Washington State Travel Guides

About Washington State

Washington state in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. is a gem, with some of the most incredible biodiversity in the world. From the dramatic shifts in landscapes and climates, various ecosystems abound here. For example, they include temperate rainforests, Pacific Ocean coast and Puget Sound, volcanoes, alpine meadows and even high deserts. Plus, the Seattle metropolitan area offers world-class modern cultural hotspots. Being a Seattleite for more than 20 years, I published the practical and informative Washington State Travel Guides below.

Overall, there are 64 named mountain ranges in the state, with the most well-known being the Olympics on the peninsula and Cascades, just east of Puget Sound. Also, there are 5 active volcanoes are in the Cascades. These are Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount Saint Helens (major eruption in 1980), Mount Baker and Glacier Peak. Mount Rainier is the highest mountain in the state at 14, 410 ft.

Puget Sound is a Pacific Ocean inlet and estuary, emptying out in the Strait of Juan de Fuca bordering B.C., Canada. It offers awesome biodiversity in flora and fauna and recreational activities, such as, camping, kayaking, fishing and boating. Popular areas include the San Juan Islands and Deception Pass State Park to name a few.

3 Main Regions and Climates

Olympic Peninsula, Pacific Coast and Puget Sound Islands. This is the wettest area in the Lower 48 of the U.S. with temperate rainforests. It receives ups to 160 inches of rain per year.
West of the Cascade Mountain Range (East of Puget Sound). This is the most populated area of the state, including the Seattle metropolitan area. Weather patterns here are mild and moist with a marine layer off the Pacific Ocean. This brings an annual rainfall of about 39 inches/year. The rain falls mostly in autumn, winter and spring. Summer months are the driest with more days of sunshine. Temperatures range from about the 40-50’s in the winter and 80-90’s in summer.
East of the Cascade Mountain Range. The rainshadow effect from the Cascade Range causes a semi-arid climate east of the mountains. The weather patterns are more extreme than west of the Cascades. So, there is snow in the winter and summers are hot.

Three Amazing National Parks
Washington State Travel Guides

This is the location of the state’s highest mountain, Mount Rainier looming at 14, 410 ft in the Cascades. It offers numerous places to camp and hike in the warmer months and snowshoe in the winter. Summer months are super busy, especially weekends. So, consider off-season or weekday visits.
Related: Ultimate Guide to Mt Rainier National Park

On the Olympic Peninsula, this area includes the Pacific Coastline, Olympic Mountains and 2 of the largest temperate rainforests in Lower 48, the Hoh and Quinault. There are numerous places to camp and hike in the warmer months. Summer months are busy, so consider off-season.
Related: Olympic Coast Guide, Beaches & Hoh Rainforest

This dramatic part of the Cascades includes the active volcano Mount Baker at 10, 781 ft. It is the least visited of Washington’s parks, but still stunning. It’s known for incredible hiking trails. Also, it has North Cascades Highway, one of Washington State’s most scenic drives.
Related: 20 Amazing, Must-Do Hiking Trails in Washington state