Washington Travel Guide

Washington is the epitome of the Pacific Northwest. Known for its towering evergreen trees, gorgeous mountain ranges, overcast skies, and the coffee-fueled city of Seattle, you’ll experience some of the best of the PNW when you travel to Washington.

Extraordinary natural beauty awaits you at seemingly every turn in Washington.

A drive around the Olympic Peninsula will leave you speechless as you traverse mountain ranges, moody Pacific beaches, and the only temperate rainforest in North America. You’ll love exploring the iconic city of Seattle before going for a hike at nearby Mt. Rainier National Park. Or get away from it all with an escape into the remote North Cascades to admire the rugged peaks and turquoise waters.

Destinations

Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington
Overcast and evergreens in Washinton

Washington Basics

Nickname: The Evergreen State

Capital City: Olympia

Timezone: Pacific Standard & Pacific Daylight

Climate: Western Washington has warm summers and mild, wet winters with frequent overcast skies. Parts of eastern Washington experience a cold semi-arid climate.

Major Airport: Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)

Local cuisine: Salmon, teriyaki, Seattle hot dogs, Rainier cherries, apples, and seafood

Notable Wildlife: Beavers, elk, black bears, whales, and other sealife

Snowy mountains in Leavenworth, Washington

Best Time to Visit

SUMMER
Western Washington has mild summers, making this the most popular time to visit. Summer is hotter in eastern Washington in the summer, however. Wildfires have also become common throughout the summer.

AUTUMN
Late September through October is a great time to visit Washington! Despite its “evergreen” status, there are plenty of areas in Washington that see fall colors. Temperatures are moderate and the summer crowds thin; however, the possibility of wildfires remains until around November.

WINTER
Winters in western Washington are chilly and grey with nearly constant mist falling from late November through March. Higher elevations in the mountains get plenty of snow in the winter, so it’s a great time to visit for skiing or snowboarding, but mountain passes may close after heavy snowfall.

SPRING
Spring is a bit more unpredictable than other seasons in Washington. Days alternate from cool and rainy to warmer with occasional sunshine. Late May is your best bet at catching summer-like temperatures while beating the crowds.


washington road trip playlists

Washington Travel Guides


Washington Travel Guide