http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/visitorsguide/

May 18th Seattle Post-Intelligencer had an excellent "Best of the Northwest" guide. You can find it online at the above address. Great listings of ALL kinds of different things to see and do here.

Finally got the air tickets booked! Can Rainier be a day trip from Seattle or Tacoma. I thought it would be closer to Tacoma area.

I haven't been there in 20 years, but..Albany, nice?

Has it changed that much?? Did they close the mill?

I'm not being sarcastic. It's just that it was really just so far from "nice" when I went to OSU, that I'm surprised.

lcuy... well by chance i was in Albany this past Monday (to catch the train between Corvallis and Seattle).

believe me it hasn't changed a bit, and no offense to anyone living there but I really don't see it turning up on a tourist itinerary of the beautiful state of Oregon!

I have booked a few nights at the Holiday inn express downtown Seattle, and one night at the national park inn at Rainier national park. The paradise inn was already sold out.

Any feedback on either of these? I can still change the Seattle hotels but do not know if there is much availability in the park.

I stayed at the National Park Inn last summer and I liked it- it wasnt fancy by any stretch - but clean - cozy, nice front porch with rockers, nice little walking path across the street- not far to Paradise to hike,

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. Couple of questions:

1. Since Tacoma is closer to Mt. Rainier, any input on the Tacoma mall to drop off the family while I do my business visit.

2. Recommended short scenic walks/hikes in mt. Rainier park since we have a baby with us.

I think once you get to Paradise you'll find lots of short hikes you can do with a baby- especially if baby is in a back carrier -
There is also a very easy walk to do across from the National Park Lodge

Any good local places to eat in Seattle area & for lunch in Tacoma. Although my wife does NOT eat seafood (Yes, I know that's what Seattle is known for)!

In Tacoma, the Glass Museum with it's wonderful glass bridge and the Tacoma Art Museum are well worth seeing, as is the train station for all those Dale Chihuly lovers (I'm a big fan). I believe all these are walking distance from each other. Tacoma gets a bad rap, but they're really doing all sorts of good things to try to change this and these sites are worthwhile if you need to drop them off for a few hours.

You've gotten all sorts of great suggestions--just hope you get great weather!