Topping out at 45 miles (72 kilometers), Snoqualmie is the smaller of Washington's many rivers, but length is no indication of its importance. The river nourishes its namesake valley as a prominent source of drinking water and irrigation. It is also considered to be one of the most scenic in the region, with as many as 10 beautiful waterfalls along its course. The South Fork, one of its three major tributaries flows through North Bend and meets the remaining two, a little outside the town, creating a haven for nature lovers. Tubing and Kayaking are popular activities on the river.
The Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area covers an area of 1,851 acres (749 hectares) near North Bend. Tucked away in the vicinity of the Snoqualmie Valley and Mount Si, the area features a terrain of riparian forests and cliffs that are home to a variety of local flora and fauna. An impressive system of trails within the area enables visitors to explore its landscape. The most prominent trail here is the Rattlesnake Mountain Trail, which traverses about ten miles (16 kilometers) to reach the summit at 3,500 feet (1066.8 meters), from where one can witness stunning views of the surrounding region.