We are always on the hunt for off-the-beaten-path adventures, so when we came across a hike claiming to offer natural crystal mining, we were intrigued. This may be one of the biggest tells that we are new to Washington, but we're suckers for the artificial "mines" where you pay for a bag of dirt and then sift it through running water to reveal the rocks and crystals hidden within. In the year we've lived here, we've panned for gems at different places at least 4 times.
The hike we're about to tell you about is a different animal from any hike we've done so far, and one that our photos don't properly do justice.
Although it is less than an hour and a half from downtown Seattle, Hansen Creek Trail feels a world away. The hike up is an easy stroll with lovely alpine views (see photo, top left), until you get to the beginning of the digging area (next two photos, top row). Then things get wild.
Before we dive in to Hansen Creek though, let's take a moment to lay out a perfect day that includes chasing waterfalls, crystal mining, two picture-perfect towns, one epic brunch spot, and one unbeatable ice cream parlor... and will still have you back in Seattle in time for dinner.
Stop One: Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls is truly a marvel. If you're lucky enough to go when it's quiet and empty, you'll be able to feel the immense power of the place. Snoqualmie Falls is a sacred treasure of the Snoqualmie Tribe, who regard it as their ancestral birthplace. "Snoqualmie" is the English pronunciation of a Salish word that means "moon." If you visit, be certain to stop at the viewing deck at the base of the falls to read the Snoqualmie Tribe's beautiful creation story, built around the Falls.
At 270 feet tall, and a mere 25 miles East of Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most visited natural attractions in Washington. Don't let that deter you though. If you plan it well, you can have time in the presence of this beauty without crowds.
How, you ask? Two options: (1) visit off peak tourist season, or (2) go in high season (summer) but arrive as early as possible and/or opt for a weekday. We were there around 8am on a gorgeous 70 degree Saturday in July and saw only a handful of people throughout our entire visit. As we returned to the parking lot though, it was starting to get crowded.
If you go... be sure to visit both the upper and lower view decks. The views of the falls are different from each angle, and both are spectacular. At the top deck, you'll also have the chance to learn about the history of the hydroelectric project the Falls powers through Puget Sound Energy. The walk down to the lower viewing platform includes a gentle hill but is very doable, even with kids. That being said, if accessibility is an issue, there are parking areas close to both the upper and lower view decks, so you could conceivably park at one, walk to the view, and then drive and park at the other to lessen the walk.
Two of our favorite features (Bella's in particular) of the walk between decks were the amazing trees, trunks, and metals that provided excellent jungle gym stops and the Salish words on the walkways.
Stop Two: North Bend
(Middle photo c/o northbendwa.gov)
We stopped in North Bend (made famous by David Lynch's tv series "Twin Peaks") for brunch before our Hansen Creek hike. It was our first time visiting this adorable town, but certainly not our last. We could easily have spent an entire day whiling away our time here. Since we primarily stopped to eat though, I'm going to give you all the details on one of our most successful hike-related meals:
By some stroke of Google magic, we learned about Arête, a coffee bar inside Pro Ski and Mountain that is so much more. If you like great coffee, delicious, fresh food, and friendly people, this is the place for you. It was also one of the easiest places I've ever been to get gluten-free/dairy-free/soy-free fare that was a treat rather than a compromise. What we ordered: iced ceremonial grade matcha with almond milk, sasquatch breakfast burrito (gf available), avocado toast (gf available), fruit, a mocha, and an off-menu salad with local greens, bacon, tomato, avocado, and balsamic reduction. What we thought was perfect: all of it.
I would drive to North Bend just for Arête but it would be a sacrilege to be in the shadow of Mount Si, the surrounding Cascade peaks, and the Snoqualmie River and not get out there and experience it. Cannot wait to return.
Stop Three: Hansen Creek
I did promise you crystal mining, didn't I? Now that you've stretched your legs, seen a stunning waterfall, and had the perfect pre-hike meal, it's time to get to work. The hike up to Hansen Creek (note: there is no creek on this trail) is rated moderate but we found it to be a pretty easy (if largely uphill) stroll offering some lovely alpine views. What you'll likely see along the way are people carrying full-sized shovels, hard hats, buckets, rock picks, sifters, and the like.
You'll know you've arrived at the beginning of the dig area when you spot a square of caution tape in the trees, but we imagine you can probably stake out a spot anywhere along the trail once it starts to look like the photo above. From everything we read, the reddest clayish soil is the best place to set up your digging operation.
Be warned that because many people have dug out under the roots of trees, and some have even dug full caverns, the dig site (essentially the entire side of Humpback Mountain) is quite treacherous. Our poor pup was giving us her "danger" bark every 10-15 minutes of the 2-3 hours or so that we were digging. The terrain is uneven to say the least and because it's likely that there will be people digging above you and loosening sizable rocks, the possibility of getting hit with a rogue rock sliding down the mountain is very real and very dangerous.
If you go... bring gloves, a few bags (one for small crystals and one for larger rocks that may turn out to contain crystal once cleaned), and some sort of shovel (we brought garden spades but saw many people with full-size shovels). We also brought a rock pick, which was very helpful. Make sure to wear hiking boots or other shoes with good tread. It is very easy to slip as you'll be scrambling up the steep side of a dusty mountain where the dirt is constantly giving way due to how dry it is and how much digging has been done to loosen everything.
Our best luck was in digging further into spots that had already been started, but that meant crawling into caves with trees and rocks perched perilously above on uneven and unsound foundations. For this reason, we would likely bring hard hats if we returned. We didn't let Bella or Evie go into the caves out of concern that if a rock or branch fell it would do significantly more damage to their smaller frames than it would to ours. We haven't yet soaked our crystals in a proper cleaning solution so they may end up having more sparkle than in the above photo, but it at least gives you an idea of what you're likely to carry away from a Hansen Creek mining expedition.
Stop Four: Snoqualmie
(Middle photo c/o snoqualmieicecream.com; Right photo c/o downtownsnoqualmie.com/)
It's hard to say whether North Bend or Snoqualmie is more charming (I promise to take proper photos next time I visit so I can do them some justice!) We spent our post-hike afternoon viewing the historic trains at the railway, stopping into some adorable vintage shops (Wild Hare Antiques, here's looking at you!), and, of course, eating ice cream from the incomparable Snoqualmie Ice Cream in historic downtown. It was the perfect way to end our adventure, though we would've liked to stay longer. If you go in the summer, expect long lines for ice cream but some of the friendliest, most helpful servers you could ask for. Snoqualmie Ice Cream also has divine vegan ice cream (I had coconut, which tasted like pure vacation) and sorbet, so even if you don't eat dairy, you won't need to go without.
Have you been crystal mining or explored the Snoqualmie Valley yet? If so, what were your favorite spots?
Happy journeying!
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