Washington Travel Guide

One of the few states which is generally referred to by its full name in order to distinguish itself from the District of Columbia, more commonly known as Washington D.C., Washington State is the most northwestern state outside of Alaska, and is one of the more appealing states in terms of natural beauty. With rugged mountains, volcanoes, coastal islands and Pacific beaches, not to mention home to some of the most powerful and popular companies in the world like Microsoft and Starbucks, Washington State is a beautiful and tangled mass of adventure that can only be experienced first-hand. … read more

From the Cascade Mountains to the Rocky Mountains to the San Juan Islands, the Puget Sound, and the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State is one of the most majestic states in the nation, set against the backdrop of Canada just to the north. Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, the rain forests and mountains of the Olympic National Park or the Mount Rainier National Park, Washington is covered with peaks and forests that pervade almost the entire western portions of the state. In direct contrast is the southeastern edge as it drops away from the mountains and forests into Idaho and Montana with wide expanses.

Then there are the cities. Bellvue, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Walla Walla…each have their own unique atmosphere. From the vineyards of Walla Walla to the headquarters of Microsoft in Bellevue to the start of the grunge music scene in Seattle and the home of Starbucks, the cities of Washington State are known for their mellow atmosphere, their love of coffee and fine wines, music, and the northwestern Pacific weather that keeps the area wet and lush year-round.

Washington State is best experienced over a variety of different trips, each focused on a specific city or region. There is too much to do in just one visit, because it is impossible to choose between the miles of rugged coastline, the various mountain ranges and forests, or one of the alluring cities.