Washington, the Evergreen State, is a captivating blend of urban energy, natural splendor, and quirky attractions. Seattle, the state’s largest city, is famous for the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the world’s first Starbucks, but it also holds peculiar gems like the Gum Wall in Post Alley and the Fremont Troll, a giant sculpture lurking under a bridge. Olympia, the state capital, offers a quieter charm with its historic buildings and waterfront views, while Spokane blends urban sophistication with access to stunning natural areas, including Riverfront Park. On the coast, the Olympic Peninsula offers breathtaking rainforests and rugged beaches, with towns like Port Angeles serving as gateways to Olympic National Park.

Washington is equally known for its strange and wonderful landmarks. The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center tells the story of one of the most famous volcanic eruptions in U.S. history, while the Grand Coulee Dam showcases human engineering on a massive scale. Nature lovers can’t miss the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the few temperate rainforests in North America, or the enigmatic beauty of Palouse Falls. For those with a taste for the offbeat, Washington delivers with the Seattle Underground, a subterranean network beneath the city, and the Maryhill Stonehenge, a full-scale replica of the ancient monument perched above the Columbia River. Whether exploring the heights of Mount Rainier or diving into the state’s eccentricities, Washington promises an unforgettable adventure.

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