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Originally Posted by ledhedsymbols
Anacortes is a good base of operations for a vacation. The ferries to the San Juans are out of there, so there are lots of day or two trip options available.
It's right in the meat of the salmon season (pun intended) so it might be a good time to book a fishing trip if you have an inkling.
About 45 minutes south of Anacortes is the ferry from Whidby Island to Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula if you have a mind to go that way.
Highway 20 is called the North Cascades Highway. If you take it East you can see the Skagit River Valley. It's breathtaking, and the dams are quite impressive. You can take it all the way across the pass to Winthrop in the Methow Valley. Much hotter and drier there. Winthrop is kind of an "old west" touristy town. Fun for a day trip or overnight.
I live in Mount Vernon, which is about 30 minutes east of Anacortes. If you want specific Intel, PM me and I'll help however I can.
Deception pass is not to be missed.
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A couple of days in San Juan would be quite relaxing.
Salmon fishing is fun, and you can ship/mail your catch back home.
Port Townsend is highly cool, if you like an artsy/seaside sort of place. They have B&Bs on the bluff, overlooking the strait and totally walking distance from 'downtown.' The Flying Karamatzov Brothers are from there, as are the youngsters, NANDA. Combination juggling/vaudeville/karate/gymnastics.
You say you have explored the Olympic Peninsula. I wonder if that is true.
If you must drive and you want to see the mountains, then it depends on whether you like to hike/backpack. North Cascades National Park is a nearly completely unknown (though well known here) and lightly travelled wonderland. If Olympic National Park and North Cascades National Park (whew!) are not sufficiently entertaining, then there is the crown jewel. Rainier.
PS. The view from the parking lot to hike Cascade Pass is breathtaking. This is the view from the parking lot. Upward, past Cascade Pass, is Sahale Glacier camp. From there, you are looking DOWN at 7,000-foot peaks. Just sayin'....
