[christinelandon]

Steve, you've nicely picked out many of the highlights of our region. I'll toss in recommendations for the San Juan Islands via state ferry (if they haven't broken down, it's a great trip!) and the North Cascades Highway (U.S. 20) eastbound into Washington's third National Park, the North Cascades NP. Often called the "Alps of America."

Just a word of advice to Marc on trip planning, though...we've had a couple of rough winters in the Cascades high country, and quite a few roads and trails have been closed due to weather/flood/rockfall damage. It pays to hit the National Forest and U.S. Park Service websites for the areas you're considering to see if there are any access problems that might complicate getting to your destinations.