‘The Evergreen State’
Panoramic views encircle the city of Seattle as if it were a ship on water. The snow-capped peaks of Mount Rainier and Mount Baker lie to the south and north respectively, the Olympic mountain range frames Elliott Bay on Puget Sound to the west, and past Lake Washington, the Cascade Mountains stretch along the horizon to the east. Once you’ve stepped aboard Seattle, it’s easy to see how Washington’s diverse topography invites a closer look.
Washington State in a nutshell
Washington State is a great place to discover the energy of sophisticated cities, and all the culinary, cultural and urban arts experiences for which Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane are famous. But then what?
We recommend you gear up and get out! Immerse yourself into the rural communities which serve as the backbone of Washington’s great outdoors! Get off the beaten path and experience the wilderness that still exemplifies the “wild west”.
Chat with our interesting assortment of entrepreneurs, artists and characters throughout the state. You’ll find that Washington is a destination that defies definition, and spurns stereotypes.
Whether you prefer leisurely soft adventures or more high stakes thrills, Washington’s variety gives you many options: the high desert, the rain forest, alpine wilderness, the inland waters of Puget Sound, pristine islands, famous mountains, rivers large or intimate and much more.
Scenic wonders
Panoramic views encircle the city of Seattle as if it were a ship on water. The snow-capped peaks of Mount Rainier and Mount Baker lie to the south and north respectively, the Olympic mountain range frames Elliott Bay on Puget Sound to the west, and past Lake Washington, the Cascade Mountains stretch along the horizon to the east. Once you’ve stepped aboard Seattle, it’s easy to see how Washington’s diverse topography invites a closer look. Cross over the mountains into Eastern Washington, and you’ll experience abundant scenery full of interesting contrasts and rural discoveries.
Two hours east of Seattle, brilliant sunshine soaks cattle ranches, hop farms, and vineyards. Here, rodeos and Native American pow wows are expressions of time-old traditions, and the annual “crush” in the fall is a newer addition. Through this countryside run the Yakima River and the mighty Columbia River, cutting swaths through gorges, arid coulees and desert dunes. Petrified forests, one of the country’s longest, deepest lakes (Lake Chelan) and Texan-big wheat fields undulating through the Palouse country all hold special attraction.
What to do / Sightseeing
(all following information is currently in the process of being updated, please come back soon)
Scenic Grandeur in Washington, Itineraries for 3-5 day trips
Itinerary 1: Columbia River Gorge to Mount St. Helens
Itinerary 2: Mount Rainier – Washington’s Most Beloved Icon
Itinerary 3: Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park
Adventures from rocky trails to rushing rivers, Itineraries for 3-5 day trips
Itinerary 1: The Cascade Loop Scenic Highway
Itinerary 2: Spokane, The Palouse, and Hells Canyon”
Itinerary 3: Statewide Wildlife Adventure
Attractions
Tea Pot Dome in Zillah
Snoqualmie Falls
Sequim Lavender Festival In July
Cities
Seattle
Parks
Olympic National Park
State Data & Essentials
State Name
Washington – State Abbr.: WA
Statehood
11-Nov-1889
– Statehood Ranking: 42
Land Area
66,544 square miles (172,343 qkm)
– Land Area Ranking: 20
Population
6,724,540 (2010 Census); 5,894,121 (2000 Census)
Capital
Olympia
Biggest City
Seattle
Nickname
The Evergreen State
Motto
“Al-ki” also: “Alki” is an Indian word meaning: “bye and bye”
Highest Point
4.392 m / 14,409 ft (Mt. Rainier)
Lowest Point
Sea Level
Daylight Saving Time: yes
Tree
Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)
Flower
Coast Rhododendron
Bird
American Goldfinch or Wild Canary
Song
“Washington, My Home” (Lyrics: Helen Davis / Music: Stuart Churchill, since 1959)
