SummitPost.org

I am interested in getting an alpine touring setup, but don't have a really good idea of where to begin. Ideally I would like to rent something to at least try it out and even if I can't rent it, I feel like I need to buy at a bricks and mortar store to at least make sure I get the right boot fit and get some decent advice.

Any suggested shops? I live in Corvallis, so Bend or Portland is preferable to Seattle, but even a trip to Seattle is doable for a good shop.

You're smart in wanting to try things out, etc, before buying.
A great place in Portland to do such is The Mountain Shop. Great, knowledgeable people in there, with a great selection, and you can try things on,
rent, etc. In Bend, I believe you can find similar services at Pine Mountain Sports, another fine shop.

In the meantime, before you make it to a shop, you can do some research(if you haven't already), online, such as looking at REI's webpage, as well as
looking at this one http://www.wildsnow.com/ A very good resource for reading about backcountry skiing, gear, etc.
Best o' luck!

If I'm renting gear, I go to Mountain Shop. The established staff are good people, and prices are very reasonable.

If they don't have what you're looking for, OMC down the street doesn't have as good a selection, but they have different stuff and are also good people. To BUY gear, their selection cannot be beat, locally... the show room doesn't look like much, but they keep a HUGE inventory in the warehouse out back.