[Superman]

There are five national parks from which to choose. It's hard to pick a favorite among them. It just depends on how you want to see them. For backpackers, there are a hundred 'must see' places. North Cascades is the real gem, followed closely by Mount Rainier. For car camping....the number is smaller but not by much, and with hiking trails to explore. Two volcanoes (Baker and Rainier) visible from Seattle. Two distinctly different mountain ranges.

Urban life is nearly as cool. World's best oysters. The 'feel' around this region is breezy, hearty, relaxed and the vistas are mesmerizing. You can't go wrong, my friend.

Strike that. You can go wrong. You can attempt driving in our traffic. Don't do that. Drive during stealthy times.

PS: Rainier is more south than east from San Juans. Some distance. If you do avoid traffic, then the drive is beautiful.