BY MICHELE MIHALOVICH

The Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie is much more than a railroad museum. Visitors can experience a ride on a passenger train just like when a locomotive was the best way to get from point A to point B more than a century ago.

The Snoqualmie Valley Railroad, a five-mile excursion aboard antique railroad coaches, takes visitors through the Upper Snoqualmie Valley, including to the powerful Snoqualmie Falls.

The train operates on Saturdays and Sundays from April through October. In 2012, trains also run on Memorial Day and Labor Day. Special events this year include Mother’s and Father’s Day specials,

the 4th of July Patriotic Celebration with Uncle Sam, Day Out With Thomas, Snoqualmie Railroad Days, Grandparent’s Grand Excursion, Halloween Train and Santa Train.

Visit www.trainmuseum.org for a complete schedule.

The Snoqualmie Depot, constructed in 1890 by the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway, was fully restored by the Northwest Railway Museum to its original grand style and is presented as an operating train station.

Museum visitors traveling on the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad purchase theirticketsfromtheoriginal1890sticket window and are free to wander through mostofthebuilding.However,whatwere once waiting rooms and a freight room are now railroad history and experience

exhibits.

The Northwest Railway Museum collection of railway equipment is one of the most significant in the United States and is representative of Northwest railroading, according to its website.

There are more than 70 large items (greater that one ton), including examples of steam locomotives, passenger and freight cars, and specialized railway equipment that built and maintained the railroad right of way. The collection includes a research library and smaller railway artifacts, including dining car china, specialized tools, signage and lanterns.

The depot is free and open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but is closedThanksgiving,ChristmasDayand New Year’s Day.

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SUMMER Gateway 30 FISHING

Summer 2012

Fishing holes abound, if you know where to look

BY TOM CORRIGAN AND CHRISTINA LORDS

One noticeable trait about Washington state: There is a lot of water around here and the Snoqualmie and North Bend areas are no exception. Where there’s water, there are usually fish — and fishermen.

There are four points of state land public water access in the Snoqualmie Valley. However, there are plenty of nonstate-operated locations, including what might be the best known local fishing hole, Rattlesnake Lake, 19901 Cedar Falls Road S.E., North Bend.

“There are several lakes that offer reasonable trout fishing,” local angler Dallas Cross said. “Most are accessible only by hiking in and there is only one I know that is a great place to fish — Rattlesnake Lake.”

There is both shore fishing and better small boat fishing for planted rainbow trout “while watching the ospreys snatch small fish nearby,” he said.

One obvious target for local fishermen is the Snoqualmie River. The main river above the famous falls

provides “unremarkable” trout fishing, according to Cross. But that all changes below the falls. Fish below the falls include cutthroat trout, three species of salmon and steelhead trout, he said.

The area has three distinct sections. The lower river has been diked and flows through ample farmland.

According to The Avid Angler, which provides detailed profiles of the best fishing areas throughout the Puget Sound, riffled areas are few and far between and the lower river is best fished by boaters who can easily motor through the areas of slow, slough-like water.

Walk-in access is good from Snoqualmie Falls to Fall City, and there are several good runs and riffles for the fly angler there.

The Snoqualmie opens June 1 to predominatelyhatcherysummer-runsteelhead; fish numbers increase throughout the summer.

The middle fork of the river is open year-round for native rainbow and west slope cutthroat trout fishing — it often achieves the reputation for the best fishing fork.

The south and north forks are open

to anglers from June 1 to Oct. 31.

“The main attraction of the area is there is a lot of opportunity to get away from urbanization and enjoy nature and some lovely views between the trees,” Cross said.

The four local water access sites listed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife are: q Lake Alice, east of Snoqualmie Ridge but accessed from the PrestonFall City Road q Raging River, along Southeast Fall City-Snoqualmie Road, near Twin Rivers Golf Course q Along the Snoqualmie River, about a mile north of Fall City, is the spot the state dubs Plum 1 q Also along the Snoqualmie River and just a bit north of Fall City is Plum 2 The state list gives regulations and details about each site, such as whether motorized boats are allowed and if restroom facilities are provided. The list also includes numerous lakes and fishing spots within a 10- to 15-mile drive of Snoqualmie or North Bend. Go to http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/water_ access.

