Washington Overview

Overview

Washington State is an excellent destination for those in search of outdoor pursuits. Whether you want to sail in the Puget Sound, windsurf on the Columbia River, go white-water rafting or prefer winter sports, recreational activities abound.

The state lies to the south of Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Canadian border, in the Pacific Northwest. Like Oregon, to the south, most tourists will concentrate on the western parts of the state, which have both spectacular mountains and a dramatic coastline. The heavily forested region attests to a damp climate.

The Olympic Peninsula, in the north, has a wealth of natural wonders. The wild coast has monumental sea stacks, topped with coniferous trees, apparently enjoying the salt laden air, and wide sandy beaches are strewn with driftwood tree trunks. Inland, the glacier covered mountains are surrounded by the world's largest temperate zone rain forests, in an enormous area of wilderness.

Visitors can hardly miss the snow capped peaks of the Cascades, especially those to the south. Mt. Rainier, the highest peak in the range at 4392m., is a towering ice clad volcano. Paradise, on its slopes, is aptly named with stunning displays of wildflowers from late June to mid August. It also boasts one of the longest skiing seasons in the USA. Further south, the flora and fauna of Mt. St. Helens are making an amazing comeback after the devastating earthquake of 1980, when it lost nearly 400m. in height. The Columbia River gorge, along the southern border with Oregon, is also one of the most scenic areas of the state.

The modern city of Seattle is the main centre of population. It sits in a wonderful position on the southern reaches of the Puget Sound. There are museums and sightseeing tours abound, but better still rent a bike. In an area surrounded by water, there is no shortage of cruises. Ferries go to islands, the Olympic Peninsula and even as far as British Columbia.