I'm no expert on decks, but I have built one with my husband (quite a few years ago). We actually built it over our patio, making it larger and even with the back sliding door, no step down.

Most decks are built so there is no step down from the door. It can be pretty hazardous coming down steps straight out from the door, unless they are wide with not much depth. Usually you have a patio if you want it ground level. Pavers can work really well. Again, you'd most likely want wide steps with not much depth coming out the door. With Pacific NW weather, you'd have to make sure the wood was treated well for a deck near ground level (or perhaps use a composite material). I'm pretty sure you are required to have a railing only if the deck is 30 inches or more off the ground. Of course, you'd have to check that. I really like decks or patios with built in or added benches. There are some nice designs that can be built or bought without having a contractor build them.

Well, there you have my thoughts, for what they're worth. Good luck with your project.