Wander Wisely Tips for Safe and Respectful Recreation in the Snoqualmie Valley
The Snoqualmie Valley is one of Washington’s most breathtaking destinations, a place where powerful rivers, lush forests, sacred tribal lands, and abundant wildlife come together to create a landscape worth exploring and protecting. Whether you’re here for a peaceful walk, a trail run, a scenic drive, or a family adventure, we invite you to Wander Wisely and help keep this region healthy and vibrant for generations to come.
Cold Water Can Kill
The rivers of the Snoqualmie Valley remain dangerously cold all year, even in the height of summer. Cold shock and unpredictable currents make even shallow water hazardous.
What to know:
- Rivers stay extremely cold regardless of season.
- Sudden immersion can send your body into shock, avoid jumping in.
- Currents, hidden debris, and slippery rocks can shift quickly.
- Never wear your paddleboard leash in fast-moving rivers. The cord can get tangled in rocks, roots, or submerged debris and pull you under.
- Always wear a life jacket, regardless of age or skill level.
- Swim only in designated, safe areas.
Wildlife Safety
The Snoqualmie Valley is home to bears, cougars, elk, and a wide range of other wildlife. Encounters can be memorable, but getting too close is dangerous for both people and animals.
Stay safe and respectful:
- Elk: Give elk at least 100 yards of space. They are large, powerful animals and can charge unpredictably, especially during calving season (spring) and the fall rut. Do not approach, crowd, or try to photograph them at close range.
- Drones: Never fly drones near wildlife. Chasing or approaching animals with drones is illegal, harmful, and extremely stressful for them.
- Cougars: Stay calm and do not run. Pick up children, appear larger, maintain eye contact, and back away slowly.
- Bears: Make noise while hiking. If you encounter one, stay calm, give it space, and back away slowly, never approach.
- Never feed wildlife, and secure all food, trash, and scented items.
Wild animals deserve the space to be wild.
Fire Season Safety
During hot, dry, or windy conditions, wildfire risk increases across the region. Before you head out, take a moment to understand the current conditions.
Check the following:
- Red Flag Warnings indicating extreme fire danger.
- Air Quality Index to ensure it’s safe for outdoor activity.
- Active Wildfires so you can avoid areas that may be unsafe.
Your awareness helps protect our forests, communities, and first responders.
Respect Ancestral Lands
The Snoqualmie Valley rests on the sacred homelands of the Snoqualmie Tribe and other Coast Salish peoples, who have cared for this region since time immemorial. As visitors and residents, we have a responsibility to tread with awareness, intention, and respect.
Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement
The Snoqualmie Tribe’s Ancestral Lands Movement encourages everyone who explores this region to understand the cultural and ecological significance of these lands. Through education and awareness, the Movement helps people integrate land acknowledgment into their recreational practices and learn how to support the Tribe’s stewardship.
Many of our most loved outdoor destinations are Snoqualmie ancestral lands, including:
Mt. Si, Twin Falls, Rattlesnake, the Issaquah Alps, Tiger Mountain, Franklin Falls, the Middle Fork, Snoqualmie Pass, the Raging River, Lake Sammamish, Snoqualmie Falls, and many more.
Recreational Impacts on Tribal Lands
As regional visitation has increased, so has the pressure on Snoqualmie ancestral lands. Popular trails and natural areas, especially in the Snoqualmie Corridor, have experienced erosion, habitat damage, litter, and strain on ecosystems.
Understanding these impacts helps us reduce them.
How You Can Help
- Treat the land with care by packing out your trash and picking up any you see.
- Properly dispose of pet waste and stay on designated trails to protect vegetation and wildlife.
- Experience the land with mindfulness rather than conquest—move slowly, listen deeply, and respect the space.
- Learn more about the Snoqualmie Tribe’s history and ongoing stewardship.
- Acknowledge that you are recreating on Snoqualmie ancestral lands, both through words and action.
- Share what you learn and help amplify the Tribe’s message of respect and restoration.
Learn More & Stay Connected
Follow the Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement for ongoing educational resources:
Hiking Smart: Bring the 10 Essentials
Weather in the Snoqualmie Valley can change rapidly, especially as you gain elevation. Higher elevations can bring sudden temperature drops, fog, wind, or storms even when it’s calm at the trailhead. Being prepared helps ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.
Bring the following essentials every time you head out:
- Navigation tools (map, GPS, or compass)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sun protection
- First aid kit
- Knife or multi-tool
- Fire starter (for life-threatening emergencies only)
- Emergency shelter
- Extra food
- Extra water
- Extra clothing
- A fully charged cell phone (and a portable battery, if possible)
Always tell someone your hiking plan, bring your phone for communication and navigation, and check trail conditions before you go.
Leave It Better
Every visitor plays a role in protecting the Valley.
- Pack out everything you bring in, including food scraps and pet waste.
- Pick up litter, even if it’s not yours.
- Respect local communities and natural spaces.
- Leave no trace so others and future generations can enjoy these places.
In Case of Emergency
- Call or text 911 for any emergency.
- Learn more at kingcountysar.org
- Prevent emergencies by wandering wisely.
- For local visitor information, road conditions, and trip planning, visit snovalley.org.
