Top 10 Most Interesting Facts About Washington

1. State Motto: "Al-ki" (By and By).
2. State Bird: Willow Goldfinch.
3. State Flower: Coast Rhododendron.
4. Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States.
5. The Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle.
6. Washington produces more apples than any other state in the U.S.
7. Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse parks, with rainforests, mountains, and coastal areas.
8. The San Juan Islands are home to a large population of orcas (killer whales).
9. Pike Place Market in Seattle is one of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in the U.S.
10. Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, becoming one of the most significant volcanic events in U.S. history.

Geography of Washington

Washington’s geography includes towering mountains, lush rainforests, and dry, rolling plains:

• Highest Point: Mount Rainier (14,411 feet).
• Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (sea level).
• Major Rivers: Columbia River, Snake River, and Skagit River.

A Brief History of Washington

Washington’s history is deeply connected to Native American culture, westward expansion, and industry:

• Native American tribes, including the Coast Salish and Yakama, have lived in the region for thousands of years.
• Washington became the 42nd state in the Union on November 11, 1889.
• Seattle became a major port city during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1800s.
• Today, Washington is a leader in tech, agriculture, and aerospace industries.

Top 20 Things to Do in Washington

1. Hike in Mount Rainier National Park.
2. Explore Olympic National Park’s diverse ecosystems.
3. Visit the Space Needle in Seattle.
4. Shop and dine at Pike Place Market.
5. Go whale watching in the San Juan Islands.
6. Experience Bavarian charm in Leavenworth.
7. Hike the trails of North Cascades National Park.
8. See Snoqualmie Falls.
9. Learn about volcanoes at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
10. Tour Tacoma’s Museum of Glass.
11. Relax by Lake Chelan.
12. Explore the Columbia River Gorge.
13. Wander the historic streets of Bellingham’s Fairhaven neighborhood.
14. Visit Deception Pass State Park.
15. Learn history at the Whitman Mission National Historic Site.
16. Drive through the rolling hills of the Palouse.
17. Tour the Washington State Capitol in Olympia.
18. Taste wine in Woodinville Wine Country.
19. See Spokane Falls in downtown Spokane.
20. Stroll through Manito Park’s gardens.

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Washington, visit the state’s official tourism site: Experience Washington