The more I read the more confused I get! Help!

We're planning one week (in July) in the Seattle area. My original thoughts were a few days in Seattle then a couple of days in the San Juan Islands. After much reading, guide books and here at Fodor's, I still do not have a clear plan.

I originally thought a day trip from Seattle to Mt Rainer, then travel north and out to the Islands. Now I'm leaning in the direction of having an overnight in Olympic National Park or in North Cascades National Park. Both sound like lots of beautiful countryside. If I can only fit one area in - which should I pick?

Can Mt Ranier area be done in one long day and do it any justice?

Also, I've read numerous reviews that indicate the ferry trip from Anacortes is always backed up in the summer. Would it help if we drove up and and stayed in the area so we could catch the first ferry?

Thank you for your help!

Yes, you can do justice to Mt. Rainier in one day. (hope it is clear and sunny)

It isn't as though you'll need to interact with the mountain. Just drive around and be awed by how impressively it juts upward from the surrounding foothills, unlike almost any other peak near its size in the lower 48. You could drive around it and take in all sorts of views in one long day.

Would be sorta nice if you had a "window" of days during which you could run for the hills if the weather was clear.

Have you ever been to Seattle before? I continue to be mildly surprised by the draw to the San Juans for those who have never been to the rest of this area. There is so much else to see and enjoy.

I can't imagine opting for the San Juans if I were someone who had never been to, say, Vancouver, Canada before. Vancouver, Canada is 150 miles ~ freeway all the way.

You can't really go wrong with any of your general instincts, so just c'mon up and have a look around for yourself.

I like your original plan. You can do Rainier in a day, though I wouldn't recommend simply driving around it! Head to either Sunrise or Paradise and enjoy the great mountain scenery. North Cascades is great but more of a hikers park-there's no paved road into the park. Olympic is great for it's diversity but since you don't have time to see the rainforests, beaches and mountains, I'd stick to the fabulous mountain scenery at Rainier.

Avoid going to the islands on Friday, and leaving sunday, and you'll be fine. Catching an early ferry would mean less wait, but if you show up 2 hours in advance mid-week you'll be fine. There's a beach there, and picnic tables, so it's not a bad place to wait. In any case, they are fabulous and worth the ferry hassle.

I agree with Northwest Male- Vancouver should not be missed! Also, there is a lot to do in Seattle itself.

As for San Juans vs. Vancouver, it's a clear ``different strokes'' choice.

Certainly not all travelers weigh an area's attractions the same.

Although I'm a former Seattle resident who counts Vancouver as one of his favorite N. American cities, I don't have a problem with a Seattle trips without a Vancouver stop -- because there's something to be said for finding the urban/scenic mix that fits individual travelers.

For some folks, adding one city to a trip is too much -- for others, any time not in a city is time lost. That's a call for Lindy -- and it's neither right nor wrong.

As for North Cascades vs. Olympic: I'd say Olympic would be a more unique experience because of the rainforest.

Mt Rainier is feasible in one day but dont go if the weather is not absolutely clear.Paul

I tend to think of Vancouver as a whole other trip-it's too far for a day trip (plus, there's way too much to do there to only spend a day), and there's so many great attractions in the mountains/islands surrounding Vancouver, it would be a shame to spend less than a week in that area.