I grew up north of Seattle, so I know what you're describing. You'll do fine with a good mulch that comes from local trees (versus the bagged "no-float" baldcypress variety from Louisiana and East Texas). I would suggest using a mulch from alder, maple, whatever your local hardwood mulch is available. If cedar (Western Red) is used it has more tannin and while it lasts a long time, it can leach into waterways. Check with your local organic gardeners or master gardeners to find out if this is at all a concern. (I studied Forestry in college in the PNW and my information is regarding large scale cedar operations - it may be negligible in urban landscape mulch, which is why I say you should ask about it.)
_________________ Northwesterner
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