🌲 The Evergreen State
Washington is nicknamed the “Evergreen State” because of its lush forests — especially in Olympic National Park and Mt. Rainier National Park — that stay green all year.
🍎 Apple Capital of the USA
Washington is the top producer of apples in the U.S. — over 60% of all apples grown in the nation come from here!
🏔️ Home to Volcanoes and Glaciers
Washington is famous for its breathtaking scenery, including Mount Rainier (a 14,411-ft active stratovolcano) and the volcanic Mount St. Helens, which famously erupted in 1980.
☕ Birthplace of Starbucks
The first-ever Starbucks coffee shop opened in Pike Place Market in Seattle in 1971. The company’s headquarters are still in the city.
🚢 Leading Tech and Aerospace Hub
Seattle is known as the hometown of Boeing and Microsoft. Today, companies like Amazon and a vibrant startup scene make Washington a center for innovation.
🏞️ The Land of Islands and Ferries
With more than 150 islands in the San Juans and Puget Sound, Washington operates one of the largest ferry systems in the world — a favorite way for locals and visitors to travel.
💧 Wettest Place in the Continental U.S.
The Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula gets up to 14 feet (168 inches) of rain per year, making it one of the wettest spots in the Lower 48.
🎸 Birthplace of Grunge Music
Seattle produced legendary grunge bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden — forever changing the landscape of rock music.