Washington is the largest state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Located in the northwestern corner of the U.S., Washington is bordered by Oregon to the south, Idaho to the east, and Canada to the north. The state’s capital is Olympia, and its largest city is Seattle. With its diverse landscape of forests, mountains, rivers and coasts, Washington offers a variety of activities for visitors and residents alike.
One of Washington’s most iconic landmarks is Mount Rainier National Park. Located just outside Seattle, this national park offers stunning views of Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano that rises 14,411 feet above sea level. Visitors can explore various hiking trails or take part in winter activities such as snowshoeing or skiing at Paradise or Stevens Canyon ski areas. The park also features a variety of wildlife including black bears and bald eagles.
The beauty of Washington’s waterways can be explored on one of its many rivers or lakes. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities on both the Columbia and Snake Rivers while Lake Chelan provides year-round recreation for boating enthusiasts. Fishing is also popular throughout Washington with salmon fishing being especially popular on Lake Roosevelt near Spokane as well as other smaller lakes in Eastern Washington.
The Olympic Peninsula in western Washington is home to Olympic National Park which encompasses nearly one million acres of rainforest and coastline containing some of the planet’s oldest trees as well as over 300 miles of hiking trails leading through towering evergreen forests that blanketed with snow during winter months. In addition to its breathtaking scenery, Olympic National Park also features a variety of wildlife including elk, deer and even black bears which can often be spotted along roadsides near Port Angeles or La Push Beach on the coast near Forks where Twilight fans can visit Edward Cullen’s fictional home town!
Washington’s vibrant cities offer plenty for visitors to explore too! Seattle has become world famous for its music scene – from grunge rockers Nirvana to modern hip-hop stars Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Seattle has been at the forefront when it comes to contemporary music culture! Other attractions include Pike Place Market which has been operating since 1907 offering fresh produce from local farmers as well as unique souvenirs crafted by local artisans; Seattle Great Wheel which stands 175 feet tall offering spectacular views across Elliott Bay; Space Needle built for 1962 World Fair offering incredible 360 degree views from 520 feet above ground; plus plenty more!
The eastern side of Washington State holds its own surprises too! Spokane serves up a great mix between outdoor recreation opportunities such as skiing at nearby Mt Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park plus cultural attractions like Riverfront Park featuring 100 acres dedicated to outdoor recreation along with an IMAX theater; Manito Park featuring Japanese gardens; Museum Of Arts & Culture with rotating exhibits showcasing regional Native American art & culture; plus much more!
No matter where you travel within this incredible state you will find something special waiting around every corner – from majestic mountain peaks to lush rainforests – it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call Washington their home!
Cities in Washington
According to countryaah, Washington has the following main cities:
Seattle: Seattle is the largest city in Washington State, located on the Puget Sound. It is known for its vibrant music and arts scene, world-class attractions such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, and a booming tech industry.
Spokane: Spokane is the second largest city in Washington State, located in the eastern part of the state near Idaho. It is known for its outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, its cultural attractions such as Riverfront Park and the Spokane Symphony Orchestra, and its thriving business district.
Tacoma: Tacoma is located on Puget Sound in western Washington. It has a rich history of shipbuilding, logging, brewing, and fishing industries. Today it’s home to many museums and historical sites as well as a thriving arts community.
Bellevue: Bellevue is located east of Seattle across Lake Washington. It’s known for its high-tech industry, upscale shopping malls and restaurants, outdoor recreation opportunities at Lake Sammamish State Park, and world-class golf courses.
