Arts & Entertainment Community

Day Tripper | Taking a peak around the place where Twin Peaks was filmed

Posted on September 24th, 2025 By: Mary Williams

Recently, it seemed like every time I turned around, I ran into another mention of something to see or do in North Bend. I hadn’t been planning to make a trip there anytime soon, but when I ended up having to postpone a planned excursion, North Bend was an easy alternative.

I already had a trip to the Spokane area on the calendar. Since I didn’t have to be there much before dinnertime, I decided to stop for a good part of the day in the little town at the foot of Mt. Si. So this month, my Day Tripper excursion is not so much a destination as a diversion. There is certainly enough to see and do in North Bend to warrant its inclusion on a list of primary destinations.

Shopping and Starbucks

As regular readers know, I have granddaughters in the Spokane area, so I know the route well and travel it often. Prior to this visit, North Bend’s most significant claim to fame was that it was the last Starbucks before Snoqualmie Pass.

Years ago, I made it to North Bend much more frequently. In the 1980s and ’90s, the outlet mall at North Bend was one of the premier shopping destinations in the area. Unfortunately, time has not treated it well, and the development has lost much of its luster. The pandemic certainly didn’t help, nor has the increased reliance on online ordering. While 29 shops are still there, a handful are empty and the grounds appear unkempt.

The North Bend factory outlets aren’t what they once were. Photo by Mary Williams

There may be hope, however. A new hotel is going up at the entrance, which certainly should increase foot traffic.

The sad part of this tale is that I never realized that the North Bend area had more to offer than the businesses fronting I-90 at exit 31. So much more. I was kind of glad that I had other plans and wasn’t tempted to spend my day engaged in retail therapy. Instead, I was able to use the time and opportunity to go the short distance into North Bend to check it out.

Twin cities

Several years ago, I learned that North Bend is a conjoined twin with the community of Snoqualmie. They are so intertwined that at one time North Bend was even named Snoqualmie.

If my Day Tripper investigations have taught me nothing else, I’ve learned that so much of the development of the Pacific Northwest was influenced by the railroads. There are differing stories about who first developed the area.

Local history says that in 1865, Matts Peterson platted North Bend and named it Snoqualmie. His cabin, the first on the site that is now identified as North Bend, stood between the bank and McGrath’s Hotel, facing northeast. It was later bought by a Mr. Borst, then sold to W.H. Taylor, who again platted the town. In the early 1880s, Taylor started a trading post out of the old Matts Peterson house.

McGrath’s Hotel in North Bend. Photo by Mary Williams

Because another nearby town had the same name, Peterson was forced to rename it, and he chose Mountain View. However, the Post Office Department objected, and directed that the community be renamed North Bend after its location near the north bend of the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River.

Railroad connections

Soon it was clear that the railroad needed a depot in the area. Taylor was out of state, so the businessmen downriver persuaded railroad officials to build it in their town because of its proximity to Snoqualmie Falls. Originally built in 1890, the Snoqualmie Depot has been restored to its original glory and still functions as an operating train station. A smaller station is just up the tracks at North Bend.

The Snoqualmie Depot. Photo by Mary Williams

A couple of years ago, Day Tripper visited the area as we checked out area holiday activities. A Santa Train uses the Snoqualmie depot as its base of operations. At the time, tickets for that year were sold out, but we promised to let you know when they went on sale in the future. If you’re interested in a holiday excursion by train this year, now is the time to purchase them. Check out the train, its activities, ticket pricing and availability here. Train rides aren’t limited to just the Santa Train. There are family activities at Halloween and throughout the year. There is also a wine train option for adults.

The depot houses a small train museum that is worth checking out. There are also train cars and tracks behind the depot that warrant a look.

