Last updated: November 25, 2023
North Bend, Wa is a charming town located in the Pacific Northwest, approximately 30 miles east of Seattle. It sits at the base of the Cascade foothills and is surrounded by beautiful forests, mountains and rivers.
I lived in North Bend for nearly two decades and it was the most ideal combination of rural community and outdoor adventure, with the lovely conveniences of nearby larger cities. Here are some of the best things to do in North Bend, Washington.
Awesome Things to do in North Bend, WA
1. Shopping
The historic downtown area of North Bend offers locally-owned boutique shops, art galleries, and delightful antique stores, perfect for a leisurely stroll and unique finds.
The farmers market, every Thursday afternoon in the summer, is a great place to find locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal foods. Lastly, the North Bend Outlet Mall features a variety of designer and name-brand stores, including Nike and Columbia outdoor apparel.
2. Tour the Twin Peaks filming locations
North Bend was the filming location for the popular tv series Twin Peaks. Fans of the show could spend an entire day on a self-guided tour to see some of the iconic locations featured in the series.
The most popular are Twede’s Café (the Double R Diner), Salish Lodge & Spa and Falls (the Great Northern Hotel) and Mount Si, whose peak symbolizes the “twin peaks.”
3. Visit the Northwest Railway Museum
This kid-friendly train depot showcases the history of the railway in the PNW and offers train rides on historic railway cars as well as special holiday rides such as the Santa Train in December and A Day out With Thomas, Thomas the Tank train ride in July.
These rides typically run from the North Bend Train Depot to the Snoqualmie Train Depot.
The museum has several locations along the tracks in Snoqualmie and North Bend.
4. Golf
There are a variety of beautiful golf courses in and near North Bend, including the Mt Si Golf course and driving range, the TPC Snoqualmie Ridge golf course with breathtaking views of the Cascade mountains, and the South Fork Landing Disc Golf course.
5. Wine tasting
North Bend is in the heart of the Snoqualmie Valley wine region so there are many spectacular wineries and tasting rooms in the area. Be sure to visit Sigilo cellars, William Grassie Wine estates, Pearl and Stone Wine Co., Convergence Zone Cellars and the Mt Si Winery.
6. Pick berries in season
Family-owned Bybee farms is the best place for blueberries, while we have found blackberries growing in every direction, all over the place.
Huckleberries and salmonberries can be found along the John Wayne Trail by entering at the Cedar Butte Trailhead. In season of course.
7. Chase waterfalls
North Bend, Washington is close to several stunning waterfalls:
- Franklin Falls: Located off the Denny Creek Trail in the Snoqualmie Pass area, Franklin Falls is a popular destination for hikers. The waterfall drops approximately 70 feet into a large pool below.
- Twin Falls: Located in Olallie State Park, just a short drive from North Bend, Twin Falls drops approximately 135 feet into a rocky gorge. There is a hiking trail that leads to the falls, as well as several viewing platforms along the way.
- Teneriffe Falls: Located off the Mount Si Trail in the North Bend area, Teneriffe Falls drops approximately 150 feet into a rocky gorge. The hike to the falls is steep and challenging, but the views are well worth it.
- Snoqualmie Falls, situated in the Snoqualmie Valley of Washington State, is a remarkable waterfall that never fails to impress. Cascading over a rugged cliff, the waterfall plunges a remarkable 268 feet from the Snoqualmie River.
8. Hiking
North Bend, Washington is a popular destination for hiking, with many beautiful trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and waterfalls. There are a variety of great trails near North Bend for every age and fitness level.
9. Biking
North Bend, Washington and the surrounding area offer many great bike trails for riders of all skill levels. Here are some popular bike trails in and near North Bend:
- Snoqualmie Valley Trail: This 31-mile trail follows the old railroad line along the Snoqualmie River, offering beautiful views of the valley and surrounding mountains. It’s a relatively flat trail, making it a great option for riders of all skill levels.