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SUMMER Gateway 32 CALENDAR

J U N E June

Summer 2012

June 2

Rock Star show from Big Star Studios Finaghty’s Irish Pub, 7 p.m.

The Classic Roads Band Finaghty’s Irish Pub 9 p.m.

June 26

June 7-9

Quilters and Their Stories Snoqualmie Library 7 p.m.

‘David’ Valley Center Stage 7:30 p.m.

June 8

Jessica Lynne The Black Dog Café, 8 p.m.

June 9 2012

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

June 1-2

‘David,’ a play by Ed Corrigan The Black Dog Café, 8 p.m.

June 1-16

Mount Si Artists Guild ‘Summer’ exhibit North Bend Library All day

The Stillwater Hill Band The Black Dog Café, 8 p.m.

Walk to the Big Cedar Meadowbrook Farm, 10 a.m.

Tanner Jeans Memorial Bike Safety Rodeo Cascade View Elementary School 11 a.m.

June 13

Knee-high Naturalists Cedar River Watershed 9:45 a.m.

June 14

North Bend Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series Si View Park 4-8 p.m.

Thursdays until Sept. 13

Bring everyone to Family Fun Night at the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA every other Friday starting June 1.

June 15

Nancy Colton The Black Dog Café, 8 p.m.

Celebrate summer at the North Bend Farmers Market, a free event held each Thursday from through Sept.

13. Weekly attractions include live music, cooking demos and more. Go to http://www.siviewpark.org.

June 16

Family Waterfall Tours Cedar River Watershed, 10 a.m.

Father’s Day Train Northwest Railway Museum Starting at 11 a.m.

MAD The Black Dog Café, 8 p.m.

June 22

Rupert Wates The Black Dog Café, 8 p.m.

Janet Robin Finaghty’s Irish Pub 9 p.m.

June 23

Dorian Blu The Black Dog Café, 8 p.m.

June 27

Scared Silly Storytelling Snoqualmie Library 1:30 p.m.

June 28 Monster Dreams Puppet Show North Bend Library 11 a.m.

June 30

Songwriter-inthe-Round The Black Dog Café, 8 p.m.

Special Voodoos Acoustic Show Finaghty’s Irish Pub, 9:30 p.m.

June 17

Father’s Day Train Northwest Railway Museum Starting at 11 a.m.

June 18

The Starlight Circus Show North Bend Library 2 p.m.

June 21

The Not-SoScary Monster Music Show Snoqualmie Library 2 p.m.

Lace up the boots for a trip through nature’s best on the Rattlesnake Ledge Geology Hike at 1 p.m. June 28 at Rattlesnake Ledge Trailhead.

SUMMER CALENDAR 33 Gateway

Summer 2012

J U L Y

July

Dream Time Music Workshop North Bend Library 2 p.m.

July 6

July 26

Late Summer Travelers The Black Dog Café 8 p.m.

July 7 AGB The Black Dog Café 8 p.m.

2012

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

July 3 ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ Theater Workshop Snoqualmie Library 1 p.m.

July 5

July 25

Bats’ Science Workshop North Bend Library 2 p.m.

July 8 Night Wings: Draw and Paint Owls and Moths North Bend Library 2 p.m.

July 10 Portable Planetarium Show Snoqualmie Library 2:30 p.m. ages 4 and older 3 p.m. ages 8 and older

‘Batty Over

Bring the whole family for red, white and blue fun at the annual Fourth of July Parade and Celebration starting at 10:30 a.m. at Snoqualmie Community Park.

‘Creatures of the Night’ Science Workshop Snoqualmie Library 2 p.m.

July 27

July 11

July 17

Knee-high Naturalists Cedar River Watershed 9:45 a.m.

Dream It, Read It Do It! Magic Show Snoqualmie Library 1 p.m.

Budget Funeral Band The Black Dog Café 8 p.m.

July 19

July 28

Valley Green The Black Dog Café 8 p.m.

Dancing Pajamas Concert North Bend Library 11 a.m.

July 13-15

July 20

Walk to the Big Cedar Meadowbrook Farm 10 a.m.

Day Out with Thomas Northwest Railway Museum Starting at 9 a.m.

Tim Hickey The Black Dog Café 8 p.m.

