your into sea kayaking....its the gateway to paddle the San Juan Islands (sea kayaking mecca).....I use to live on Orcas Island.....some decent whitewater around too.....a few sections around Bellingham that range from class III-V.......your about an 1 1/2 hour from the North Cascade mountains too that offer some runs.......Mt. Baker is about 45 minutes away that offers some really good hiking......Bellingham is part college town/part small city.....pacific northwest is expensive to live.