Official Washington State Travel Planner

Welcome to Washington State

Diversity is an understatement

Washington State is nestled in the northwest corner of the continental United States and shares a border with British Columbia, home to the 2010 winter games. We are the true northwest, bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, the Olympic rainforest and the tiny San Juan Islands bobbing off the northwest shores. The towering Cascade mountain range with its four snowcapped volcanic peaks divides us in half from north to south; channeled scablands and fertile high-plains desert comprise our central regions.

To the far northeast, you begin to feel the influence of the Rocky Mountains as sagebrush gives way to towering ponderosa pine, crisp streams and glacial lakes. To the southeast, you’ll find the rolling hills of the Palouse area. Here dunes of volcanic ash, sediment from the massive Missoula floods and irrigation courtesy of the Snake River combine to create some of the richest farmland in the nation

Directly to the north and easily accessible, is Canada. Our southern border is defined by the mighty Columbia River, cutting a huge gash through the Cascades to create the famous Gorge, the only sea-level passage through the mountain range.

This geographic diversity creates perhaps the widest range of outdoor activities you’ll find anywhere in the world—winter and summer.

There’s just more to see and do

Congratulations. You’ve landed in one of the richest, most geologically varied and culturally rich spots in North America. And all you really need is time and energy. Bargains abound, and if you visit and only see what is free, you’ll still go home wide-eyed and longing to return.

Mountains high and oceans deep

Hike the Olympic Mountains or the Cascades for spring bloom, summer balm or autumn color. Ski downhill or cross-country, snowshoe or snowboard when the snow flies. Walk the rocky (and sandy) Pacific beaches; listen to the waves pound in and explore tide pools. Our mountain-bike trails attract aficionados from the far corners of America, Europe and Asia. But they are seldom crowded.

Desert plains in Washington?

When you visualize Washington, do you immediately see green forests and rain? Think again. Head east, following the Columbia River Gorge. Or travel up and over the Cascades, on one of the passes, maybe following the North Cascades Highway. It leads through one of the state’s three national parks. There are also municipal, county and state parks by the hundreds.

Once past the high rock wall that divides the state, you leave the mosses and ferns and towering timbers and enter a vast desert. Here tumbleweed rolls, piling up on weathered fence posts and rusted barbed wire. In the shallow lakes scattered about the landscape, sandhill cranes and other migrating birds swoop down to sojourn. They are both handsome and graceful. A full two-thirds of the state looks like this; it will take your breath away!

The mighty Columbia: lifeblood of our civilization for centuries

On the Columbia River, you’ll see a waterway that was a trade route for native inhabitants at least ten millennia before newcomers Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacagawea, and the Corps of Discovery made their historic journey to the Pacific Ocean.

Rich, ubiquitous and infinitely varied is the culture of Washington’s first residents. Whether you visit a gallery to buy a dance mask carved from cedar or alder, spend the night in a tepee in the Yakama Nation, or attend a powwow hosted by any of our 29 native tribes, you’ll be riveted by the beauty and depth of what you see, and you’ll feel welcome.

Fishing and timber heritage

Meander through our historic and pristine towns to see well-preserved remnants of the culture that came with the first European-American settlers. Venerable brick and frame buildings are now often home to restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts, shops and galleries.

Bookstores are stuffed with volumes that celebrate the history and culture of the state, attesting to both the keen public interest in things Washington and the marketability of our heritage. Towns across the state celebrate their history with locals turning out in force for harvest festivals, pioneer days, logging shows, sea fests and ethnic festivals of all kinds.

Every community has a story

Poulsbo, Bellingham, Port Townsend, Gig Harbor and La Conner are all rooted in the maritime and timber industries that brought settlers west. Ellensburg, Walla Walla and Dayton built sturdy brick downtowns and stately craftsman homes using wealth created through ranching and agriculture. Olympia anchors our state government and Vancouver, with Fort Vancouver, hearkens back to the early 19th century when the Hudson Bay Company traded with 35 tribal groups for fur.

Around Yakima the Hispanic culture is so colorful and alive you’ll wonder at times if you’ve awakened in Guadalajara. By contrast, visit Seattle’s International District on Chinese New Year to see dragons dancing with shimmy and strut to rival Shanghai. And while you’re dipping into these enclaves of ethnicity, be certain to sample the local cuisine.

The bounty of Washington’s resources

No matter what part of the state they live in, Washingtonians love good food. From the sea, the ranches and the wilderness, chefs all around the state are producing meals that win awards and, more importantly, the gastronomic affections of their consumers. Paired with a glass (or two) of one of our award-winning wines, they’ll make you understand why the kitchens of our state produce food as distinct, delicious and sought after as the cuisines of Europe, Asia, or Cajun country.

Immodest about our state we may be. But Washington has it all. Yes, you’ll likely come to see our natural wonders … the jagged snowcapped peaks, the slopes carpeted in wildflowers, the wild, cold, foamy waves crashing against towering rock outcroppings. But like side dishes and desserts at a banquet, the rest of the menu that makes up this feast called Washington is vast, complex and complete.