July 13

July 14 North Bend Block Party Noon to 8 p.m. (children’s vendors) Noon to 10 p.m. (other vendors)

July 21

July 31 The Gustafer Yellowgold Music Show Snoqualmie Library 2 p.m.

Blew Smoke The Black Dog Café 8 p.m.

Family Waterfall Tours Cedar River Watershed 10 a.m.

Test your intestinal fortitude when the Warrior Dash returns at 9 a.m. to Meadowbrook Farm on July 21. Learn more at www.warriordash.com.

Left Coast Gypsies The Black Dog Café 8 p.m.

Enjoy a day on the rails with The Northwest Railway Museum and Thomas the Train departing daily at 9 a.m. July 20-22.

SUMMER Gateway 34 CALENDAR

A U G U S T August

Summer 2012

Aug. 5

Sept. 21-22

Dog Days of Summer Three Forks Offleash Dog Park 10 a.m. to noon

Community Garage Sale Snoqualmie Ridge Starts at 9 a.m.

Aug. 7 ‘Night Lanterns’ Art Workshop Snoqualmie Library 2 p.m.

Aug. 8 Knee-high Naturalists Cedar River Watershed 9:45 a.m.

Aug. 9

2012

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Aug. 1 Scared Silly Storytelling North Bend Library 2 p.m.

Aug. 3 Greasy Spoon The Black Dog Café 8 p.m.

Aug. 4 Redwingblackbirds The Black Dog Café 8 p.m.

Pajammin’ Party Concert North Bend Library 6 p.m.

North Bend Farmers Market and Summer Concert Series Si View Park 4-8 p.m.

The Festival at Mount Si returns Aug. 10-12 with such favorites as the pie eating contest, live entertainment, fireworks and more.

Go to www. festivalatmtsi.org.

Take a ride on the rails as the Snoqualmie Railroad Days Aug. 17-19 celebrates the city’s spirit and origins as a railroad and logging town, and the home of the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe.

Aug. 10-12 Festival at Mount Si Si View Park

Aug. 11 The DTs The Black Dog Café 8 p.m.

Aug. 12 Tour de Peaks Si View Park 7 a.m.

Aug. 14 Snoqualmie 101 PowerPoint presentation Meadowbrook Farm, 10 a.m.

Aug. 17-19 Snoqualmie Railroad Days Downtown Snoqualmie 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aug. 18 Shotgun Kitchen The Black Dog Café 8 p.m.

Aug. 20-26 Boeing Classic TPC Snoqualmie Ridge

Sept. 2 Evening Family Adventures Cedar River Watershed 7 p.m.

Sept. 7 Geoff Baker The Black Dog Café 8 p.m.

September

2012

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

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SUMMER Gateway 36 SCIENCE CENTER

{

Summer 2012

Education center follows the lifeblood of the Cedar River Watershed Want to know how water gets to the tap of about 1 million King County residents? The Cedar River Watershed Education Center, perched just above Rattlesnake Lake, can explain it.

It is open to casual visitors, and center operators consider it an invaluable tool for the serious researcher.

The city of Seattle and the nonprofit Friends of the Cedar River Watershed opened the center in 2001. It features an exhibit hall telling the story of the watershed, hands-on laboratories where budding scientists can learn about the science of the watershed and

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SUMMER CAMPING 37 Gateway

Summer 2012

{ Set up a tent and build a campfire under the evergreens

BY LILLIAN TUCKER

If it’s camping you’re after then the central Cascades are a great place to visit. About an hour’s drive from Seattle there are several camping options including three public campgrounds: Denny Creek, Tinkham and Middle Fork.

Deciding exactly where to stake your tent depends on what you’re after. Denny Creek is a popular campground due to its short commute — about 18 miles east of North Bend via Interstate 90. But don’t let the short drive fool you; the campground sits at the confluence of Lodge Creek and

A Magical Tranquil Retreat

the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River and offers an airy openness under the protection of towering Douglas fir and hemlock. Open from May 24 to Sept. 30, Denny Creek has 24 camping sites, including a few choice setups on the banks of Lodge Creek.

Tinkham campground is also a short drive, just 12 miles from North Bend at Exit 42 off Interstate 90. With 47 sites and a dense mix of hemlock, cedar, maple and ferns, Tinkham offers a private woodsy atmosphere. However, the hum of the interstate, separated from the campground by the Snoqualmie River, stands as a reminder that civiliza-

tion is nearby.

