Hello. My girlfriend and I are staying at the new Marriot Waterfront and are looking for places to see. We are going to Pike Place but should be go to Snoqualmie Falls, Olympic National Park (what area), and San Juan Islands (which island).
Basically, where is the most beautiful spots to see that not too far away? We are only renting a car for a day or two.
Thanks for the input.

I visited Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Park in 1995 with my wife. It was worth the trip. Mt. St. Helen's volcano is about two-three hours south of Seattle and my wife said it was spectacular and worth the trip. She went there with her boyfriend in 1995 when she was cheating on me (she was stationed in Seattle for 4 months for the EPA).

Time will be your problem. Going to any of the San Juans is an all day event and might not be worth it if you're only here a short time. Snoqualmie Falls is close. Olympic Park is a good destination but it's an all day event, too. A trip down to Rainier (a couple of hours each way) might be a possiblity - it's very pretty. A boat ride around the bay is fun and a good feeling for the city. If you want to see rural islands, you can visit Bainbridge (not rural but nice) or Vashon (very rural and an arts center)Both are close to Seattle.

ijayb, do a search on seattle for some good info. i recently posted the same question and got lots of good advice.

by the way, we will also be staying at the new marriott (in august). if you're going before then, let me know how you like that hotel. thanks!

I'd skip Snoqualmie Falls. Places that other posters have metnioed are great: Hurricane Ridge (see Port Townsend along the way, and from a certain view point at Hurricane Ridge, you can see the Straits of Juan de fuca, Vancouver Island, the Coastal Mountains, etc.), Mt. Rainier (Paradise or Sunrise visitor centers), Mt. St. Helens (be sure to see the several visitor centers, especially the last one on Johnsons Ridge - see the movie). I love the San Juans and think they are worth a day trip. If you are walking on the ferry (recommended due to crowds), go to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island (Orcas Island is my other favorite, but you need a car).