North Bend
North Bend is a charming small town located in King County, Washington, nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Range. Approximately 30 miles east of Seattle, North Bend offers a blend of rural tranquility, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. Known for its stunning natural beauty, the town is a gateway to numerous recreational activities, including hiking, skiing, and rock climbing. North Bend's scenic landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant community make it a desirable destination for both residents and visitors.
Parks and Recreational Areas
Mount Si: One of the most popular hiking destinations in Washington, Mount Si offers a challenging trail with a 3,150-foot elevation gain. The 8-mile round trip hike rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the Snoqualmie Valley and the surrounding peaks.
Twin Falls State Park: Located along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, this park features a beautiful 3-mile trail that leads to the picturesque Twin Falls. The trail includes scenic river views, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls.
Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area: This area offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and fishing. The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is a popular 4-mile round trip hike that provides panoramic views of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Olallie State Park: Known for its rugged beauty and numerous waterfalls, Olallie State Park offers hiking, picnicking, and rock climbing opportunities. The park's Iron Horse Trail follows the route of the old Milwaukee Railroad, providing a unique and scenic hiking experience.
Tollgate Farm Park: A historic park featuring open fields, wetlands, and trails. It’s a great spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and enjoying the views of Mount Si and the Cascade foothills.
Attractions
Snoqualmie Falls: Just a short drive from North Bend, Snoqualmie Falls is a 268-foot waterfall that attracts visitors from around the world. The falls are surrounded by a park with observation decks, trails, and a picnic area.
North Bend Premium Outlets: A popular shopping destination offering a variety of brand-name stores and discount outlets. It’s a great place for bargain hunters to find deals on clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Downtown North Bend: The historic downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a charming spot to stroll, shop, and dine while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains.
Twede’s Café: Famous for its appearance in the TV show “Twin Peaks,” Twede’s Café offers a menu of classic American diner fare, including the iconic cherry pie and “damn fine coffee.”
Valley Center Stage: A community theater offering a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and special events. The theater provides an intimate setting for enjoying live entertainment.
Restaurants and Cafés
North Bend Bar & Grill: A local favorite offering a menu of American comfort food, including burgers, steaks, and seafood. The restaurant has a cozy, rustic atmosphere and a full bar.
Huxdotter Coffee: A popular coffee shop offering expertly brewed coffee, teas, and pastries. It’s a great place to relax, meet friends, or catch up on work.
Scott’s Dairy Freeze: A nostalgic drive-in restaurant serving classic burgers, fries, and milkshakes. It’s a beloved spot for families and anyone craving traditional American fast food.
Il Paesano Ristorante Italiano: An Italian restaurant offering a menu of traditional dishes, including pasta, pizza, and seafood. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere and delicious food make it a popular dining spot.
Volition Brewing: A local brewery offering a variety of craft beers and a welcoming taproom. It’s a great place to sample local brews and enjoy a casual, community-oriented setting.
Yearly Festivals and Events
North Bend Block Party: An annual summer event featuring live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. The block party celebrates the community spirit and brings residents together for a day of fun and entertainment.
Downtown North Bend Halloween Festival: A festive event where the downtown area is transformed with spooky decorations, trick-or-treating, and costume contests. It’s a fun and safe way for families to celebrate Halloween.
North Bend Film Festival: An annual film festival showcasing a variety of independent films, including documentaries, features, and shorts. The festival includes screenings, panel discussions, and special events.
North Bend Jazz Walk: An event that transforms downtown North Bend into a hub of live jazz music, with performances taking place in various venues throughout the area. It’s a celebration of music and community.
Community Services and Facilities
North Bend Library: A branch of the King County Library System, offering a wide range of books, media, and educational programs for all ages. The library serves as a community hub for reading and learning.
Si View Community Center: This facility offers various recreational programs, classes, and events for residents. It includes a gymnasium, fitness center, and multipurpose rooms available for community use.
Snoqualmie Valley Hospital: Providing healthcare services to North Bend and the surrounding communities, the hospital offers emergency care, outpatient services, and specialty care.
North Bend Elementary School: A public school serving the North Bend area, offering education for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The school emphasizes strong academic programs and community involvement.
North Bend Police and Fire Departments: Providing essential public safety services to the community, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.
Transportation
North Bend is conveniently located near Interstate 90, providing easy access to Seattle and other major cities in Washington. King County Metro Transit offers bus service to and from North Bend, connecting residents to the greater Seattle area. The town is also a popular starting point for scenic drives through the Cascade Mountains.
Housing
North Bend offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The town is known for its picturesque homes, many of which offer views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The housing market in North Bend includes a range of price points, catering to both renters and homeowners. The town’s scenic beauty and small-town charm make it an attractive place to live.
Local Businesses
North Bend is home to a variety of small businesses that cater to the needs of the community. These include grocery stores, boutiques, fitness studios, and professional services. Some notable local businesses include:
Ace Hardware: A locally-owned hardware store offering a wide range of products and services for home improvement and gardening. It’s a convenient spot for residents to find tools and supplies.
North Bend Theatre: A historic movie theater offering a mix of first-run films, special screenings, and community events. The theater’s vintage charm and comfortable seating make it a beloved local venue.
Pro Ski and Mountain Service: A specialty outdoor shop offering gear and equipment for skiing, hiking, and climbing. The store also provides rentals and expert advice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Birches Habitat: A boutique offering a curated selection of home décor, gifts, and clothing. It’s a popular spot for unique and stylish finds.
Euro Lounge Café: A European-style café offering a menu of coffee, pastries, and light meals. The café’s cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite spot for locals.
North Bend is a picturesque and vibrant small town that offers a mix of recreational, dining, and community amenities. With its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and small-town charm, it provides residents and visitors with numerous opportunities for leisure and engagement. The town’s commitment to preserving its natural environment, fostering community involvement, and providing quality services makes it a desirable place to live and visit.
Learn about another nearby area called West Seattle.
About Color & Design Studio LLC
Color & Design Collective is a collective of artists, architects, stylists and interior designers. We provide in-person & remote full interior design services in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Philadelphia & New York, including paint color consulting and decorating for homes & businesses. Our services always include 3d renderings and digital mockups of your home to help with visualization. Our goal is to create good design while centering people & our environment over profits. We create spaces that reflect who you are not who we are. All appointments can be easily scheduled on our website- please text us if you are not able to use the scheduling page.