A train engine on display behind the depot. Photo by Mary Williams

Twin Peaks

In 2024, Day Tripper visited the community of Roslyn, where the television show Northern Exposure was filmed. At that time, I confessed that I wasn’t very familiar with either the show or why it was filmed in a mountain town in Western Washington. It’s a lot easier to understand why Twin Peaks was filmed primarily in North Bend and Snoqualmie.

In 1990, Mark Frost and David Lynch converted the town of North Bend from a sleepy little town to the town of Twin Peaks for the popular TV series. A quick look to the horizon explains how Twin Peaks got its name.

The double haystack peaks of Mt. Si. Photo by Mary Williams

Something of a cult classic, the show gained a devoted, worldwide fan following. According to Wikipedia, Twin Peaks is often listed among the greatest television series of all time despite only airing for two years. In 2017, Showtime produced a third year, bringing an enthusiastic fan following back to check it out. To be ready for filming and the expected increase in tourism, the whole town got a refreshing make-over.

Fans still visit the area seeking out famous Twin Peaks locations. One of the most famous filming spots is Twede’s Café, the Double R Diner, at 137 W. North Bend Way.

Twede’s Café was a common setting for the cult classic TV show “Twin Peaks.” Photo by Mary Williams

Many scenes were filmed at Salish Lodge, which doubled as the Great Northern Hotel, and overlooks Snoqualmie Falls. The locations are just 5 miles apart.

Salish Lodge and Snoqualmie Falls, another setting for “Twin Peaks.” Photo by Mary Williams

Other filming locations included the Dirt Fish Rally School, which depicted the Twin Peak’s Sheriff Department; the Snoqualmie Valley Trail Trestle; Mt. Si High School, which has since been demolished; Mt Si Motel, which served as the Blue Diamond Motel; and The Roadhouse Restaurant, which is in Fall City.

Historic downtown

Places to check out in North Bend aren’t limited to classic TV settings. The town’s history emerges as we survey the buildings that still stand.

North Bend of the early 20th century had at least one thing in common with today’s North Bend. It was the last stop before drivers attempted the challenge of traversing Snoqualmie Pass. In those days, they weren’t cruising by on an interstate at more than 70 mph (sometimes a lot more). They were traveling on the Sunset Highway, the first automobile route across the Cascade Mountains.

Washington state originally planned to bypass the town, but negotiations convinced them to go through it instead. The Snoqualmie Valley Historical Society, with financial support from the King County lodging tax, has developed a walking tour of the buildings and businesses that were important to the community at that time.

The tour is not long; just a few blocks. After parking near the corner of North Bend Way and Bendigo Boulevard, a look around will get you started. From this location, you can see several historic buildings. On the western corner is the Sunset Garage, constructed in 1929. The owners initially planned to open a mercantile, but quickly realized that a garage to service the increased traffic was far more necessary.

The Sunset Garage building, built in 1929. Photo by Mary Williams

Across the street is Twede’s. Originally opened as Thompson’s Café when Roy Thompson built it in 1941, it survived over two decades before being sold in the late ’50s. Since then, it has undergone several changes in name and ownership. It was completely renovated (if you can call being restored to its original glory renovated) in 2016 in preparation for the filming of the third season of Twin Peaks.

Meat markets and Masonic halls

Next door to Twede’s is the original Kelsko Meat Market, built in 1920. Next to that is Bellinger’s Bakery, built in 1928, which is now Twin Peaks Bakery. The bakery offers a wide array of cookies, breakfast treats, cakes and pies. We can personally vouch for the apple bread, which makes delicious French toast.

Bellinger’s Bakery in North Bend. Photo by Mary Williams

You can’t miss the next spot. The multi-story Upper Valley Masonic Lodge, Unity Lodge No. 198, was built in 1912. It is one of the few buildings built during the railroad era that has survived to today. The bottom floor originally housed Gene Hill’s Grocery Store. Gene’s wife, Ada Snyder Hill, founded the Snoqualmie Valley Historical Society on the site.

