Except in regards to outdoor recreational activities as stated in: RCW 9.41.060 - Exceptions to restrictions on carrying firearms.
The provisions of RCW 9.41.050 shall not apply to:......
(8) Any person engaging in a lawful outdoor recreational activity such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or horseback riding, only if, considering all of the attendant circumstances, including but not limited to whether the person has a valid hunting or fishing license, it is reasonable to conclude that the person is participating in lawful outdoor activities or is traveling to or from a legitimate outdoor recreation area;
This means you can carry just like you have a CPL without having one as long as you are traveling to and from; while participating in outdoor activities. This means loaded in the vehicle is perfectly fine as defined by the law.
And please remember that just because its the law doesn't mean all LEOs know the law or will interpret the law correctly.
This thread is about everyday carry, not going hunting or fishing; those types of outdoor activities.
Second, you are throwing a huge gray area out there, then stating that not all LEO's know this RCW or that they will interpret it correctly. Try being more specific when you are talking about a gray area that this RCW can create for the carrier.
-What constitutes coming and going? You drive to the activity armed (legal). You leave the activity, drive to McDonalds, then drive home, (?). How would the officer know that you left an outdoor activity, he just seen you at Mcdonalds, he pulls you over as you pull out of McDonalds because you make a left out of a right only, he realizes you are armed and asks for your Permit to carry because you are driving with a loaded handgun in your vehicle.
-can you articulate, prove how you were coming or going?
-If the officer does not know this RCW, are you prepared to bring it to his attention?
-The officer could cite you and make you explain yourself to a judge.
To save yourself the pain in the butt gray area this RCW inherently creates, load your sidearm when you get to your destination, and unload when you leave. Yes, you are protected but the protection is not fully clear. There are so many variable that can cause you legal issues.