Once is not nearly enough

We welcome you. Pick a place and explore. Block off a good chunk of time and see and do as much as you can, from the sophistication of Seattle and the Puget Sound metropolis to the vast farmland and vibrant communities of the Palouse, or the interestingly named Ritzville.

Always, and we repeat, always, take the time to explore the communities beyond the freeway off-ramp homogenized experiences.” Get into the heart of our tiny historic downtowns, eat the local food and talk to the eccentric waitresses, shop owners and residents. Authenticity is the reason you came here and these are the memories you’ll hold dear for a lifetime.

One visit to Washington is not nearly enough. But you don’t need to be told that. As with the other great destinations of the world, you’ll never get your fill.

Washington State is far too geographically diverse to present as one single entity. So, to assist with your travel planning, we have divided the state into eight regions—each with its own special and unique character. Oceans? Volcanoes? Scablands? Metropolitan? Start your Washington experience in any one of these regions; and plan enough time to get familiar with the people and the land that has sculpted their vision of life. You’ll no doubt mutter, “One region down—seven to go.” We know you’ll be back.

Regional Overview

Seattle & Puget Sound

Seattle and the Puget Sound metro area (extending to Olympia and Mount Rainier in the south and Everett to the north) offer one of the most sophisticated and exciting urban experiences in the world. See our museums, sports teams, parks, galleries, and live performances. Then ply the waters of Puget Sound. Take a ferry to pastoral Bainbridge or Vashon islands or drive around the Sound through Tacoma and Gig Harbor. Drive into the towering North Cascades or to Paradise at the foot of Mount Rainer. “Metronatural” is Seattle’s theme because it’s literally all right here.

Northwest & The Islands

Nestled on the inlets of Puget Sound or at the foot of towering Cascade peaks, towns and villages offer glimpses of a resplendent past and a vibrant present. Ferry to the nearby San Juan Islands and enjoy kayaking or whale watching in these protected waters. Don’t miss touring the Skagit Valley and stopping at local farms, wineries, and the glorious tulip fields. Stroll in a park, eat a fine dinner, visit an art gallery in La Conner or go see a play in Bellingham. The excitement and fun are as tall as Mount Baker.

Kitsap/Olympic Peninsulas & The Pacific Coast

Few places in the world can boast beaches, rocky and sandy, luxurious rain forests, and glacier-saddled mountains soaring up to well over a height of a mile and a half above sea level. Could raw, untamed nature be more accessible? Add the quaint hamlet of Pouslbo with its obvious Norwegian influence, the darling Victorian-era communities of Port Gamble and Port Townsend with their arts and eateries. Then there’s that famous sandy peninsula called Long Beach. Welcome to the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas and our Pacific Coast.

Mount St. Helens, Vancouver & The Columbia River Gorge

Whether you’re peering into the stark and eerie crater of Mount Saint Helens or wandering through the amazing lava tube Ape Caves, you’ll know you are in a place where nature calls the shots. Visit historic Vancouver and walk along the mouth of the mighty Columbia River. Drive through the Columbia Gorge viewing modern windsurfers, 3,000-year-old pictographs and a standing replica of Stonehenge. The wonders just don’t stop.

North Central Washington

This is a land of contrasts, from dark and moist forests of the west and the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, to the arid channeled scablands to the east, attesting to the rampaging floods of the last Ice Age. Swing into Wenatchee on the banks of the Columbia. Take a spectacular boat trip up Lake Chelan, watch a flock of sandhill cranes or tour the largest electric power producing facility in the country at Grand Coulee Dam … the choices are as varied as the landscape.

South Central Washington

In Yakima’s verdant riverfront and wonderfully fertile valley, you’ll want to make the next turn down every road you pass. Roam on through this wide-open country stopping at dozens of wineries, local museums, and meeting friendly folks. In the valley near Toppenish, you can visit the cultural center of the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation. Soak up the culture of the Columbia River in the Tri Cities. Discover a surprising enclave of art in old Walla Walla and all along the way, you’ll experience the authentic charm of Washington’s wine country.

Spokane & Northeast Washington

Anchored by the bustle and elegance of historic Spokane, you can follow the Columbia River and trails first used by native tribes through national forests, dig for fossils, watch any of 267 species of birds migrate or a grazing buffalo herd. See one of nature’s finest temper tantrums in the backwater of Boundary Dam where rock formations tumble and fold as two continents collided some 500 million years ago. Combined with some of the richest gold and mineral deposits in the world, there is more accessible natural history and wildlife here than you can ever hope to imagine. A true pioneer spirit and pride of place permeates every conversation. Take the time to listen.

Southeast Washington

From deep canyons to fertile farm country, historic towns, to the rolling hills of the Palouse you’ll be enveloped by grand scenery and frontier charm of Southeast Washington. Climb to the top of Steptoe Butte to view the surrounding wheat fields; swing into Pullman for some Cougar cheese; take a jet boat on the Snake River through Hells Canyon; get a photo of the surreal Palouse Falls, or just mosey along any of the numerous back roads through the Blue Mountains and tiny communities like lovely Dayton with its 117 buildings on the national historic registry. This is where the sun rises every morning on Washington State.

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