[pct-l] Section J WA Alpine Lakes Wilderness versus North Cascades National Park loop???

[Dale Combs]

I'm a CA section hiker who takes old friends on a 1 week trip each summer.

Washington, Section J 75 miles, I90 to Highway 2 at Stevens Pass is one option.

Another option is to hike a 1 week loop in North Cascades National Park. 
(Section K closer to the Cascades seems a little long at 115m.)

So my question is, this year, should I take my friends inside North Cascades National Park
or 
do Section J?

Is the North Cascades National Park so cool that I should ignore the chance to log PCT miles?
Or will Section K stand alone on it's own merit and help me bypass National Park crowds and permit
hassles?

Any opinions on this classic section hiker type question?

Comfy