From volcanoes and rain forests to wineries and urban adventure, Washington State has a wealth of landscapes and attractions that make it one of the Pacific Northwest’s best vacation spots. Want to get to know the state a bit better? You’ve come to the right place.
Fun Washington State Facts
1. Volcano Variety
The State of Washington is home to multiple volcanoes, including Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, and Mount Adams. These volcanoes are part of the Cascade Range, which extends from British Columbia to northern California. From winter sports to summer waterfall hikes, these mountains are a paradise for outdoor recreation.
2. Abundant Apples
Washington produces more apples than any other state in the country. The state is also known for producing red raspberries, spearmint oil, sweet cherries, and more.
3. Glaciers Galore
With more than 3,000 glaciers, Washington is the most glaciated of the 48 contiguous states. There are 25 major glaciers on Mount Rainier alone.
4. Into the Deep
Lake Chelan is the deepest lake in the State of Washington and the third deepest lake in the country. The lake’s lowest point is 118 meters below sea level. In the summer, the lake is a popular destination for water recreation.
5. Island Time
At low tide, the San Juan Islands archipelago in San Juan County can feature as many as 170 named islands and rocks, although not all are big enough to inhabit. The main islands of San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez are most frequented by visitors.
6. Resident Whales
The waters of the Salish Sea, including Puget Sound, are home to a resident population of orca whales. Three orca families called J, K, and L pods — known collectively as the Southern Residents — frequent these waters each year. From shoreline spots to guided tours, there are plenty of ways for visitors to enjoy whale watching in Washington.
7. Grand Dam
Grand Coulee Dam is the largest hydropower producer in the United States. The dam produces enough power to supply about 2 million households with electricity for one year.
8. Great Heights
The majestic 14,410-foot-tall Mount Rainier is the highest point in the state. It became a national park in 1899 and is now one of three national parks in the state. The park dazzles with waterfalls, historic lodges, wildflower meadows, glaciers, and hikes for all skill levels.
9. State Waterfall
Plunging 198 feet, Palouse Falls is was designated as Washington’s official state waterfall in 2014. Located about one hour north of Walla Walla and under two hours from Spokane in Eastern Washington, Palouse Falls State Park is know for its unique geology and stunning views. Include it as part of a road trip, or set out to explore other stunning waterfalls in Washington.
10. Ferried Away
Washington State Ferries, which provides transport to many of the state’s islands as well as the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas, is the largest ferry operator in the country.
Also See: Guide to Washington’s Ferry Routes
11. Great Lengths
Stretching about 28 miles, the Long Beach Peninsula is the longest contiguous beach in the United States. A scenic oceanfront boardwalk covers a half mile of that stretch.
12. Rain Forests
Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula is home to four temperate rain forests in the Quinault, Queets, Hoh, and Bogachiel valleys. Of those, the Hoh Rain Forest is one of the largest temperate rain forests in the country.
13. Slam Dunk
The city of Spokane hosts the world’s largest three-on-three outdoor basketball tournament, known as Hoopfest, each year. The event features more than 6,000 teams and 425 courts spanning 45 city blocks. Discover more events in Washington.
14. Indigenous Peoples
Washington is home to 29 federally recognized tribes with reservations across the state, from the Makah in the Peninsulas Region to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in the Ponderosa Region.
15. Far West
Cape Alava in Olympic National Park is the westernmost point in the continental United States, with nearby Cape Flattery claiming the title of northwesternmost point. Hike to scenic overlooks or explore nearby trails and rocky ocean beaches.
16. Hop Country
More than 70% of the country’s hops are grown in the Yakima Valley, making it a mecca for beer lovers. Stop into one of the area’s local breweries for hop-forward IPAs, low ABV pilsners, and exciting seasonal releases. Washington State takes its craft beer seriously, with many beer-forward destinations featuring multiple local breweries.
17. Grape Escapes
Washington is the second-largest wine producing state in the country, boasting more than 1,000 wineries and 60,000+ acres of wine grapes over 21 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). The state’s Wine Country Region offers an abundance of gorgeous vineyards and tasting rooms where you can sip everything from cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay to sparkling wines. Home to multiple wine-touring regions, Washington makes the perfect escape for wine enthusiasts.
18. Pacific Coast
The state has 157 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, spanning from sandy beaches in the south to rocky shores along the northern coast. In the winter, to visitors can experience epic storm watching.
19. Sand Spit
Dungeness crab gets its name from the longest natural sand spit in the country: 5.5-mile-long Dungeness Spit on the Olympic Peninsula. Part of the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge near Sequim, this slice of sand is a great option for wildlife viewing.