Set back in lush green woods with the Cascade mountain range as its backdrop and approximately 30 minutes from Seattle, spectacular Snoqualmie Falls is the number one tourist destination in Washington State, and the Salish Lodge has secured a swoon-worthy location perched above the thundering waterfall. In the mornings, water from the falls throws a misty rainbow atmospherically across the park's walkways, just outside the lodge. The falls dominate the area - in sight, and sound, as the water plunges into a the canyon below, at any time of year.

The Space

Starting as a rest stop for travellers consisting of eight rooms in 1916, the Salish looks like a grand old dame from the outside. Inside, amber-coloured timber walls, slate floors and fireplaces give a warm glow. Common areas are furnished with deep, plush armchairs upholstered with native American designs. Two restaurants and a bar are split over different levels, each with huge windows from which to view the falls and surrounding woods -  relax fireside or enjoy some of its world-class dining. Twin Peaks aside, the Salish is better known in Washington for its spa - it's named as one of the top 50 hotel spas in the US, with therapeutic pools, a dry sauna and steam room as well as providing massage, yoga and skin care.

The Room

Step inside the room to hear the crashing of the water falling below your balcony. Ridiculously comfortable king-sized featherbeds with goose-down feather bedding and 320 count linen beckon luxuriously for a return visit in winter, when the fireplace alongside roars atmospherically - request brick or real wood. There's a two-person spa bath in the bathroom that can be opened up to the bedroom, and from the bedroom a balcony from which to view the falls. A pillow menu and Salish lavender mint bath accessories are part of the package.

The Food

You can grab a signature Dale Cooper cocktail or some Cherry Pie and Damn Fine Coffee in the Attic; but dining at the Salish is much more classy affair than roadside diner-style. Producing their own honey and herbs, breakfast in the Dining Room looking directly over the falls is a knockout, and even a simple coffee is decadently served with ramekins of chocolate, honey and cream. Their country breakfast is renown; or you could head to the Attic for more casual eats, such as artisan pizzas, charcuterie, antipastos and sandwiches. At the bar, select handcrafted Salish honey-flavoured vodka, Pike Hive Five Salish Lodge & Hopped Honey Ale created by The Pike Brewing Company from Seattle. There's also a wide range of Pacific Northwest wines to choose from.

Stepping Out

Snoqualmie Falls Park begs to be explored; check out the observation deck that features a panoramic view of the waterfall, the river gorge and lush Northwest forests. Salish is surrounded in hiking trails for all levels of fitness; and you can also enquire about hiring mountain bikes, golf and fishing.

At your doorstep, importantly for Twin Peaks fans, lies most of the filming locations of the cult television series - grab a map from staff at the lobby and head out with a hire car to get your fix. Nearby Fall City offers more dining options including the delectable Fall City Roadhouse & Inn (The Roadhouse) and cute biker bar The Last Frontier Saloon. Slightly further afield, Twede's Cafe (The Double R) in North Bend is open early for breakfast for a healthy dose of Twin Peaks nostalgia. Historic downtown Snoqualmie, two minutes away by car, has unique shops and restaurants.

The Verdict

Comfort, luxury and its extraordinary setting makes this a destination, special occasion hotel where time should be savoured.

Highlight

Sipping Pacific Northwest wine from the spa bath while listening to the rush of the Snoqualmie Falls and watching the fire roar must be one of life's greatest pleasures.

Lowlight

Getting out of the ridiculously comfortable king-size featherbeds in the morning proved challenging.

salishlodge.com/

The writer travelled as a guest of Visit Seattle