If remoteness is what you’re after, then the 12 miles of gravel road is worth it to reach the Middle Fork Campground. From Exit 34 off I-90 follow the signs for Middle Fork Road, which will take you on a drive deep into the national forest. Once there, you’ll find 39 sites that are wheelchair accessible. From there the choice is yours — hike, bird watch, bike, barbecue or just kick back by the campfire.

Get updated information about all three campgrounds by calling the Snoqualmie Ranger District before you go at 888-1421.

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SUMMER Gateway 38 GOLFING

{

Mountainous views link area golf courses

Summer 2012

BY MICHELE MIHALOVICH

Choose any of the three golf courses in North Bend and Snoqualmie, and you’re going to see stunning mountain views as you walk the links.

And at the back end of the 12th hole at TPC at Snoqualmie Ridge, golfers get to look down at the monster Snoqualmie Falls.

An elk sauntering across the greens aren’t beyond the realm of possibility either.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a good golfer or not,” said Ryan Whitney, general manager at TPC. “Everybody’s a winner with these views.”

With equally stunning Snoqualmie Valley scenery, each course has found an additional niche to add to its great golf club.

Cascade Golf Course, in North Bend, is a public, nine-hole course that offers an affordable price, $15 for a round in the off-season, and $19 when the weather starts improving. It also offers memberships for folks who find that they’re playing quite a bit.

But it has other amenities, such as the Riverbend Café, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a pro shop and grocery store.

Bruce Weir, Cascade’s golf pro, said one of the biggest selling points is, “We’re the driest course in Western Washington. We’re above the floodplain, so we stay dry when others are wet.”

Mount Si Golf Course, in Snoqualmie, is also a public course, but it has had 18 holes since the late 1930s.

A couple of years ago, it added Little Si Links Par 3, an inexpensive way to work on your game while getting the golf course experience. It’s also great for the player who is on a short schedule, as a round of nine holes usually only takes a half-hour to play.

New this year is a wedding area, which really doesn’t have anything to do with golf, but the owners recognized a good opportunity when they saw it.

Joy Szwedko, who works at the golf course’s restaurant, said they’d hosted weddings before, and because the views are “absolutely stunning,” they were getting more requests to hold weddings there.

An arbor is being built for the bride and

SUMMER GOLFING 39 Gateway

Summer 2012

Where to find them Cascade Golf Course 14319 436th Ave. S.E. North Bend 888-4653 www.CascadeGolfCourse.com Mount Si Golf Course 9100 Boalch Ave. S.E. Snoqualmie 391-4926 www.mtsigolf.com

groom, along with an area for 150 to 200 chairs.

TPC, an 18-hole, private club built in 1998, has also expanded its offerings … and yes, it hosts weddings, too.

Plus, a Junior Olympic pool was added about a year and a half ago and just last year a swim team was started, Whitney said.

“We have a covered driving range for inclement weather and have expanded uses to our clubhouse, like offering yoga,” he said.

The club also offers social events, like Kid’s Nights, wine events, special dining nights and live music.

Whitney said TPC used to be a traditional golf club, “but now we’re more of a family club, and different types of memberships are being offered to suit people’s needs.”

2012 Boeing Classic Now in its eighth year, the Boeing Classic Champions Tour will be held again at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Course Aug. 20-26.

Last year, thousands showed up to watch some of the most famous golfing legends, like Fred Couples, Tom Kite and Mark O’Meara, said Ryan Whitney, general manager at the golf club.

The 2011 Boeing Classic was the most impressive to date, with record crowds, perfect weather, tremendous corporate support and a legendary champion in Mark Calcavecchia, according to TPC’s website. In true Boeing Classic form, a champion was decided in a thrilling playoff and

81,000 fans were on hand at TPC throughout the week’s events to experience the region’s premier golf event.

The Boeing Classic is an official event on the PGA Champions Tour, which features the legends of golf 50 and older.

Learn more about getting tickets and the week’s events at www.tpcsr. com or www.boeingclassic.com.

