Flying into SEATAC can be memorable. On our approach, I was on the side that had a close-up view of Mt. Rainer. And I mean it looked so close. On the drive from SEATAC to Oregon, do not expect to make good time. The ride to Tacoma was crowded and busy at mid-day. You will enjoy the countryside though. I wish I had the time to go, but my wife cannot travel for extended periods of time.
The west side of Oregon is so pretty. We drove from the Washington coast through the forests past Mt. Saint Helens to Portland. The drive along the Columbia River Gorge is incredible. Then you come out into high plains desert. It is hot in August. We went to visit my nephews in Pendleton, Oregon about 10 years ago.
Familiar with the Tacoma slows - use to got to McChord on occasion.
06-08 spent a lot of time at Boeing Field doing acceptance testing on some nice white aircraft (worst seat was a business class seat)
Mrs PV has never been to the NW so we are gong to play tourist for a few days, and I hope to get some seat time in one of the card rooms ...