What is Washington Famous For? Fame, Fun Facts and Common Myths

Last updated: November 13, 2023

What is Washington famous for? Be it the relaxed and welcoming vibes of Seattle, the pristine splendor of Mount Rainier, or the flourishing wine country, Washington’s reputation as a fantastic vacation destination is well-earned.

Washington is my home and has been for more than thirty years. While traveling and seeing the world is my greatest passion, nowhere is as wonderful as Washington state in my opinion.

What is Washington Famous For?

Fame, fun facts and common myths about the great state of Washington in the Pacific Northwest.

Famous Facts

1. Seattle, Washington’s largest city, is home to the world’s first Starbucks coffee shop, which opened in 1971.
2. Washington is famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes, including mountains, rainforests, and beautiful coastlines and its outdoor opportunities.
3. Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano, is the highest peak in Washington and stands at 14,410 feet (4,392 meters) above sea level.
4. Washington is known as “The Evergreen State” due to its lush green forests and abundant vegetation.
5. The iconic Space Needle in Seattle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and remains an enduring symbol of the city’s innovation and progress.
6. Washington State is a major producer of apples and is known for its delicious apple varieties, including the famous Washington Red Delicious apple.
7. The San Juan Islands, located in the Puget Sound, are famous for their stunning beauty and are a popular destination for whale watching and outdoor activities.
8. Washington is a leader in the production of hydroelectric power, with several dams along the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
9. Microsoft, one of the world’s largest technology companies, was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but moved its headquarters to Redmond, Washington, in 1979.
10. Pike Place Market in Seattle is a vibrant and historic public market, established in 1907. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere, iconic fish throwing, and stunning views of Elliott Bay, making it a must-visit destination.

11. The Boeing Company, a global aerospace and defense company, was founded in Seattle in 1916 and remains a significant employer in the state.
12. Washington is famous for its vibrant arts scene, including music, theater, and visual arts. The Seattle Symphony and Pacific Northwest Ballet are prominent cultural institutions.
13. The annual Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) is one of the largest film festivals in the United States.
14. The Ballard Locks, officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, are a popular attraction in Seattle, allowing boats to navigate between the freshwater of Lake Union and the saltwater of Puget Sound.
15. Spokane, Washington, hosted the first environmentally themed World’s Fair in 1974, called Expo ’74.
16. The Walla Walla Valley is famous for its wine production, particularly its robust red wines. The city of Walla Walla itself is a charming destination, with its tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and thriving culinary scene that perfectly complements the wine tasting experience.
17. Washington is home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world, including the giant Douglas fir and western red cedar.
18. The Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River is one of the largest concrete structures in the world and provides hydropower to millions of homes.
19. The Palouse region of eastern Washington is famous for its rolling hills and picturesque farmland, making it a popular spot for photographers.
20. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, held annually in April, attracts visitors from around the world to admire the vibrant colors of millions of blooming tulips.

21. Mount St. Helens, an active stratovolcano, famously erupted on May 18, 1980, causing significant destruction and changes to the landscape.
22. The coastal town of Long Beach is home to the “World’s Longest Beach,” stretching approximately 28 miles along the Pacific Ocean.
23. The Washington State Fair, held annually in Puyallup, is one of the largest fairs in the country and attracts over one million visitors each year.
24. The Washington State University Cougars and the University of Washington Huskies have a longstanding rivalry known as the “Apple Cup.”
25. The town of Sequim in Washington is famous for its “Blue Hole,” a phenomenon where it receives significantly less rainfall than its surrounding areas.
26. Washington State’s dedication to environmental conservation has earned it recognition as one of the most environmentally friendly states in the nation.
27. Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts some of the last remaining temperate rainforests in the world, including the Hoh Rainforest, where visitors can immerse themselves in a fairy-tale-like environment.
28. Washington is the northernmost state on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), spanning approximately 500 miles. Hikers on the PCT in Washington experience stunning vistas, alpine lakes, and encounter the picturesque beauty of the Cascade Range.
29. The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Established in 1977, the Mariners have a loyal fan base and play their home games at T-Mobile Park in downtown Seattle.
30. The Wonderland Trail is a challenging 93-mile hiking trail that encircles the majestic Mount Rainier. It has many diverse landscapes, from lush forests to alpine meadows and glaciers, providing breathtaking views of the mountain.

