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In 1886, the Northern Pacific Railway began constructing the Stampede Tunnel from the Green River valley to the Yakima River Valley as an alternative rail route across the cascades. One of the major obstacles in creating the tunnel was this waterfall. When the drilling began from the east side, the falls had to actually be temporarily moved with sluice boxes. When the Northern Pacific Railway was amalgamated with several others to form the Burlington Northern, the Stampede Pass line was closed. In 1995, the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad re-opened the Stampede Tunnel, and in doing so, built a large concrete snow shed across the bottom of the falls. Unfortunately the snow shed does block views of the 170 foot falls (sure the trains need to be protected, but this is such a beautiful waterfall, it wasn't worth destroying the views in my opinion). Without doing something illegal, the only way to see the entire falls would to be to climb a nearby tree.
- Snowshed Falls is the Official name of this waterfall.
- Known Alternate Names: Bennett Falls, Stampede Creek Falls
Apparently, the waterfall has just recently been officially named Snowshed Falls, or has at least been recognized as the official name by the Forest Service. The falls have also been known as Bennett Falls and Stampede Creek Falls.
Located near Stampede Pass, off of Interstate 90. Exit I-90 at the Cabin Creek / Stampede Pass exit and drive west along FR 53 for about 1 mile to a junction. Follow the sign towards Stampede Pass. In just under 1/2 mile or so, turn left on a low lying road. Follow this road for about 1 mile to a confusing 3 way junction. Keep straight and proceed up a moderately steep hill. There is a gate where the road bends sharply to the right, just before reaching the railroad tracks. If the gate is closed, park just downhill, and walk the remaining 1/3 of a mile along the road paralleling the railroad tracks to the tunnel and the falls.
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