Well lets see. I fly into Seatac with my bike case and a backpack full of my camping gear. I take the light rail train (that's attached to the airport) and take it to downtown Seattle. Last year I walked to REI to pick up my packet but this year I'm having it mailed to me (worth the extra money). I then walked with all my gear up to UofW (5miles) . No bus would pick me up because of the large bike case (this year I'm going to take a cab.
I stayed at UofW for the convenience of the location of the start line. Accomodations are adequate and people were friendly.
I started the first days ride at 4:30AM and rode to Castle Rock High School (135 miles) which made the second day alot easier (your in front of the traffic coming from Centrailia). I'm staying in vader(125 miles)this year.
It's a great ride, alot flatter than Nevada . Take your time and enjoy the view.
Here is my Youtube of my ride from last year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEDQW6Kn2Z0