If the opening notes of Twin Peaks still live rent-free in your brain, there’s no better weekend escape than Snoqualmie and North Bend. Just 30 miles east of Seattle, the neighboring mountain towns blend misty forests, retro diners, and small-town charm into a setting that feels straight out of the iconic show.
Here’s how to spend 24 hours exploring Snoqualmie and North Bend, Washington.
Morning: Welcome to Twin Peaks
Start your morning at Twede’s Café, the real-life Double R Diner made famous by Twin Peaks. Slide into one of the retro red booths, order a slice of cherry pie with a cup of “damn fine coffee,” and admire the framed memorabilia lining the walls. For something more filling, go for the pancakes, omelets, or a build-your-own breakfast plate. Even if you’re not a hardcore fan of the show, the diner’s nostalgic atmosphere makes the stop worth it.
If you’d rather ease into the day like a local, grab breakfast at a nearby neighborhood gem. At North Bend Bakery, pair your coffee with a gooey cinnamon roll or flaky ham and cheese croissant before browsing the pastry cases for road trip snacks. For health-conscious bites in an artsy space, settle into a cozy corner at Black Dog Arts Café. Enjoy avocado toast on homemade bread or a tofu breakfast burrito, and pair it with a matcha latte.
Head to Snoqualmie Falls to see the waterfall famously featured in the opening credits of Twin Peaks. Walk out to the upper observation deck to marvel at the 268-foot waterfall crashing into the Snoqualmie River below. For an even closer look, follow the lower trail through the forest to the base of the falls. Wear shoes with traction and bring a waterproof jacket—the mist from the lower viewpoint can be intense.
Stop by Salish Lodge & Spa to see the luxurious property that served as the exterior of the fictional Great Northern Hotel. Wander the grounds, step inside the upscale lobby, and admire the sweeping valley views from the overlook areas. Look for rustic accents like timber beams and stone fireplaces that give the lodge its signature Pacific Northwest charm. Arrive before lunchtime for quieter photo ops around the space.
Alternatively, visit downtown North Bend for a leisurely stroll past indie cafés, bookstores, art galleries, and shops. Lean into the slow pace as you pass vintage storefronts with a dramatic backdrop of Mount Si in the distance. Browse souvenirs at North Bend Trading Company, look for home decor at Birches Habitat, or peruse the unique finds at DT Vintage & More.
Afternoon: Forests, Peaks & Filming Locations
Enjoy lunch at North Bend Bar & Grill for hearty American fare in lodge-style digs. Dine by the fireplace under exposed-beam ceilings, or find a table outdoors for breathtaking mountain views. Expect the usual pub grub, like burgers and wings, alongside small plates and salads. Start with the goat cheese croquettes or pork sliders, then dig into the prime rib dip sandwich.
Alternatively, take a break from the moodier Twin Peaks stops by dining at the upbeat Rio Bravo Mexican Restaurant. Embrace the brightly colored walls and checkerboard floors of the easygoing counter-service joint. Scan the menu for a wide array of Mexican staples like enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and bowls. Order the popular Chilaquil Burrito, or go for a combo plate to try multiple dishes.
If you prefer Americana vibes and nostalgia with a side of soft-serve, swing by Scott’s Dairy Freeze—a retro roadside stand that’s been a North Bend staple for decades. Keep it classic with a burger or hot dog and fries, and don’t forget an old-fashioned shake or ice cream cone. Claim one of the outdoor picnic tables for a front-row seat to the surrounding peaks.
Explore the forested landscapes that helped define Twin Peaks on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, a popular sightseeing route built along a former railroad corridor. Walk underneath moss-covered trees and over wooden bridges, passing farmland and river valleys along the way. Unlike a strenuous mountain hike, you can expect relatively flat terrain throughout.
Swing by Reinig Bridge, known by Twin Peaks fans as “Ronette’s Bridge,” to see one of the show’s most hauntingly recognizable filming locations. Make your way across the weathered wooden bridge and look down at the Snoqualmie River below. You only need a few minutes here to take it all in, making it an easy detour between activities.
For a more active adventure, embark on an afternoon hike near Mount Si instead. Walk the trails at Riverfront Park for easy access to mountain scenery, or follow the one-mile Tanner Landing Park loop for epic views of Mount Si and Rattlesnake Ledge. For something more challenging, hike the opening stretch of the Mount Si Trail before the steepest elevation begins.
Evening: Cozy Dining & Small-Town Charm
Head to The Dining Room at Salish Lodge for an upscale dining experience centered around Pacific Northwest flavors. Sip a Twin Peaks-inspired cocktail like the Dale Cooper or the “Damn Fine” Key Lime Pie Martini. Order the local tagliatelle with crispy soft shell crab, or choose between rare cuts of steak like bavette and wagyu coulotte. Request a window table if possible so you can look out over the surrounding forest while you eat.
For a more casual dinner and drinks combo, make your way to Volition Brewing in the heart of downtown North Bend. Start with a beer flight to sample craft brews like Mango Moonbeam or Space Bike. Challenge your crew to a few rounds on the pinball machines, or sit beside the outdoor fire pits in the beer garden. Check the schedule beforehand to see which food trucks are making an appearance—it could be anything from BBQ to Asian fusion.
Prefer to grab dinner to-go? Pick up takeout from Frankie’s Pizza, a local chain serving Chicago-style pies. Satisfy your craving with a meaty pizza like Frankie’s Special or Meat Si, or switch things up with a more creative option like the Pesto Veggie or Taco Pizza. Add a side of oven-roasted wings or breadsticks with their housemade red sauce.
Cap off the evening with a nighttime stop at Snoqualmie Falls, where you’ll find a completely different atmosphere from your morning visit. Walk out to the upper observation deck to see the illuminated viewing area after dark. Listen to the roar of the waterfall echo through the quiet valley, which feels even more immersive without the daytime crowds. Don’t forget to bring a jacket—temps drop fast around here at night.
