Seattle, then?

My daughter and I (she%26#39;s 21) are going to Seattle for 5 nights the last week of March. I%26#39;m trying to figure out the best neighborhood for us to stay - we are in great shape and want to walk, we like little shops, art, breweries, galleriesand prefer to stay in an area where people live, not just work. I%26#39;m thinking Pioneer Square for 2 nights then 2 nights outside the city, the final night has to be near the airport for an early flight the next day.

She%26#39;s a photographer major and wants to get some nature shots. Our first thought was Olympic Nat%26#39;%26#39;l Park, but will it be too soggy and foggy that time of year? Would the Cascades be a better bet? We want to get in some hiking.

Seattle, then?

Olympic Natl Park is beautiful anytime of the year. March could be sunny and warm or it might be rainy, rainy. But that%26#39;s just western Washington. The Hoh Rain Forest in the park is a great place for hiking and picture taking--rain or shine.

I love the Seattle waterfront and, of course, Pike Street Market is a must see.

There is so much to see and do in Seattle--hopefully the Seattle area folks will be offering some great suggestions.

Seattle, then?

We can provide lots of information that will be helpful to you and to your daughter. Why don%26#39;t you post this on the WA forum so we are all in line for postings and responses w/o going through the OR forum.

Yes, post on the WA forum and you will get more answers.

A few suggestions though, from someone who used to live up there. Stay in the city even on that last night. It is not that far from downtown to Seatac, and there is nothing near the airport of any interest.

There are loads of great hiking areas nearby, but even in late March many trails will have snow on them. At the least, you will get quite muddy. Don%26#39;t let that deter you at all, but I just wanted to let you know what to expect. There are many trails in the cascades that just will not be open due to trail conditions. Two great websites for checking on this are www.wta.org and www.nwhikers.net. Both will have suggestions and up to date information.