Fall Outdoor Family Photos at Three Forks Natural Area.


If you family is feeling adventurous, Three Forks Natural Area is a stunning location for your fall outdoor family photos. Located 40 minutes from Seattle in Snoqualmie, this location has it all. The forest, mountains and water...basically quintessential Pacific Northwest vibes! It's the perfect spot for family's that want to explore and have fun amongst a pretty backdrop.

Family walking through the rocky riverbed with Mt. Si in the background.
Family holding hands and walking at Three Forks Natural Area.

Three Forks Natural Area offers variety!


Once you park in the free gravel lot, you'll walk ~10 minutes through a forest on a flat dirt trail to the riverbed. At the riverbed, there will be epic views of Mt. Si! Three Forks Natural Area offers lots of backdrop variety, giving you a diverse gallery of images. It's a great spot for families with OLDER KIDS (elementary aged onwards) because the large rocks by the riverbed are a bit tricky to walk on. If you have a toddler, it'd be very difficult for them to walk without falling. I want kiddos to be able to walk, run and explore freely and the rocks would make it difficult for toddlers to do just that.

Mom and son walking in a forest and there's backlit by the sunlight.
Family backlit by the golden sunshine at sunset by the Snoqualmie river.
Black and white photo of family posed and smiling in the forest in North Bend.

Tips for fall outdoor family photo outfits.


For fall outdoor family photos, I'd recommend layering. The weather is a bit crisper and warm kids = happy kids. Layering with t-shirts underneath, followed by shirts or cardigans, warm socks and water resistant or waterproof shoes ensures kids are warm. The large rocks by the riverbed are tricky to walk on so sturdy, grippy shoes ensures kids don't slip or twist their ankles. Comfortable clothes (fitted but not tight) that allow kids to move around freely in ensures they're happy and relaxed in their photos.

Father and daughter tickling each other and smiling.
Mom whispering a secret to her smiling daughter.
Dad and son throwing rocks into the Snoqualmie River.
Mom holding her daughter's hand.

Consider Three Forks Natural Area for your next fall family photos.


This spot is great for adventurous families with older kids! A few things to note about Three Forks Natural Area are:

  • There is free parking in their small gravel lot. If parking is full, there's spots along the side of the road.
  • There are only porta potty's by the parking lot so if that's not your thing, make sure you go to the bathroom at home!
  • The restaurant South Fork is a tasty reward after your fall photos and is a 10 minute drive away.