@Polaris:
Thanks so much for the information man, appreciated. Honestly though everything you mentioned about heading West in the OP appeals to me, and I know it's counter intuitive believe me.
I'm at a point where I've been in a comfort zone for so long I'm CRAVING adventure again and to be able to push my limits, not just physically but mentally and psychologically as well- and this whole route seems great for that- especially the remoteness of the OP.
I'm planning to cycle the Olympic Discovery Trail as I've heard amazing things about it- would that be more or less what you were referring to when you mentioned heading West and it being more remote yes? I do hope so.

I'll insert a picture here of what I THINK is the entire ODT for good measure too to make sure we're both talking about the same stretch man:



I appreciate what you're saying when you mentioned getting freaked out etc. I'm an artist by trade (I work in computer games) and so have a massively ripe imagination which runs rampant at anything and everything, so you can imagine the thought of camping out in the woods, alone etc and what that does to my head..!
I've done loads of wild camping before though and also many many solo treks through the wilds of Scotland and staying in Bothies by myself etc so am somewhat used to it. But still I DO get freaked out myself but I really do want to experience that feeling again- I've been sedentary and "comfortable" for far too long and it's slowly grinding me down.
What is it the most the would cause fear with this part of the route? Just the isolation or is it more, like the people there or animals and noises at night etc? Genuinely curious as it'll give me more info to go off.
One last thing- thanks for pointing out about the real "Americana" if I do head West too- that is definitely something I want to see on this trip..!


@djb:
Thanks for the information as well man, really good to hear- and again, honestly that's the kind of thing I want to experience..! These are the encounters with people that bring spice and memories, and I'd hate to miss out tbh. The alternative is to have a really safe but "uneventful" trip which I'd rather not. I read your accounts of those encounters with great interest as they ARE interesting. I've had similar things happen to me in many countries so am used to it myself and it doesn't deter me. That's not to say I go out my way LOOKING for ropey encounters, but it doesn't dissuade me from taking the odd measured risk or opportunity mate. I hope I'm making sense..!

All in all, the knowledge you guys are passing on is priceless and appreciated- I just REALLY want next year to come around now so I can get started..! It's still 8 months before this trip starts arghhhh!!!!!

If anyone's interested too, here's a link to my art folio now that I mentioned I work in games:

Art Folio