I drive up to Seattle at least once a year, sometimes more. I really like the East Side of the Cascades up through Bend. Cross the Columbia R near Goldendale, WA and then across the Yakima Res. You can cross the Cascades on White Pass and come out at Mt Rainier.
The weather on the East Side is much better. There is little traffic and it is scenic. I do not like the windy coast roads up and down in the fog, especially pulling a rig. You will get plenty of rain and fog when you head over to the Olympic Peninsula.