TPC at Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Course 36005 S.E. Ridge St. Snoqualmie 396-6001 www.tpcsr.com Twin Rivers Golf Course 4446 Preston Fall City Road S.E. Fall City 222-7575 http://twinriversgolfcourse.com/

SUMMER Gateway 40 SKIING

Summer 2012

Learn more about skiing conditions, lessons and other amenities at The Summit at Snoqualmie at www.summitatsnoqualmie.com or call 434-7669.

{ Some of the best skiing in the state is only a snowball’s throw from Snoqualmie

BY CALEB HEERINGA

From the Snoqualmie Valley, you’re only 20 minutes away from the powdery slopes of one of the most popular ski resorts in the state of Washington.

The Summit at Snoqualmie offers variety for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. Four ski areas — all owned by Boyne Resorts — combine to offer 1,914 acres of skiable area.

Summit West offers a bevy of easy slopes for families and those trying skiing for the first time.

Lessons are available for both kids

and adults — about $85 per hour for private lessons or $99 for three group lessons, lift tickets and equipment rental.

For bona fide ski bums, Alpental is where it’s at. With 2,280 feet of vertical drop and a run that stretches 1.17 miles, the resort offers plenty of thrills — not even taking into account the miles of backcountry runs that attract adrenaline seekers from around the region.

Full-day passes are $50 for adults, $35 for youths ages 7-12 and seniors ages 62-69, and $12 for children 6 and younger and seniors 70 and older. Season passes allow

repeated visits for less than $500 a season.

And you don’t have to be a skier or snowboarder to experience winter sports at Snoqualmie Pass.

Families can zip down machinegroomed slopes and get a ride back up on a rope tow at the Summit Tubing Center, across from Summit Central. The tubing area is open on weekends in winter.

The Summit at Snoqualmie Nordic Center also offers snowshoe and cross country ski rentals and lessons, letting users explore the plethora of frozen lakes, alpine meadows and old-growth forests.

Summer 2012

ATVs, motorbikes and rally cars are lured to the hills

BY CALEB HEERINGA

There’s a reason that the Snoqualmie Valley has a large population of gearheads and adrenaline junkies.

The long, winding roads through dense lowland forests and pristine farmland make for great routes for recreational drives, whether by motorcycle, car or truck. Many Valley residents own four-wheelers, dirt bikes and other all-terrain vehicles to take advantage of the vast open spaces.

And one of the best places for them to get their RPMs on is DirtFish Rally School.

DirtFish lets the average driver experience the thrill of a car chase scene — taking corners at high speed, getting air on giant jumps and splashing through giant mud puddles.

DirtFish opened in 2010 at the old Weyerhaeuser mill site, off Mill Pond Road outside Snoqualmie. The organization offers classes that give drivers a crash course in the fundamentals of rally driving — controlling a vehicle while skidding around a corner, steering techniques, how to brake at high speed, etc.

After soaking in tips from professionals, drivers are fitted with a helmet and earpiece, just like a NASCAR driver, and led to their machine — a 300 horsepower, all-wheel-drive Subaru rally car. Drivers then get to take it for a spin on the miles of gravel, dirt and tarmac on the site — experiencing the rush of an adrenalinefilled rally.

DirtFish is a high-end experience, aimed at corporate events and team-building exercises, but the average driver can get a taste of the thrill of racing as well. The organization offers a two-hour program for $325. To learn more, go to www.dirtfish.com

A

F U L L

S E R V I C E

S A L O N

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SUMMER Gateway 42 ELK HERDS

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Elk herds keep nature up close and personal

Summer 2012

BY MICHELE MIHALOVICH

The curious thing about elk in North Bend and Snoqualmie is where they like to hang out.

For instance, TPC at Snoqualmie Ridge is now famous because of the herd that frequents its gorgeous green golf links.

Owners there have tried to have the herd culled, but that got shot down, no pun intended, from public outcry.

To get a view of those elk, you’ll have to buy a membership to the golf club. It is not advised to try and sneak a peek on the course, because golfers tend to get angry when tourists show up on the greens. Plus, they don’t just have one club to chase after you with; they have an entire bag full of iron weaponry.

Oddly enough, herds of elk also frequent the TravelCenters of

America truck stop in North Bend, locally referred to as Truck Town.

“It’s funny when a big ol’ trucker comes into the restaurant all excited about the 40 head of elk in the parking lot,” said Michelle Moshay, a server with the Country Pride restaurant there.

