Tucked away in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, just 45 minutes from Seattle, lies Snoqualmie – a town so picturesque and atmospheric that stepping into it feels like walking onto a film set.

And in many ways, it is. Fans of David Lynch’s cult classic Twin Peaks will instantly recognise its misty backdrops, quirky cafes, and iconic filming locations.

But even if you’ve never watched an episode, Snoqualmie offers a mix of small-town charm, cinematic history, and natural beauty that makes it one of Washington state’s must-see destinations.

For Twin Peaks devotees, the experience begins with the guided tour run by superfan David Israel.

Often joined by actor James Grixoni – who played Deputy Jesse Holcomb in Season 3 – the tour takes fans deep into the town’s legacy as Lynch’s surreal playground.

One of the most popular stops is Twede’s Café, where you can order a slice of the diner’s famous cherry pie alongside a “damn good cup of coffee” – made famous by Special Agent Dale Cooper on screen.

Owners Max Spears and Rachel Bennett bought the cafe in 2020 just before the pandemic, and leaned into its on-screen history, welcoming dozens of fans weekly wanting a glimpse inside the classic American diner.

Across town, fans flock to Salish Lodge & Spa, perched dramatically above Snoqualmie Falls. Known to fans as the Great Northern Hotel, the lodge doubles as both a luxury escape and a cultural landmark, with rooms offering panoramic views of the beautiful waterfall below.

But Snoqualmie isn’t just about TV nostalgia. Its North Bend Theatre is a living part of the town’s history – an original 1941 cinema with a retro marquee, rustic seats, and a community atmosphere that feels frozen in time.

The space was lovingly restored by Kevin and Sam Burrows who leaned into its rich history, and now offer community events for the small 8,000 strong population of North Bend.

Regular watch parties for big TV shows and film premieres draw both locals and visitors, with their most recent screening of the Downton Abbey finale being one of their biggest hits.

For fans of Twin Peaks, you can even see the handprints of some of the most famous stars in the pavement outside of the building, with a signed poster from Sheryl Lee inside.

“She was one of the most empathetic people I have ever met,” Sam tells me. “Everyone who met her left crying – in a good way!”

Beyond the screen, the landscape is another reason tourists flock to the area. Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington’s most photographed natural wonders, is just minutes from the centre of town.

Cascading 268 feet into the river gorge, the falls are easily accessible with free parking and short trails leading to viewing platforms. It’s one of the many reasons the small town welcomes thousands of visitors annually.

For those planning an overnight stay, Snoqualmie caters to a wide range of budgets and tastes.

The recently opened Snoqualmie Casino and Hotel has become an affordable alternative to upscale lodgings, offering opening rates, free parking, and a central location just a short drive from North Bend.

For those wanting something more in tune with their surroundings, Treehouse Point offers a unique accommodation where guests can spend the night in hand-crafted treehouses nestled among old-growth forest – a true fairy-tale experience.

The town’s food and drink scene is also steeped in character. The Iron Duck Restaurant & Bar embodies the warmth of the community, welcoming visitors with hearty meals and the kind of friendliness that keeps tourists coming back.

And for those with an adventurous streak, Dirt Fish Rally School offers a high-octane way to explore the area. Known globally for its professional rally car training, the site is also a major spot for Twin Peaks fans – it once served as the Sheriff’s Office in the series.

We even got to take a rally ride with two of the school’s teachers – Colton and Garret.

It’s no wonder then that property prices in Snoqualmie and nearby North Bend have skyrocketed.

Visitors often leave dreaming of making the move, seduced by a town that feels too perfect to be real. Between its film-set looks, warm community spirit, and spectacular natural setting, Snoqualmie has all the makings of a storybook town that makes it a must visit destination.

Want to see it for yourself? 

British Airways offers flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from London Heathrow which is approximately a 35-minute drive away from Snoqualmie. 

You can find out more about the Twin Peaks locations tour and book on twinpeakstour.com.

For more information visit www.stateofwatourism.com and www.portseattle.org.