Archy
300 bucks isn't going to buy you much of a mountain bike... Try to get your friends to loan you thiers and see what you think. It's like buying climbing gear, it's not cheap. Try to figure out what kind of riding you want to do, cross country, stunts, lift serve, fire roads, city.....
Muffy
Check out the local bike shops when it's raining or during the week so they can spend some time with you.
I've bought 3 bikes from Gregs, it just depends who you talk to and how much time they have. If you need work done take it to Wright Brothers of Fluid Ride. ( Seattle )
Trail info wiki
http://trailheadrevolution.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page