Surviving a Snoqualmie Snowslide
Two photographers seeking the perfect shot of Snoqualmie Falls were caught in a treacherous mountain avalanche.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
A. F. and D. R. Kinsey, of Snoqualmie, went below the Snoqualmie Falls on Wednesday for the purpose of photographing that beautiful bit of scenery and had an adventure they will not soon forget. They made the descent on the east side about forty rods down the river from the falls, where there is a trail that, if carefully followed, will lead to the disturbed waters 500 feet below. About half way down a large drift on a steep place gave way, and in a moment a small avalanche was in rapid motion with both men in the business part of it. The next 100 feet was made within an incredibly short time. Strange to say, neither was hurt, but the camera box was badly broken. After an hour or so had been spent repairing the camera, exposures were made which turned out very satisfactorily.
“About half way down a large drift on a steep place gave way, and in a moment a small avalanche was in rapid motion with both men in the business part of it.”
Snoqualmie Falls remains a crown jewel of the region, though today it is far more accessible via paved trails and viewing decks. This 1893 account highlights how quickly the rugged terrain of the Cascades could turn lethal for those seeking to document its beauty.
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