- Tiger Mountain Trail: This 20-mile trail system is a popular destination for mountain bikers, with a variety of trails ranging from beginner to expert. The trails wind through dense forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Tokul East Trail System: This 20-mile trail system is a popular destination for mountain bikers, with a mix of flowy singletrack and technical features. The trails wind through dense forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Iron Horse State Park Trail: This 110-mile trail follows the old railroad line from North Bend to the Columbia River, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests. It’s a relatively flat trail, making it a great option for riders of all skill levels.
- My family has a tradition of biking from the Snoqualmie Pass Tunnel (exit 54) down to Rattlesnake Lake and then to North Bend every year. It’s a fantastic, mostly downhill, 30 miles or so. Just make sure you seat pad is a good one.
10. Paddle boarding or kayaking
North Bend, Washington and the surrounding area have many beautiful lakes that offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. Here are some popular lakes near North Bend:
- Rattlesnake Lake: This 111-acre lake is located just above North Bend, and offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. There are several hiking trails in the area, including the popular Rattlesnake Ledge Trail.
- Lake Sammamish: This 7-mile-long lake is located just west of North Bend, and offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including swimming, fishing, boating, and watersports. There are several parks and beaches along the lake, including Lake Sammamish State Park.
- Keechelus Lake: This large lake is located about 20 miles east of North Bend, and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. There are several parks and campgrounds along the lake, including Iron Horse State Park.
11. Fishing
Fishing is popular and successful, at these gorgeous locations:
- Rattlesnake Lake
- The Middle Fork Snoqualmie River is a popular destination for fishing
12. Geocaching
Geocaching is an outdoor recreational activity in which participants use a GPS receiver or mobile device to hide and seek containers, called “geocaches” or “caches”, at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world.
These caches typically contain a logbook for geocachers to sign as proof of finding the cache, as well as small trinkets or toys that can be traded or taken.
Geocaching is often described as a “treasure hunt” and has become a popular activity among families, outdoor enthusiasts, and tech-savvy individuals. It can be a great way to explore new areas, learn about local history and landmarks, and connect with other geocachers around the world.
Geocaches can be found all over this town, including several my family and I have placed through the years.
13. See a movie
The North Bend Theater in Washington is a small, vintage theater that has been operating since 1941 and is known for its classic marquee and old-fashioned ambiance. They have a variety of movie screenings, including new releases, classic films and free summer matinees for kids!
14. Skiing
North Bend is only 20 minutes away from Snoqualmie Pass Ski Resort. They have a variety of runs for every level, from bunny hills to black diamond at the Alpental Ski resort.
15. Snowshoeing
There are many snowshoe worthy trails near North Bend, including Gold Creek Pond, Commonwealth, and Kendal Peak Lakes, all up at the pass. Depending on snow levels, you can snowshoe on the Otter Falls trail or any of the trails near there.
You can rent snowshoes at any REI or also at the Snoqualmie Pass Summit.
16. Wildlife watching
Deer, elk, bobcats, cougars and bears live in the area, as well as a huge variety of birds and owls. Eagles are frequently seen all over if you keep an eye out for them.
North Bend for Kids
There are several parks that offer various fun things for kids to do. Here are a few of the best.
17. Torguson Park
Torguson Park is a popular community park in the heart of North Bend. It has expansive green spaces, picnic areas, and a large playground, making it an ideal spot for family outings and gatherings. The park also boasts walking trails, Rudd skate park, rock wall, pump track and a baseball field, providing tons of opportunities for outdoor fun.
18. Si View Park
Si View Park is a picturesque, 10-acre park that offers a range of amenities, including a paved walking trail, a community center, a swimming pool, sports fields, a small rock wall and two playgrounds. In addition. This is the location for the North Bend Farmers Market, held on Thursday afternoon and evenings in the summer months.
19. Tollgate Farm Park
Tollgate Park is a unique recreational area that combines natural beauty with historical significance. The park spans over 400 acres and features a network of trails for walking, as well as a playground.
Annual Events in North Bend WA
20. Twin Peaks Day
Each year, on February 24, Twin Peaks Day is observed in Snoqualmie Valley to honor the hit series Twin Peaks.
The day celebrates when F.B.I. Agent Dale Cooper arrives in the town to launch his investigation into the death of Laura Palmer. Visit the Real Twin Peaks to learn how to support Twin Peaks in North Bend.
