If you’ve ever stood at the base of the thundering Snoqualmie Falls or wiped the sweat from your brow after conquering the grueling switchbacks of Mt. Si, you know that the Snoqualmie Valley has a way of working up a serious thirst.
Since 1997, Snoqualmie Falls Brewery has been the unofficial “living room” of the valley, a place where muddy hiking boots are welcome, and the craft beer is as authentic as the landscape. While the Snoqualmie Falls Brewery tap list is deep, one brew stands as the quintessential Northwest refresher: the Haystack Hefeweizen.
Why “Haystack”?
Most locals know Mt. Si as the ultimate training ground for hikers. But if you’ve ever reached the ridge and looked up at that final, daunting scramble to the actual summit, you’re looking at The Haystack.
The brewery named their flagship Hefeweizen after this peak for a reason. It’s the “icing on the cake”, the reward you promise yourself while your quads are burning on the trail. Whether you actually scrambled to the top of the rock or just enjoyed the view from the ridge, a pint of Haystack is beer enthusiasts’ way to celebrate the descent.
A Snoqualmie Falls Brewery Twist on a German Classic
The Haystack Hefeweizen isn’t your average wheat beer. It’s a cloudy, unfiltered beauty that balances German tradition with a clean, Northwest finish.
- The Build: Crafted with 60% malted wheat, Two-Row Pale, and Vienna malts.
- The Aroma: It hits you with a spicy, citrusy nose that immediately suggests refreshment.
- The Palate: Unlike some German hefes that lean heavily into “banana and clove,” Haystack uses an American ale yeast. This results in a much cleaner, mellower profile with bright citrus overtones and just a hint of spice.
- The Stats: Sitting at a sessionable 5.3% ABV and a mild 18 IBU, it’s designed for drinkability.
On top of that, this craft beer has won a Silver Medal at the Washington Beer Awards and a Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival
More Than Just a Taproom
Located in the heart of historic downtown Snoqualmie, the brewery is more than just a place to grab a six-pack. It’s a full-service community hub where the food is just as “valley-inspired” as the beer.
What to order with your Haystack:
- The Snoqualmie Burger: A hefty 6oz patty topped with their signature house porter sauce.
- Beer-Battered Fries: Crispy, locally sourced, and perfect for dipping in their house-made beer cheese.
- Weekend Pozole: If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday, do not miss Augustine’s family-recipe Pozole. It’s a local legend for a reason.
Wee Tip: If the sun is out, head to the beer garden. It’s dog-friendly and offers the perfect vantage point to soak in the mountain air.
Visit a Great Source of Craft Beer in the Northwest
Snoqualmie Falls Brewery & Taproom 📍 8032 Falls Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA
🍺 Must Try: Haystack Hefeweizen (obviously) or the Wildcat IPA if you’re feeling hoppy.
Whether you’re a local regular or just passing through after a trip to the Falls, there is something timeless about this spot. It’s a reminder that the best things in life, like a well-crafted wheat beer, don’t need to be complicated to be world-class.
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
