09/18/2026
We are certainly going to miss you but the 90th Anniversary Convention Trip is turning out to be absolutely fantastic ❣ I'll talk about Oregon and the Wilderness Wagon later because that is going to be quite the adventure. But my feet will finally hit that state. If I don't make it back to lead the Convention it just means Toby and Sherry feed me to the bears.....
🌲🌊 WASHINGTON MIGHT BE ONE OF THE MOST GEOGRAPHICALLY UNDERRATED — BUT ABSOLUTELY DIVERSE — STATES IN AMERICA. 💚🏔️
Because somehow this one state said: “What if we put rugged Pacific coastline, massive evergreen forests, glacier-covered mountains, volcanoes, islands, rainforests, waterfalls, farmland, high desert, huge rivers, big cities, tiny towns, and wildly different climates all in the same place?”
And then somehow… it actually worked.
Washington stretches from the Pacific Ocean all the way to the Idaho border, and driving across the state can feel like crossing several completely different regions without ever leaving Washington.
Western Washington feels like pure Pacific Northwest energy: • Seattle’s skyline 🏙️ • Puget Sound • ferries crossing the water ⛴️ • evergreen forests • misty mornings • islands everywhere • mountain views appearing between buildings • and communities tucked between saltwater and forest.
Then there’s the Olympic Peninsula.
Suddenly you have: • rugged Pacific beaches 🌊 • enormous old-growth trees 🌲 • moss-covered forests • mountain lakes • wild rivers • remote coastline • and the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park.
Places like the Hoh Rain Forest can feel almost prehistoric—green, wet, quiet, and completely different from the Washington many people imagine.
Then you head toward the Cascade Range and the scenery changes again.
Now you’re looking at: • Mount Rainier towering over the horizon 🏔️ • Mount Baker • Mount Adams • Glacier Peak • alpine lakes • waterfalls • mountain passes • ski areas • deep forests • and snow that can pile up by the feet. ❄️
Mount Rainier alone can dominate the skyline from miles away, reminding everyone that Washington isn't just forest and coastline—it’s volcano country too.
Cross the Cascades and suddenly Washington almost looks like another state.
The dense forests begin disappearing.
The skies get bigger.
The landscape gets drier.
Welcome to Eastern Washington. 🌾☀️
Now you have: • rolling wheat fields • orchards 🍎 • vineyards 🍇 • sagebrush country • dry hills • dramatic river valleys • farmland stretching toward the horizon • and summer temperatures that can make western Washington’s cool marine climate feel very far away.
Central Washington adds another personality entirely.
Around Yakima and Wenatchee, you’ll find orchards, vineyards, hops, farms, rugged hills, and river valleys producing enormous amounts of food.
Washington apples aren't just a stereotype. 🍎
Agriculture is a huge part of the state once you get beyond the wetter western side.
Then there’s the Columbia River.
It cuts through Washington’s landscape like a giant geographic backbone, carving dramatic scenery through places such as the Columbia River Gorge and connecting communities, agriculture, transportation, recreation, and hydroelectric power.
And somehow we still haven’t talked enough about the islands.
San Juan Islands. Whidbey Island. Bainbridge Island. Vashon Island.
Washington has entire communities where catching a ferry is simply part of everyday life. ⛴️🌊
Meanwhile, Washington weather has absolutely no interest in being consistent statewide.
Seattle can be cloudy and 58°. 🌧️
The Cascades can be buried under snow. ❄️
Yakima can be sunny and dry. ☀️
Spokane can be experiencing something completely different.
All on the same day. 😭
That’s because the Cascade Mountains create one of the most dramatic climate divides in America. Moist Pacific air keeps much of western Washington green, while areas east of the mountains sit in a rain shadow and receive dramatically less precipitation.
The geography here is wild because in one long Washington adventure you can:
• start beside the Pacific Ocean
• walk through a temperate rainforest
• ride a ferry across Puget Sound
• pass through Seattle
• see Mount Rainier towering above the horizon
• cross the Cascade Mountains
• drive through orchard country
• pass vineyards and wheat fields
• explore the Columbia River
• and finish among the dry hills and open landscapes of Eastern Washington.
And somehow all of it still feels like Washington.
Pacific coastline. 🌊
Evergreen forests. 🌲
Rainforests.
Islands.
Volcanoes. 🌋
Glaciers.
Waterfalls.
Mountain passes. 🏔️
Apple orchards. 🍎
Vineyards. 🍇
Wheat fields. 🌾
High desert.
Big cities. 🏙️
Tiny towns.
Rain. 🌧️
Snow. ❄️
And landscapes that can change completely within a few hours of driving.
Washington may be famous for Seattle, rain, and evergreen trees…
But drive far enough beyond the city and you’ll discover just how much Washington is actually out there.
From the Pacific coast to the Idaho border, from the Olympic rainforests to the dry landscapes east of the Cascades, Washington has a little bit of almost everything.
And after driving for hours through all of it, you’ll still be able to say:
“Yep… this still feels like Washington.” 🌲🌊🏔️
Borrowed From: I grew up in Washington