The Upper Valley Masonic Lodge, Unity Lodge No. 198. Photo by Mary Williams

The McGrath’s Hotel building is one of the most significant in the development of North Bend. Located in the historic center of North Bend, the building is executed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. It currently houses the Iron Duck Public House.

The building was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in in 2002.

The Iron Duck Pub in the former McGrath’s Hotel building. Photo by Mary Williams

Walk a bit further down the street and you’ll come to a small log building that were formerly the North Bend Timber Company offices. Constructed in 1924, it was used for offices until it was sold in 1944. At that time, it became a restaurant. Once a larger adjacent structure was completed, the little building became a dance floor, storage area, and rest rooms.

Built over a century ago, this log structure was the home of the North Bend Timber Company. Photo by Mary Williams

Back on the road

It’s time to turn around and head back to the car. Be sure to check out the small concrete building that currently displays prominent signage for Cook Real Estate Services. It once housed the Bank of North Bend. Constructed in 1911, it was originally chartered as Sylvester’s Bank in 1913.

The former Bank of North Bend building has stood here since 1911. Photo by Mary Williams

Finally, just down the street from the Cook Building is the North Bend Theatre. It became the first theater in North Bend in 1941. Most small-town theaters from this era have either been torn down or converted to another use, but not this one. It is still a thriving family theater.

The North Bend Theatre building. Photo by Mary Williams

Our final stop was the building that now houses Birches Habitat. Originally constructed in 1918 as the McClellan Hotel, half the building was moved in 1941 to a location a block down the street where it became a tavern.

Another former hotel converted for other use. Photo by Mary Williams

Visiting the tavern sounded like an interesting option because by now I was tired and thirsty. Unfortunately, I was also running out of time and really wanted to visit the Dahlia Barn before I got back on I-90 to resume my trek to Spokane.

Dahlia Barn

One of the North Bend attractions that I saw featured on a local television program is the Dahlia Barn, located on the outskirts of North Bend. From downtown North Bend, the easiest way to get to the Dahlia Barn is to go east on North Bend Way. Continue on through the traffic circle as North Bend Way turns into Cedar Falls Way. Turn left on to Mt. Si Road and follow it for about a mile to 446th Avenue, where you’ll turn right. The Dahlia Barn, also known as the Red Barn, is at 13110 446th Ave SE.

The Dahlia Barn, aka the Red Barn. Photo by Mary Williams

I will admit that after watching the feature, I expected to see fields of dahlias as impressive as the tulip fields of the Mount Vernon area. Not even close.

I can’t tell you that fields of dahlias don’t exist, because they do. It’s just that they’re actually grown at Thorp. You know Thorp because of the Thorp Fruit and Antique Mall building just off the freeway about 10 miles west of Ellensburg. The fields, which aren’t affiliated with the Fruit Mall, are closed to the public. We’ll have to be content to admire the much, much smaller grow area in North Bend.

Dahlias at the Dahlia Barn in North Bend. Photo by Mary Williams

Established in 2002, The Dahlia Barn is located on an old horse farm. True to its name, the Dahlia Barn really is a big red barn.

They offer farm direct dahlia tubers shipped to your home or for farm pick up. Fresh-cut dahlias are available when they bloom from September through mid-October. If you’d like to visit the barn while the dahlias are in bloom this fall, you’ll have to hurry. The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday through mid-October. Be sure to check their website or call before you head out there to make sure they are open.

There is also a small shed where you can select a bouquet of dahlias and pay the $20 cost by the honor system. Either leave an Alexander Hamilton or a check in a designated cash box.

The honor system is in effect here. Photo by Mary Williams

Outdoor recreation

I was out of time, and had to get back on the road, but if you are able to spend a day in the North Bend area, you may want to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Here are a few nearby attractions:

Rattlesnake Mountain Trail: Really two options. A popular steep hike to Rattlesnake Ledge or the longer moderate 4-mile roundtrip hike to Rattlesnake Mountain. There aren’t really any rattlesnakes there.

