Will be going to Seattle for the first time on business in the next 2 weeks.

Have put this off for a while as I wanted to combine this with some pleasure. Problem is that i will only have a few days (3-5 maybe more) and can not fit it all in.

I will be able to see all that i want to in town while there for business.

Aside from Seattle I would like to visit:

San juan islands-should this be a trip on its own?
Mount Ranier
Olympic National Park
Victoria - is this very "urban"?

Any recommendations on timing? Should I just pick one of the above or can i do more than one?

Thank you!

Mt. Rainier can be done as a day trip from Seattle.

The highlights of Olympic National Park (Hurrican Ridge, Crescent Lake, Marymere Falls, Hoh Rain Forest, Ruby Beach) can be seen on a two-night stay.

Victoria can be visited as a day trip by ferry from from Port Angeles, the largest city on the Olympic Peninsula. However, if you have time, it would be better to spend the night in Victoria.

In my view, the San Juan Islands is another trip. But others will no doubt have different ideas.

happytrailstoyou has it right i think. the san juans is overreaching. you would need 3 of your days to do it at least reasonably. ranier is a day trip but over night is better if you can get a room at paradise inn (?) or some other place. i think you need to pick two off your list and enjoy.

if you want "urban" and nature, go for victoria and olympic. if you want all nature ranier and olympic

Just to clarify, Victoria is much less "urban" than Seattle, and definitely worth a visit. I believe you can also take a ferry from Seattle, overnight in Victoria, and return the next day.

Good time to go to Victoria. One or two days in Victoria is very doable. Canada is still a good deal with U.S dollars, especially now that the U.S. dollar is making a comeback against the euro, the Canadian etc.

Mackie, See my post titled Seattle Visitors Guide (i just now topped it). It shows a link to a pullout special section from the local newpaper a few weeks back, absolutely packed with answers to questions people often ask about things to do in the area.

and yes you can take the Victoria Clipper between Seattle/Victoria either for a long day trip or an overnight.