21. The Festival at Mt Si
The Festival of Mt Si is an annual community event in North Bend, Washington, near Mount Si. In 2023 it is on August 12-13. The festival includes various activities, live entertainment, vendors, food booths, fireworks, and a fantastic sense of community celebration.
The event is named after Mount Si, a prominent mountain in the Cascade Range, located near North Bend. The mountain is a popular hiking destination in the area, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
How to get to North Bend
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Where is North Bend Washington anyway? It’s about 30 miles east of Seattle, and can be easily accessed by car or bus. Here are some ways to get to North Bend:
By Car
The easiest way to get to North Bend is by car. North Bend is located about 30 miles east of Seattle, and can be reached by taking Interstate 90 east. There are several exits for North Bend off of I-90, depending on where you are coming from.
By Bus
North Bend can be reached by bus via the King County Metro Transit system. Route 208 provides service to North Bend from Seattle and other nearby cities. There are several stops in North Bend, including the North Bend Transit Center and the North Bend Premium Outlets.
Local Weather
North Bend, Washington has a temperate marine climate with cool, wet winters and relatively mild summers. Here’s what you can expect annually in North Bend:
- The average high temperature in the summer months is around 75°F, with occasional heat waves pushing temperatures into the mid-90s°F. Summer is generally the driest season, with clear skies and occasional marine layer fog.
- Temperatures cool off in the fall, with average high temperatures in the low to mid-60s°. Rainfall starts to increase in October and November, with occasional windstorms.
- Winter is the wettest season in North Bend, with frequent rain showers and occasional snowfall. Average high temperatures in the winter months are around 46°F.
- Temperatures begin to warm up in the spring, with average high temperatures in the mid-50s°F in March and rising to the mid-60s°F in May. Rainfall starts to decrease in April and May, with occasional sunny days.
Restaurants in North Bend
These are restaurants that offer delicious & healthy dishes in addition to the typical American fair you find in most restaurants.
- Arete Coffee
- Pressed on Main
- North Bend Bar & Grill
Where to Stay Near North Bend, WA
There are several great campgrounds in the North Bend area, or you can opt for the convenience, comfort and security of indoor accommodations.
Salish Lodge and Spa
- 6501 Railroad Ave
- Snoqualmie, WA 98065
The Salish Lodge and Spa is a honeymoon-worthy resort with stunning views of Snoqualmie Falls. They offer fantastic services, incredible spa treatments , and delicious dining for a variety of tastes.
Hilton Garden Inn Issaquah
- 1800 NW Gilman Blvd
- Issaquah, WA 98027
The Hilton Garden in Issaquah offers the the standard amenities, and is conveniently located within walking distance of many retail stores and restaurants.
FAQs about North Bend, Washington
Some commonly asked questions about North Bend and what it’s like to live and visit.
What is North Bend WA known for?
North Bend, WA is known as the filming location for the TV series “Twin Peaks”: The town served as the primary filming location for the popular TV series “Twin Peaks” in the early 1990s. Many fans of the show still visit North Bend to see the various filming locations.
Is North Bend a nice place to live?
North Bend, WA is a nice place to live, particularly for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a small-town atmosphere. The town is located in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers.
There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, skiing, fishing, and other outdoor recreation in the area.
North Bend also has a relatively low crime rate and good schools, making it a popular choice for families. However, the cost of living in North Bend is higher than the national average, and the town is located some distance from major cities and employment centers, which may make it less convenient for some people.
How close is North Bend to Snoqualmie?
North bend is just a few minutes away from the city of Snoqualmie and twenty minutes away from Snoqualmie pass.
How far is North Bend from Seattle?
North Bend is 30 miles from Seattle.
What is the population of North Bend?
As of 2023, the population of north bend is 7980.
What is there to do in North Bend in the winter?
There’s plenty of skiing, snowshoeing and tubing at the nearby ski resort, as well as several hikes that are still doable in the winter months.
Final Thoughts: North Bend Things to Do
There are plenty of things to do in North Bend, WA, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, history or relaxation. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains, forests, and parks, with many opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, and other outdoor activities.