Snoqualmie is about the same distance from Tacoma as Seattle, but with a lot less traffic and better scenery. Snoqualmie is most-known for impressive Snoqualmie Falls and Snoqualmie Casino-and while these two attractions could fill the better part of a day, they are certainly not all there is to do here. If you want to turn your day trip into a weekend, the Salish Lodge & Spa is perched right above the falls, or stay at the casino if you enjoy hitting up some nightlife and slots before bed.

Snoqualmie Falls tops out at 270 feet-about 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls! Near the falls is an observation deck, which offers particularly cool views after heavy rain or snow (if not a bit misty from the spray). There is also a two-acre park with hiking trails adjacent to the falls area, but main trail is closed until 2013.

Snoqualmie Casino is also nearby. Along with 1,700 slot machines and 50 table games, the casino has several restaurants and a good lineup of headlining entertainment, including acts like Jay Leno and Craig Fergusson coming up in April and May.

If you're a fan of trains at all, the Northwest Railway Museum is one of Washington's most unique museums. Visitors can get up close to 70 pieces of railway equipment, including a number of steam locomotives and passenger cars. Starting April 1, visitors can take a train ride and see the falls from a much cooler vantage point.

The town of Snoqualmie itself is also worth exploring. Cute boutique shops and restaurants dot the town, and there are ample parks for picnics or easy hikes. Opportunities to enjoy the outdoors include fishing and kayaking in the Snoqualmie River, and golfing at Mount Si Golf Course or Snoqualmie Falls Golf Course.