Twin Falls State Park and Trailhead, SE 159th St., North Bend: Has a well-maintained trail to the waterfalls. There is a parking area at the trailhead and dogs are allowed.

Mt Si Trail: Considered a challenging route. Take exit 32 off I-90 to 436^th. Take 436^th to its end at SE North Bend Way. Turn left. Mt Si Road will be on your left in .3 miles. Follow it for 2.4 miles to the trailhead. One of the most popular hikes in the state with over 100,000 annual visitors. (Note that the route to the Mt Si Trailhead is the same as to the Dahlia Barn.)

Olallie State Park: Located at 51350 SE Homestead Valley Road. This park has waterfalls, hikes, rock climbs and is connected to the Palouse to Cascade State Park Trail.

Denny Creek Trail: considered to be family friendly with a gentle grade and amazing destinations including a natural water slide, Keekwulee Falls, and Snowshoe Falls.

Iron Horse Trail runs from Olallie State Park to Rattlesnake Lake. Easy access is at exit 38 off I-90 just north of North Bend at Homestead Valley Trailhead.

Admittedly, hiking isn’t exactly my cup of tea, but I know many of you love it. I hope you can set aside the time I’ll spend on the highway on my way to Spokane to enjoy the beautiful area in which we live, particularly the stunning views. In the meantime, I want to tell you about one more place I found on this adventure filled day.

The end of the day

Spokane’s Steam Plant

In 1913, Spokane businessman Harry Flood conceived the idea of building a steam plant as a way to economically heat five buildings in the city center. When the city approved the project, they mandated that the franchise produce heating for 10 city blocks as well as produce electricity. A temporary plant was constructed which provided heat to 38 buildings, including The Davenport Hotel.

The Steam Plant continued to serve that purpose until the 1980s, when it was no longer viable. The building sat vacant for about a decade until current owner Avista, Washington Water Power’s successor, renovated the facility into a mix of restaurant, retail and office space.

The interior of the Steam Plant. Photo by Mary Williams

The building’s interior is a cavernous space with steel beams, catwalks and staircases. Much of the piping is visible, as is the coal bunker suspended in the center. During the 1990 renovation, four boilers in the lower levels were converted into restaurant space. The coal bunker and east and west towers were converted into offices and public space.

Piping inside the Steam Plant in Spokane. Photo by Mary Williams

I have been to Spokane many times over the past 15 years, but had never heard of, much less visited, the Steam Plant. My granddaughter suggested we go there for dinner, and I’m so glad she did. Not only does the Steam Plant Brewhouse and Pub have delicious food, the environment is unique. We had a lot of fun riding up and down in the four-story glass elevator.

The glass elevator in the Steam Plant in Spokane. Photo by Mary Williams

At 159 S. Lincoln, it is just a short distance from I-90 off exit 280B in Spokane. Way farther away than my self-imposed 100-mile limit.

I’ve asked several friends who pass through Spokane regularly if they’ve ever been to either the Steam Plant or the Pub, and universally they have not. And like me, they’ve never even heard of it. It’s a shame that just because we live in the west, we miss out on such a cool place. So, if you should happen to find yourself in the Spokane area and want to get something good to eat in a very unusual place, I definitely recommend the Steam Plant Brewhouse and Pub.

About the Day Tripper column

Gas prices are sky high, and a night in a hotel is approaching astronomically expensive. So, for the foreseeable future, I imagine many of you are going to find yourselves taking day trips rather than the road trip vacations we’ve grown to love.

This beautiful region in which we live is ripe with opportunities to explore new places, see new things, and learn a little something at the same time. I promise to keep the longest journeys to a one-way distance of under 200 miles. Whether you want to make it an overnight trip, a weekend, or just a very long day trip, we should be able to pull it off.

I hope you’ll grant me the honor of your virtual company as we travel these roads together. Happy trails!