Planning Trip to Seattle, Suggestions Needed?

I know you asked for places within an hour or two of Seattle, but if you have a couple of extra days, I would recommend going to the Olympic Peninsula for several reasons:

1. Go see the Pacific Ocean - Dungeness Spit, Neah Bay, Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach or any of the beaches near LaPush

2. Salmon fishing - lots of charter boats in Neah Bay, Westport and other towns on the coast

3.Beautiful campgrounds - both state parks and in Olympic National Park

4. Lots of trails and abundant wildlife can often be seen in Olympic National Park - don't miss the Hoh Rainforest! Hike from Lake Ozette to the beach and see ancient petroglyphs

5. If you are interested in local Native American history and culture, visit the Makah Museum in Neah Bay

If you really can't take a couple of days to go to the Olympic Peninsula, here are some suggestions for some adventures within a couple of hours of Seattle for some good outdoor activities:

Camping:

Deception Pass State Park - One of the most popular in the state so be sure to get a reservation for a campsite if you want to camp overnight there

Bayview State Park - an nearby alternative if Deception Pass if full. Stop and visit the little interpretive center nearby (Breazeale Interpretive Center) with native flora and fauna on display on your way to or from Deception Pass

Fishing: There are salmon fishing boat charters out of Anacortes which is on the way to Deception Pass

Wildlife viewing: You should have the opportunity to see quite a few marine mammals if you go on a charter fishing boat out of Anacortes into the San Juan Islands. Also eagles, shorebirds and many other birds seen in the area of Bayview State Park and Deception Pass.

Flameworking: Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood is on the way to Deception Pass and the other attractions listed above. If you are fortunate to be in the area on July 18th, that's the date of their annual open house. If not check out the link to their website (included) for possibly getting in on a group tour.

In Seattle:

Restaurants - Of course it depends on your personal preferences, but there are so many good ones that I have a hard time making any recommendations

Native American Culture in the Seattle area:

Tillcum Village is a state park on Blake Island that is only accessible by boat or plane. It features a somewhat authentic dinner and entertainment based on local Native American traditions. You can get tickets for the boat trip and dinner through one of the local tour boat companies - not exactly cheap, but a unique experience. Link to Clipper Vacations is included then scroll down the webpage to Argosy Tillicum Village

The Burke Museum on the UW campus has a good display of Native American artifacts, crafts and photos

Daybreak Star Center in Discovery Park is also dedicted to Native American Culture. The Annual Pow-Wow is July 16-18

Try to visit the Olympic Natl Forest, The rain forest and the river guides, boat rentals at gig harbor, gray’s harbor and Dungeness state park just are just a lovable place, go there and enjoy. Hope this will help you.

Stop in the Bay Area for sure. One of the Amtrak stations connects to BART, which you can take to San Francisco.