Pike Place Market, Snoqualmie Falls, and Alpental Ski Area

After a wonderful first day exploring the Seattle area we decided to venture out a little further than the Seattle proper for our next full day in Washington.  Our first stop was to settle a score at Pike Place Market!  The last time we were in Seattle we went to the market on a Saturday - the most crowded day to visit and we didn't get to try Piroshky Piroshky!  So, this time we decided to go as early as possible on a Sunday morning.

View from observation deck at Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is Seattle’s public market and one of the country’s oldest farmers markets. The market encompasses nine acres from Pike St. north to Virginia St. and from 1st Ave west to Western Ave. The Market’s historic arcade, winding alleys, stairways and lower levels offer a multisensory experience of sights, sounds, tastes, aromas and textures.  Like we mentioned above, our first stop was for breakfast at Piroshky Piroshky where we noshed on cranberry and apple rolls and poppy seed piroshkies while strolling through the market.  We didn't get to enjoy coffee at Seattle's first Starbucks due to the long line out the door so, you know there will be a 3rd visit back to the market to settle that score!  Once the crowds started to gather in the market we decided to cruise on to Snoqualmie Falls.

The gum wall/alley

Pink Door Restaurant

In case you don't know which restroom to use, just check the floor

Snoqualmie Falls is a 268-foot waterfall in the northwest United States, located east of Seattle on the Snoqualmie River between Snoqualmie and Fall City, Washington.  If the falls and the Salish Lodge and Spa look familiar it is because they were both featured in the tv series, Twin Peaks!  

After leaving the Snoqualmie area we followed the Snoqualmie River to Denny Creek Campground hoping to hike to Franklin Falls.  The Denny Creek Campground is located on the Snoqualmie River and is one of the oldest Forest Service campgrounds in the forest.  In this area you can walk to nearby Wagon Road Trail, Franklin Falls Trail and Denny Creek Trail, which enters the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Unfortunately, the trail to Franklin Falls was still closed for the season. We explored the area for a little while before heading up to the Alpental Ski Resort.

Alpental is synonymous with skiing in the Pacific Northwest. Its deep-rooted history and legendary terrain make the mountain a bucket list item for skiers and riders. The area provides some of the steepest and deepest runs in the region. Snow still covered the area in late May and the low lying clouds made the area appear magical.  A few people were hiking up the mountain in the snow and it was fascinating to watch them disappear as they gained higher elevation.  

Exhausted from our day of exploring we headed back to our home base, Embassy Suites, in Lynnwood, Washington. Our next on our itinerary.. North Cascades National Park!