Snoqualmie Falls & Casino

A short trip east from Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is worth a visit. We had an easy drive, as outside the city the roading network around these parts are still multi-lane freeways.

We parked at the visitors centre, so had to walk all of 30 seconds to reach the popular lookout. The noise from the waterfal is immense and the air is full of mist spray.

The falls actually have power generation tunnels on either side, so only excess water runs over the fall. There was plenty of water on display for us today so we really enjoyed the view.

Next we went to Snoqualmie Casino. We didn't know what to expect, but were impressed with the character this building has. Looks can be deceiving however. Styled like a lodge, sitting on the edge of a hill with amazing views, behind is a multi-story carpark and several other carparks. This place means business. There was a steady stream of cars pouring in when we arrived. Everyone had the same idea as us (or did we have the same idea as them?).

We hadn't eaten since breakfast, and knew the dinner buffet opened at 4:00pm, so planned to get there on opening as we were starving. By the time we had a wander around, getting our quota of passive smoking for the year, it was 3:45pm. By then, the queue for the buffet was 45 minutes long!!! We got more and more hungry while we waited for a table.

The wait was worth it, the surprise was that Sunday night is "king crab night", there are crab legs for everyone. They were messy to eat, as we had to break the crab shells, but very yummy. I ate a whole grilled jelopeno from the mexican station, and regretted it. Soft serve to the rescue to sooth my burning mouth!!!! We were there about an hour, and by the time we left the queue was longer than where we started. Very popular.

Tomorrow is our last full day in Seattle, we fly out on Tuesday morning. We have nothing planned so can have a good sleep in.