I still question the value of gortex, I have had at leat 5 gortex jackets over the years. I have used the renewer (I cant remember the name right now) and still they seem to not shed the rain as they should after a couple of seasons. I sill use mine all the time and complain, but for your washington weather I would think real rain gear is in order. Perhaps when only showers are forecast the gortex is the appropriate choice...