Explore Washington by Region
Washington State stretches from Pacific rainforests to desert canyons, from volcanic peaks to island archipelagos. Each region has its own personality, its own landscape, and its own reasons to visit.
Most people think of Washington as Seattle and rain. The reality is eight distinct regions spanning temperate rainforest, volcanic peaks, island chains, wine country, and high desert — more geographic diversity in a single state than most countries. Pick a region, and start planning.
Puget Sound
Where city skylines meet saltwater shores and snow-capped volcanoes
Olympic Peninsula
Rainforests, wild beaches, and the most remote corner of the lower 48
San Juan Islands
Island time in the Pacific Northwest — orcas, kayaks, and lavender fields above the Salish Sea
North Cascades
America's Alps — glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the wildest mountains in Washington
Central Cascades
Bavarian villages, alpine lakes, and the state's most accessible mountain escapes
Central Washington
Wine country, canyon rivers, and the warm side of the mountains
Eastern Washington
College towns, wine valleys, and the sunlit side of the state
Mount Rainier Corridor
The mountain that defines the state — wildflowers, glaciers, and 14,411 feet of volcanic power
Southwest Coast
28 miles of unbroken sand, legendary oysters, and the quietest stretch of Pacific coast
Not Sure Where to Start?
Most first-time visitors start in Puget Sound and branch out from there. But if you've already seen Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula and Eastern Washington wine country are the two regions worth building a trip around.