Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - How long do I have?

I've got a new cedar deck that was completed in early fall of last year. I'm pretty sure all the wood was milled recently before the install, so I let it sit through the winter and spring of 2007, planning to stain over this (now past) summer, but we just had a month of intense landscaping going on and there was a constant coating of excavation dust that prevented us from prepping the deck to stain it.

I'm in Oregon, and all bets are off weather-wise at the end of September (until June). I want to use an oil-based stain (two friends both say it's the only way to go), but I'm a little concerned about drying time after pressure washing, and, frankly, being past my window of getting the deck stained at all this year, either.

So, in the end I guess my question is this: Would it really hurt anything to let the deck sit "raw" for another year? Or maybe just wash it? I'm just thinking of cedar shingles and how long they last on a roof with nothing on them.

Any other ways I should think of this situation?

Yes, you can wait until next year to stain it. Not a problem.
Also there is a product on the market, and usually sold in big box stores in the paint dept. It is a clear liquid that will put back the original color in the cedar before you stain it. Many people use a clear stain. Do not under any condition use paint. Use a good deck stain. Good Luck

I agree it shouldn't be much of a problem. You will need to wash the deck prior to sealing/staining. You can buy commercially prepared deck cleaners and brightners which are very user friendly - be sure to rinse well and let dry before applying the stain. A bleach/water solution can also be used.