Evergreen, sprawling Washington is located in the far north of the US. Because of its beautiful lakes, colorful forests and rolling countryside, a tour of Washington is very popular. The state borders Oregon, Idaho, and the country of Canada and is named for the first US president, George Washington. The state of Washington is also referred to as ‘Washington State’ to distinguish it from Washington DC, the capital of the US. In addition to beautiful nature reserves, a tour of Washington has even more to offer, read here what you should not miss!

Towns

More than half of Washington’s residents live in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. This area is the transportation, business and industrial center of the state. The largest city in Washington is Seattle (see photo) and is often visited during a tour. The Pike Place Market, the beautiful Chihuly and Glass and the Museum of Art are popular attractions.

According to smber, the capital of the state, located on a beautiful bay, is Olympia. There is much to do in and around the city, such as a visit to Nisqually Wildlife Refuge and the Washington State Capitol. Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver and Bellevue are other great city trips for your Washington tour.

Nature

Nature lovers will be amazed during a tour of Washington! The many bays, fjords, inlets and islands are formed by glaciers and make every piece of land a feast for the eyes. Nearly half of the state is covered by forests, mainly spruce and pine. During your tour you will be surrounded by impressive rainforests, mountain ranges, rivers and prairies. The Cascade Range bisects the state from north to south, forming a dividing line between two distinct landscapes: the wet side (west) and the dry side (east). Active volcanoes can also be found in the Cascade Range, of which Mount Rainier (see photo) is the highest (4,392 meters) and most dangerous. During your tour, a visit to these volcanoes should not be missed!

In the west you will find the Olympic Mountains with dense, green forests and rainforests. The Hoh Rainforest located here is worth a stop. In the east you will encounter the wild Columbia River, vast steppes and dry deserts. The northern Okanogan Highlands and the Kettle River Range are guaranteed to impress with their beauty. The pure landscape provides a feeling of freedom and total relaxation. When you drive further south, you come across farms, vineyards and agricultural areas: the more inhabited world.

At the San Juan Islands, near Seattle, orcas and whales occur in large numbers (see photo). A boat trip to spot these fascinating animals is therefore highly recommended! On land, you’ll encounter black bears, wolves, moose, coyotes, and cougars. Those who pay close attention along the rivers have a good chance of encountering beavers, otters and waterfowl. A wealth of wildlife can also be found on the many islands in the state. You will encounter all kinds of aquatic animals here, from sturgeons to huge humpback whales.

Climate

The Cascade Range has a major influence on Washington’s climate. Much rain is stopped by the mountains, making the eastern side drier and the western side wetter. Most of the state has a temperate Mediterranean climate, with wet winters and relatively dry summers. Temperatures are very moderate due to the ocean which provides warmth in winter and coolness in summer.

A tour of Washington is therefore possible all year round, but the best time to travel is from June to September. Then you have little chance of rain and the sun is shining brightly, with a temperature of around 20 degrees!

Culture

Washington has been inhabited for thousands of years and has become an important place for research with the discovery of the Kennewick Man (an early resident). Later the area was populated by many Indian tribes. Today Makah, Hoh, Tulalip and Lummi still live on the reservations. About 75% of the population is white, 7% Asian, and a small portion African American or Native American.

Washington is at the forefront of agriculture. It is the largest producer of apples, pears, hops, potatoes, apricots and peaches. Salmon and wine are also important export products for the state. During your tour of Washington you can enjoy local dishes with fresh fish and fine wines in many restaurants.

Tour of Washington

Those who make a tour of Washington will drive a lot on Interstates 90, 82 and 5. In addition to the normal roads, the state also has an extensive ferry network. Due to the many islands and peninsulas, this is a welcome addition to the existing road network. The ferry network is even the largest in the US! You will also encounter many bridges and mountain passes during your tour. The most special form of infrastructure has to be the ‘floating bridge’. Washington is home to no less than four of the five longest floating birdges in the world. A trip on these special roads is an attraction in itself and makes your tour unique!