It’s also not uncommon to see elk just sauntering along East North Bend Way. The best viewings, though, would be in a natural setting. The North Bend and Snoqualmie areas are surrounded by city, county and state parks, as well as natural reserves and federal lands.

But the “flats” between the two towns, along Boalch Avenue, are also good places for viewing.

Glynis Rogers says, “any evening around sunset” at Meadowbrook Farms on Boalch Avenue is a fine time to spot elk.

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SUMMER MOUNTAINS TO SOUND 43 Gateway

Summer 2012

Mountains to Sound Greenway preserves scenic highway

BY WARREN KAGARISE

Like the matter-of-fact name suggests, the Mountains to Sound Greenway starts amid the souvenir shops and seafood restaurantsattheSeattlewaterfront,unfurlsalong Interstate 90, encompassing cities and forests, and continues on, across the Cascades.

North Bend and Snoqualmie, tucked in the Cascade foothills, form a central link in the greenbelt.

The corridor stretches for 100 miles, connects 1.4 million acres — or a landmass about 15 times larger than Seattle — and includes more than 800,000 acres in public ownership.

The idea for a conservation corridor along the interstate germinated more than 20 years ago. Issaquah Alps Trails Club members spearheaded a 1990 march from Snoqualmie Pass to Puget Sound to attract attention to the proposed greenbelt.

Organizers formed the nonprofit Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust the following year.

In 1998, the Federal Highway Administration designated the 100-mile greenway as the inaugural National Scenic

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Byway in the United States.

In recent months, local leaders launched a campaign to convince Congress to designate the greenway as a National Heritage Area — a federal designation meant to highlight a unique feature or local history. Only 49 such heritage areas exist from coast to coast. If designated, the greenway could be the only National Heritage Area in Washington.

SUMMER Gateway 44 FESTIVALS

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Summer is one long festival of fun and celebration

In our wet corner of Western Washington nothing makes our far-too-short summers better than having something special to remember them by. And here in the Snoqualmie Valley, a string of events from June to late August allows you to do just that.

From cartoon characters to golf greats, from hiking boots to dancing shoes, festivals in the Valley offer something for everyone. We hope to see you there, camera in hand, telling the rain, “Wish you were here … NOT!”

Summer 2012

Snoqualmie Railroad Days The 74th annual edition of this festival, celebrating the heritage of the city of Snoqualmie, returns Aug. 17-19. The festival will feature train rides, the grand parade, fun runs, a car show, a beer garden, a wine garden, artists painting outdoors, motor car rides and demonstrations of historic equipment. This year’s festival will bring for the first time Dan The Lego Man, who will have a Lego train layout and play tables for people of all ages to participate.

Call 888-3030 or email info@railroaddays.com.

The Festival at Mount Si Mount Si, the Upper Valley’s premier geographic feature, will witness a storm of colors, scents, sounds and sights Aug. 10-12. The Festival at Mount Si will feature arts-and-crafts vendors, a beer garden, myriad music bands, contests and fireworks, with the Valley’s green colossus of a rock as the backdrop.

The festival will also include the 24th annual Tour de Peaks Bike Ride. Call 888-8535.

Mountains To Sound Greenway Summer For the eighth consecutive year, this summerlong bash boasting more than 100 activities in 100 days will celebrate the conservation and education efforts of MTS and the 4,000-plus volunteers making it all possible. The event is June 18-19, and will include historianled hikes, bike rides, a relay race, a car show in Issaquah, a geoteaming competition in Seattle and a photo contest in August. All ages are welcome. Call 382-5565 or email info@ mtsgreenway.org.

Boeing Classic The Champions’ Tour returns to TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Aug. 20-26.

With more than 54 holes of no-play golf and a $2 million purse, some of the great legends of golf will show up in Snoqualmie. More than 70 Champions Tour professionals are expected to appear. The weeklong event will include a Seahawks’ Rumble at the Ridge, a pro-am tournament and a youth clinic. Call 206-381-7830.

SUMMER FESTIVALS 45 Gateway

Summer 2012

competition. The free event is from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 5. Learn more by calling 831-5784. The dog park is at 39912 S.E. Park St., Snoqualmie.

4th of July Parade and Celebration 10:30 a.m. at the Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 S.E. Ridge St., Snoqualmie. Call 831-5784.