31. Amazon, headquartered in Seattle, is a multinational technology company founded in 1994. It started as an online bookstore and expanded into various industries, playing a significant role in Seattle’s economy and culture.
32. The Native American Community has worked diligently to preserve their traditions and ancestral knowledge. Events such as powwows, where visitors can witness traditional dances and experience Native American art, food, and crafts, are held throughout the year.
33. The Seattle SuperSonics were a professional basketball team. Established in 1967, the team was beloved by fans but relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, becoming the Thunder, leaving a void in Seattle’s sports history.
34. The cherry blossoms at the University of Washington create a stunning spring spectacle, attracting locals and visitors alike. These delicate pink and white blooms adorn the campus, especially in the Quad area.
35. Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most visited attractions in the state. It’s a magnificent 268-foot waterfall in the city of Snoqualmie, surrounded by lush greenery and can be viewed from above or at the base.

Fun Facts About Washington State

These fun and mostly random facts are not quite as famous as the ones listed above. How many do you already know?

• The state motto of Washington is “Alki,” a Chinook word meaning “by and by” or “hope for the future.”
• Washington State is the only state in the United States named after a president.
• Washington State has more glaciers than the other 47 contiguous states combined.
• The Hoh Rainforest, located in Olympic National Park, is one of the few temperate rainforests in the world, receiving an average of 12 to 14 feet of rain each year.
• Washington State has three national parks: Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park.
• Washington State has over 3,000 miles of coastline, making it an ideal place for beachcombing and water-based activities.
• There are over 3000 waterfalls in Washington state.
• The state is home to the largest ferry system in the United States, connecting various islands and peninsulas to the mainland.
• Washington State is home to the largest herd of Roosevelt elk in the United States.
• The North Cascades National Park Complex contains more than 300 glaciers, comprising nearly a third of all glaciers in the contiguous United States.

• The Columbia River Gorge, a stunning canyon carved by the Columbia River, serves as a natural border between Washington and Oregon.
• The state gem of Washington is petrified wood.
• The world’s longest floating bridge, the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, spans Lake Washington and connects Seattle to Medina and Bellevue.
• The Washington State Capitol in Olympia features the fifth-largest free-standing masonry dome in the world.
• The Spokane River runs through downtown Spokane and features a unique waterfall called the Spokane Falls.
• Washington State produces over 70% of the nation’s hops, a crucial ingredient in brewing beer.
• The state bird of Washington is the American goldfinch, and the state fish is the steelhead trout. Kennewick Man, one of the oldest and most complete human skeletons found in North America, was discovered in Washington State in 1996.
• The Space Needle in Seattle was once the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River.
• The Salish Sea, which includes Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia, is named after the indigenous Salish tribes that have lived in the region for thousands of years.

Common Myths about Washington

Some random misconceptions that even some people in Washington think are true.

It rains every day in Washington.

While Washington is known for its rainy reputation, it does not rain every day. The state experiences all four seasons.

Mount St. Helens erupted only once.

Mount St. Helens has had multiple eruptions throughout its history.

Washington is gloomy and depressing.

While the weather can be overcast, the state’s residents enjoy a high quality of life and have diverse interests.

The Space Needle is the tallest building in Seattle.

The Space Needle is iconic but not the tallest building in the city.

Washington is full of coffee addicts

While coffee culture is prevalent, not everyone in the state is obsessed with coffee.

It’s always cold in Washington.

Washington experiences a range of climates, from mild coastal weather to colder temperatures in mountainous regions.

All Washington residents are tech-savvy.

While the state has a strong tech industry, not everyone is highly tech-savvy.

The entire state is liberal-leaning.

Washington has a mix of political beliefs and diverse viewpoints.

It’s dangerous to live near active volcanoes.

Although Mount Rainier and other volcanoes exist, the risk can be mitigated with proper monitoring.

Washington is a constant hub of grunge music.

While grunge originated in Seattle, the music scene has evolved since then and has always been extremely diverse.

Bigfoot roams the forests of Washington.

The legendary creature Bigfoot is not proven to exist in Washington or anywhere else.

The Washington coastline is all rocky and rugged.

There are also sandy beaches and coastal plains in the state.

FAQs about Washington State

Some frequently asked questions about the Evergreen State.

Final Thoughts on Washington Fame

Washington State’s magnetic allure draws travelers from far and wide, seeking to experience the captivating blend of urban sophistication and unspoiled wilderness.

Whether it’s the cosmopolitan charm of Seattle, the pristine beauty of Mount Rainier, or the thriving wine country, Washington’s fame is well-deserved and promises to endure for generations to come.