The “Evergreen State” as it is nicknamed, is often confused with the capital of US, Washington D.C, which is on the eastern part of the country. Washington State is on the western side of the country, on the Canadian border. The capital city is Olympia while the largest city with the international airport is Seattle.
Since the western part of Washington is by the Pacific Ocean, an “oceanic climate” is experienced in that area. To the west of the Cascade ranges that bisect the state running north to south, the climate is relatively wet with mild winters and dry summers. Western Washington also has some areas of temperate rain forest. The eastern side of the Cascades has a dry climate with arid deserts which receive a lower precipitation of about seven inches or less. April through October is a good time to visit this state.
The Cascade Range that divides the state also contains several volcanoes. These volcanoes are Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier, Mount St Helens and Mount Adams. This state also has a leading role in maritime trade with the rest of the world, specifically Washington, Canada and with the countries located in the Pacific Ocean.
There are many national parks and monuments in Washington State. Mount Rainier National park contains 368 square miles including the majestic Mount Rainier which can be seen as the plane circles the Seattle International Airport.
The exquisite beauty of the park which is at an elevation of 1600 feet, the numerous valleys, waterfalls, flower meadows, forests and glaciers can take our breath away. The volcano is sometimes blanketed with clouds that bring large amounts of snow and rain to this area. A trip to Mount Rainier will also allow us to see the Wonderland Trail with its Carbon Glacier and Emmons Glacier subalpine meadows and forests.
Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument was established after the eruption of Mount St Helens. Trails, lookouts, information points, camping grounds and picnic areas have been added for the amazing number of tourists that flock in each year.
To see the volcano up close, visitors are driven to the spot called Windy Ridge, which is only four miles from the crater. Here, people can see the volcano and also study the remarkable and healing process of nature as the vegetation and greenery around it returns.
National forests in this state include Colville, Gifford, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan, Olympic and Wenatchee National forests. There are also several military air force bases in this area.
The Space Needle is Seattle’s landmark. It offers a 360 degree panoramic view of downtown Seattle framed against the numerous forest, mountains and volcanoes; a memorable experience for every visitor. There is also a revolving restaurant above the observation deck.
Washington Park Arboretum is a 200 acre area full of trees, flowers, shrubs and exotic plants. Azaleas, maples, camellias, mosses, a pond and a teahouse comprise the Japanese exhibits in the garden.
Other interesting sites in Seattle include the Ballard Locks, Experience Music Project, Museum of Flight, Pacific Science Center, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, Seattle Aquarium, Art Museum and Seattle Center.
As the sun sets, take a stroll through the Seattle Waterfront with its shops, restaurants and a fantastic view of the Seattle skyline along with the ships and boats moving through and around the Puget Sound.
