Washington State
Washington State. When you’ve just left the large metropolis of Seattle and the rugged and wild Pacific Northwest opens out in front of you, you know you’re in Washington. (There’s also a coffee shop at least on every corner.) Among the contiguous 48 states, Washington is the only one where you can trek the trails of a National Volcanic Monument in the afternoon, visit a national park in a temperate rainforest in the morning, and inhale the aroma of desert sage at dusk.
Many beautiful scenes
Washington State has such amazing geography that it needs to be seen to be believed, sculpted by millions of years of volcanic activity. Take in the unusual experience of trekking and climbing a dormant volcano at Mount Saint Helens, which is situated just outside of Vancouver. Though Washington State is known for its unpredictable weather, the Cascade Range shields the east from rain, giving lots of chances to enjoy the sun. With 300 days of sunshine a year, communities such as Lake Chelan can paddleboard (or jet ski in the winter) around one of the most stunning glacier-fed lakes in the country. Seattle is the entry point for the Pacific Northwest, a region with stunning coastlines and lush forests framed by spectacular mountain ranges. Along with the San Juan Islands near the coast, three national parks—Mt. Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic—offer incredible natural wonders.
Find treasures of culture.
Take advantage of Washington State’s one of the best ferry systems in the country to learn about the state’s rich maritime past in waterfront communities like Kingston and Bainbridge Island, where charming museums and picturesque streets beckon you for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Being a commercial crossroads throughout its history, the state has also become a melting pot of cultures. See Leavenworth’s Bavarian-style architecture, take in Seattle’s Experience Music Project’s alternative rock and grunge, and discover Bellingham’s Whatcom Museum’s Lummi people’s customs. The region currently referred to as the Lewis Clark Valley was traveled by renowned explorers William Clark and Meriwether Lewis. Museums that chronicle their expedition and honor the Nez Perce tribe’s culture, which served as their guide, include the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center. The location where novelist Stephenie Meyer put her works, Forks, will appeal to Twilight series fans as well. Hike in the Hoh Rainforest and take a drive on the Strait of Juan de Fuca National Scenic Byway to broaden your views of the Olympic Peninsula.
Fresh goods, but not only that
Neither hunger nor thirst will kill visitors here. Seventy different grape varietals are grown by more than a thousand wineries on thousands of hectares of generous vineyards. There are about 200 wineries in the Tri-Cities region, drawing hordes of wine enthusiasts, within a 50-mile radius. Should you be more of a coffee drinker, you will also get what you need: the first Starbucks opened in Seattle in 1971. Independent companies are being added these days to reach the highest concentration in the nation—2.5 coffee shops per 1,000 inhabitants. The state’s agricultural riches enable the gourmet scene to flourish, and the ports are home to an abundance of fish. Meet farmers, craftspeople, and chefs who specialize in locally produced food.