North Bend Block Party Free community barbecue Waste Management will host two free citywide community barbecues to get to know the Snoqualmie community’s residents and business owners, at 2 p.m. May 12 and 19. The first barbecue will be at Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 S.E. Ridge St.; the second is at Railroad Park, 7971 Railroad Ave. S.E. Choose one barbecue or the other, and RSVP by calling 8314919. Besides the barbecues, Waste Management will host a TouchThe-Truck activity for children and have samples of the new containers citizens will have. The event also includes booths and displays about recycling and composting.

Day Out With Thomas This summer, Thomas the Tank Engine will visit downtown Snoqualmie July 13-15 and 20-22.

Children accompanied by adults may enjoy a 25-minute trip behind the TV train and some of his friends, along with music, tours, exhibits, rides and videos. Tickets cost $16. Children 2 and older will require a ticket. Call 866-468-7623 toll free.

Music, sunshine and the everpopular banana boogie return for a fourth year to downtown North Bend for the city’s block party, with activities for children and grownups, including contests, food stands and live music. The July 14 event is from noon to 10 p.m.; children’s vendors are open from noon to 8 p.m.

Warrior Dash PHOTO BY WILL T RAY JR.

Dog Days of Summer Three Forks Off-leash Dog Park will host Dog Days of Summer, where you can bring your dog for games, dog-friendly booths and

PHOTO BY SHERI KENNEDY

Meadowbrook Farms in North Bend will host the second annual Washington edition of this 3.55-mile obstacle course. The dash will start at 9 a.m. July 21, at 1711 Boalch Ave., with 12 obstacles including cliffhangers, trenches and fire pits.

Register at www.warriordash.com; click on “Locations” and look for the North Bend run.

SUMMER Gateway 46 SNOQUALMIE FALLS

Summer 2012

{ Top tourist spot: the majesty of Snoqualmie Falls

BY WARREN KAGARISE

Snoqualmie Falls drops 268 feet — 101 feet more than the storied Niagara Falls — and fulfills many roles for people in nearby communities.

Roiling whitewater cascades down granite cliffs into a boulderand-evergreen-lined canyon below at a rate of 500 to 1,500 cubic feet per second — equivalent to about 3,700 to 11,200 gallons plummeting downward each instant. The pool at the bottom is 65 feet deep.

The dramatic drop-off in the Snoqualmie River occupies a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, stands as a majestic landmark for the region and, for “Twin Peaks” fans, acts as a reminder from the long-gone TV show.

The falls represent a sacred place to the Snoqualmie Tribe. In native

Snoqualmie Falls q 6501 Railroad Ave. S.E. q 2-acre park with observation deck q Salish Lodge, concessions, gift shop q Wheelchair accessible q Leashed pets allowed q Open dawn to dusk lore, Moon the Transformer created the falls from a fishing weir and the mists generated by the powerful falls carried prayers to the creator.

Perched above the falls near a public overlook is the Salish Lodge & Spa, a luxury resort. The hotel and surrounding green spaces act as popular wedding destinations in the summer months. Nearly 1.5 million visitors come to the falls

each year.

The falls serve a more practical purpose, too. The rushing river thundering down the falls provides power to local homes.

The site is home to the Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Project, Puget Sound Energy’s oldest power-generating operation.

The initial powerhouse — encased 260 feet below the surface in bedrock — entered operation in the late 1890s. The later powerhouse came online in the early 1900s. Combined, the pair of powerhouses can generate 44 megawatts of electricity.

The project received a 40-year operating license from federal regulators in 2004. PSE embarked on upgrades to the power-generating systems and the recreation facilities circling the site. The construction is expected to continue until 2013.

Snoqualmie Tribe

Proud to Invest in Our Community Over $2 million donated in the past 2 years!

Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust Seattle Aquarium

National Parks Conservancy Association

Wild Fish Conservancy

University of Washington

Mt Si High School Booster Club

Red Cross – Seattle Chapter

Issaquah Salmon Days

Moyer Foundation

Swedish Hospital

SIFF

Bellevue Art Museum

Seattle Symphony

Mt Si Helping Hand Food Bank

Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation

KUOW – NPR Woodland Park Zoo

8130 Railroad Ave. SE Snoqualmie, Washington 98065 • 425-888-6551