Washington

Backpackers hiking alongside a river in Olympic National Park

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Crossing a footbridge in Olympic National Park

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Seattle skyline featuring the Space Needle and Mount Rainier

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Ferry in the San Juan Islands of Puget Sound with Mount Baker in the background

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Hiking on a remote trail toward the majestic Mount Rainier

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Lakedale Resort, a picturesque retreat in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island

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Pike Place Market, established in 1907, at the Elliott Bay waterfront in Seattle

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Chihuly Garden and Glass in the Seattle Center

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Amazing canyon and waterfall views in Palouse Falls State Park

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Gas Works Park on Lake Union in Seattle

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Major Airports:

Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)

Spokane (GEG)
Nickname:

Evergreen State

Diverse terrain with hip city attractions

You’ll know you’re in Washington when the wild and rugged scenery of the Pacific Northwest unfolds in front of you — and you only just left the big city of Seattle moments ago. (Plus, there’s at least one espresso shop on every block.) Washington is the only state in the ‘lower 48’ where you can explore a national park in a temperate rainforest in the morning, hike the trails at a National Volcanic Monument in the afternoon and smell the desert sage as the sun sets.

Palouse Falls From the Air

Seattle is the gateway to the Pacific Northwest region, where wondrous mountain ranges look over lush rainforests and dramatic coastlines. Two national parks -- Mount Rainier and Olympic – offer stunning encounters with nature as do the San Juan Islands just off the coast.

The region is also known as a darling of the music world, especially since the 1990s with the advent of alternative and grunge rock. The music scene flourished decades earlier and continues today. Document the history with a visit to the Experience Music Project.

Fans of the “Twilight” series will want to visit Forks, the town in which author Stephenie Meyer based the novels. International glass artist Dale Chihuly inspired a couple of attractions, the Museum of Glass in Tacoma and Chilhuly Garden and Glass in Seattle.

Visitors won’t go hungry or thirsty here. More than 900 wineries cultivate 40 grape varieties in 13 growing regions. The first Starbucks opened in Seattle in 1971, and independent shops contribute to the city’s 2.5 coffee shops per 1,000 people, the greatest concentration in the country. Rich coastal waterways and the state’s agricultural abundance provide for a booming food scene and the opportunity for visitors to interact with farmers, artisans and chefs specializing in local locally grown and sourced fare.

Palouse Falls From the Air

Must see places

The Space Needle

Visitors to the 184-meter flying saucer-shaped tower get a 360-degree view of Seattle. Book a table at the revolving SkyCity Restaurant, and look afar at the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges.

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Visiting the Space Needle

Pike Place Market

Shop, eat and explore at Seattle’s bustling Pike Place Market. Dodge the “flying fish” when mongers toss salmon, halibut and other varieties to those wrapping them for buyers.

Mount Rainier National Park

The volcano’s icy top is 4,392 meters above sea level, but leading up to it, explore six rivers, abundant wildlife and wildflower meadows. The last eruption was 150 years ago.

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Mount Rainier National Park

Palouse Falls

The highlight of a visit to Palouse Falls State Park is viewing the state’s official waterfall from several hiking trails. Go at sunset to watch the light and shadows change along the canyon walls.

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Visiting Palouse Falls State Park

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Marvel at glass creations by fine artist Dale Chihuly in Seattle Center, next to the Space Needle. Make the most of your visit by joining a tour of the 1,372-meter Glasshouse, eight galleries and a garden.