As a Twin Peaks fan, there is no greater joy than visiting Washington state where David Lynch and Mark Frost filmed their show and 1992 feature film. I’ve been making the trek to Snoqualmie Valley for the past several years. There are plenty of places to stay that give you easy access to the Real Twin Peaks. Here is a list of my favorites, along with a few spots I have yet to explore.
WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE REAL TWIN PEAKS OF WASHINGTON?
Twin Peaks was filmed throughout Snoqualmie Valley, which includes the towns of Snoqualmie, North Bend, Fall City and Carnation. Scenes were also captured in downtown Seattle and across Puget Sound at Kiana Lodge on Bainbridge Island. There are plenty of hotel choices throughout the region for all price ranges.
SALISH LODGE & SPA
Address: 6501 Railroad Ave SE, Snoqualmie, Washington
Website: SalishLodge.com
Price Range: $299-$550 (look for special offers)
Perched above the sacred 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls, the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe’s Salish Lodge & Spa is a historic hotel with a long history in Snoqualmie Valley. Opening in 1916 as the eight-room Snoqualmie Falls Lodge famous for its Country style breakfast, the entire resort was remodeled, expanded and renamed in 1988.
Today, 86 guest rooms welcome visitors from around the world Rooms have spa-like showers, extremely comfortable bedding and many offer views of Snoqualmie River which powers the mighty waterfall. A short path from the main entrance connects you directly with the falls overlook area.
The location served as the exterior for The Great Northern Hotel in Twin Peaks. Some of the pilot exteriors were shot near the hotel’s front entrance though much of the area has been remodeled. Interiors for the hotel were shot either on a set or, in the pilot, at Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo, WA.
I’ve stayed here during several trips. The rooms are spacious and I particularly enjoyed Eucalyptus Shower Spray following a long day of hiking through the woods. It’s luxurious amenities that make the room special, from the bathrobes to an in-room fireplace. You can also enhance your visit with in-room treats such as a S’mores tray that can be prepared over the outdoor fire pit (offered in some rooms).
They remodeled the Lounge area in 2024 and are currently updating the Dining Room. The expanded lobby fireplace is a nice place to sit with a warm beverage and just relax. They have a highly-rated Spa but I’ve not made the time to visit (too many film locations to find).
Yet it’s no wonder the hotel was recognized as Travel + Leisure’s #1 Best Resort in the West in their 500 list of Best Hotels in the World. The hotel is dog friendly too but make sure to call to book a patio room for the furry companion. My late small Mexican “Chi-wow-wow” Yodie stayed here twice and was greeted with a personalized welcome kit.
But my favorite thing at Salish Lodge is breakfast in the Dining Room or Attic. Their coffee service is exceptional and the Honey from Heaven experience gives a nod to the waterfall using honey created on site is a beloved tradition.
SNOQUALMIE INN BY HOTEL AMERICA
Address: 35228 Snoqualmie Pkwy, Snoqualmie, WA
Website: TheHotelAmerica.com
Price Range: $179-$315
Located in the Snoqualmie Ridge along Snoqualmie Parkway, the Snoqualmie Inn by Hotel America was once part of Hilton’s Hampton Inn brand until 2021. Today, the hotel is an affordable and convenient home base for exploring the region. This pet friendly hotel offers a pool, gym and business center.
While I’ve never stayed here, I know several other Twin Peaks fans who have briefly called in a home away from home. Rooms categories include King, King with Sofa Bed, King Studio Suite, Accessible King along with Two-Queen Standard and Studio options. There are accessible rooms and the entire hotel is a non-smoking.
MOUNT SI MOTEL IN NORTH BEND
Address: 43200 SE N. Bend Way in North Bend, Washington
Website: MtSiMotel.com | AirBnB.com
Price Range: $179-$315
The Mount Si Motel is located in the shadow of the great 4,000-foot Mount Si. Constructed at some point in the 1950s, this motel has been updated and modernized with new room interiors, bedding and bathroom upgrades.
The Mid-Century Motel served as film location of the Red Diamond City Motel in David Lynch’s Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me and The Dutchman’s Lodge in Twin Peaks Part 15.
Room 6 is where Laura Palmer, Ronette Pulaski and Teresa Banks are seen after Leland Palmer chickens out. It’s now available to book via AirBNB.com. The room looks slightly different compared to when the scenes were shot in 1991, yet this is one of those unique locations where you feel you are living inside the dream. Room 6 is quite popular so book early if you are planning a visit to the Real Twin Peaks of Snoqualmie Valley, Washington.
In August 2024, I stayed in Room 5 during the Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me screening with Sheryl Lee at the North Bend Theatre. I loved waking up to the sounds of birds outside my window.
NORTH BEND MOTEL
Address: 322 E North Bend Way, North Bend, WA
Price Range: $75-$125
The North Bend Motel is located near the heart of downtown North Bend. This was the first place I stayed in August 1996 during my first visit to the region. You can easily walk to shops and restaurants in town, such as the North Bend Bar & Grill or Rio Bravo just across the street.
Like stepping into a 1980s time capsule, rooms include cable television, mountain views and awesome wood paneling. One, two, or three beds are available in a room. Non-smoking rooms, refrigerators, microwaves, and weekly rates are available.
SUNSET MOTEL
Address: 227 W North Bend Way, North Bend, WA
Price Range: Call for details
I chose Sunset Motel during the Neon Dream event in August 2023 which saw the neon “RR” reinstalled on the Twede’s Cafe sign. With so many activities taking place at the cafe and North Bend Theatre, I needed some place extremely close to serve as my home base. This motel has operated in town for decades, once being known as the Snyder Auto Court in the 1940s.
I stayed on the second floor in a basic room with no frills. This is a good place if you just need a spot to sleep and don’t plan on spending much time in your room.
NORTH BEND ESCAPES – VACATION HOMES
Website: NorthBendEscapes.com
Price Range: $175-$600 (pending date and location)
If you are seeking an alternative to motels and hotels, there are several vacation homes found throughout North Bend. Since 2018, North Bend Escapes has operated eight cottages and suites that are extremely clean, spacious and comfortable. Each place is also equipped with a private hot tub. Many of these location are also pet friendly.
THE ROADHOUSE INN
Address: 4200 Preston Fall City Rd SE, Fall City, WA
Website: FCRoadhouse.com
Price Range: Starting at $199
Did you know that you can stay in The Roadhouse from Twin Peaks? This Fall City restaurant served as the exterior location seen in the series and film. The second floor contains eight rooms with modern amenities and comfortable beds.
I stayed here during the Real Twin Peaks event held in February 2024 and loved it! Fall City is located in a different town so you’ll need a car to drive to Snoqualmie and North Bend. But the room was nice, spacious and the shower had great water pressure. Not to mention, the staff was quite friendly too.
POULSBO INN IN POULSBO ON BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
Address: 18680 Highway 305, Poulsbo, WA
Website: PoulsboInn.com
Price Range: Starting at $130
If visiting Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo on Bainbridge Island, I recommend staying at Poulsbo Inn & Suites. I stayed here during my first visit to Washington state in August 1996 and returned in January 2020 and February 2023.
Poulsbo Inn & Suites has 83 guest rooms with cable television, complimentary WI-FI, and Keurig coffee makers. They are also have pet friendly rooms. The Inn is located about a 15-minute drive to Kiana Lodge and is just down the street from the Norwegian-themed town of Poulsbo.
All said, if you are still on the fence about taking a trip to the Real Twin Peaks, just go. You won’t regret it.
