Washington: The Evergreen State

Introduction

Washington, known as “The Evergreen State,” is located in the Pacific Northwest and is one of the most beautiful and diverse places in the United States. Known for its dense forests, towering volcanoes, rainy coastal cities, and high-tech industries, Washington offers an exciting blend of nature, culture, and innovation. It’s the only U.S. state named after a president and plays an important role in environmental conservation, technology, and global trade.

Quick Fact Box

• State Name: Washington
• Nickname: The Evergreen State
• Capital: Olympia
• Largest City: Seattle
• Statehood: November 11, 1889 (42nd state)
• Population: About 7.8 million
• State Bird: Willow Goldfinch
• State Flower: Coast Rhododendron
• State Tree: Western Hemlock
• State Motto: “Alki” (Chinook for “By and by”)
• Major Industries: Technology, aerospace, agriculture, forestry, shipping

Where in the USA is Washington?

Washington sits in the northwestern corner of the continental U.S., bordered by Canada to the north, Idaho to the east, and Oregon to the south. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west, and the Columbia River forms part of its southern boundary.

The Cascade Range divides the state into Western Washington—wet and forested with major cities—and Eastern Washington—drier and agricultural. Notable features include Mount Rainier, a snow-capped volcano, and the Puget Sound, a large coastal inlet dotted with islands.

Landmarks and Attractions

Mount Rainier National Park offers glacier hikes and wildflower meadows. Olympic National Park features rainforests, alpine peaks, and rugged beaches.

In Seattle, the Space Needle provides panoramic views, and Pike Place Market delights visitors with flying fish and local produce.

Other highlights:

• Museum of Flight – Air and space exhibits
• San Juan Islands – Whale watching
• Leavenworth – Bavarian-style mountain village
• Mount St. Helens – Volcano and learning center

State Symbols & Emblems

The Willow Goldfinch (American Goldfinch) is the state bird. The Coast Rhododendron was chosen as the state flower before women had the vote. The Western Hemlock is the state tree. Washington’s motto, “Alki,” reflects settlers’ hopes for the future.

People, Culture & Economy

Washington’s population includes Native American tribes and communities from Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Its economy thrives on:

• Technology – Home to Microsoft, Amazon, Nintendo of America
• Aerospace – Boeing factories in Everett and Renton
• Agriculture – Apples, cherries, hops, wheat
• Forestry – Lumber and paper
• Shipping & Trade – Ports in Seattle and Tacoma

Washington is known for its music scenes (grunge, jazz), art, theater, and outdoor lifestyles—hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, and coffee culture.

Famous People from Washington

• Bill Gates – Microsoft co-founder
• Jimi Hendrix – Rock guitarist
• Kurt Cobain – Nirvana lead singer
• Bing Crosby – Singer and actor
• Macklemore – Rapper
• Ann Dunham – Barack Obama’s mother
• Hope Solo – Olympic soccer goalkeeper
• Jeff Bezos – Amazon founder

Climate, Ecosystems & Conservation

Western Washington features a mild, wet climate; Eastern Washington is hot in summer, cold and snowy in winter. Ecosystems include rainforests (e.g. Hoh), mountain zones, coastal areas, and grasslands/deserts. The state leads in protecting salmon, orcas, and endangered plants through strong conservation laws.

Government, Education & Everyday Life

Washington’s government comprises a governor, state legislature, and courts, based in Olympia. Top universities include UW (Seattle), WSU (Pullman), and Gonzaga (Spokane). Daily life features strong coffee culture, outdoor recreation, and a commitment to sustainability.

Fun Facts

• Only state named for a president: George Washington.
• Top U.S. apple producer.
• First Starbucks opened in Seattle (1971).
• Home to three national parks: Olympic, Mount Rainier, North Cascades.
• Mount Rainier is a dormant volcano.
• Over 3,000 glaciers—second only to Alaska.
• Amazon’s Seattle headquarters includes a rainforest greenhouse.

Vocabulary Words

1. Rainforest – A dense forest with high rainfall
2. Volcano – A mountain that can erupt with lava
3. Technology – Applying science to solve problems
4. Aerospace – Industry of aircraft and space travel
5. Orca – A black-and-white “killer whale”
6. Cargo – Goods transported by ship or plane
7. Moss – Soft green plant in damp areas
8. Glacier – Slow-moving ice river on mountains
9. Diverse – Made up of many different parts
10. Sustainable – Able to last without harming the environment

Kid-Friendly Summary

Washington is a land of mountains, rainforests, volcanoes, and big cities like Seattle. It’s where computers, airplanes, and apples come from, and it’s full of cool animals and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re hiking near a volcano, watching whales, or visiting a museum, there’s always something exciting in the Evergreen State.

Quiz: Test Your Washington Knowledge!

    What is Washington’s nickname?
    a) The Apple State
    b) The Rainy State
    c) The Evergreen State
    d) The Pacific State

    What is the capital of Washington?
    a) Seattle
    b) Spokane
    c) Tacoma
    d) Olympia

    What major company was started by Bill Gates in Washington?
    a) Amazon
    b) Microsoft
    c) Boeing
    d) Starbucks

    What volcano erupted in 1980?
    a) Mount Hood
    b) Mount Olympus
    c) Mount St. Helens
    d) Mount Rainier

    What kind of forest is found in Olympic National Park?
    a) Coniferous forest
    b) Temperate rainforest
    c) Desert forest
    d) Pinewood forest

    What’s the largest city in Washington?
    a) Tacoma
    b) Olympia
    c) Spokane
    d) Seattle

    What water animal is a symbol of Washington?
    a) Octopus
    b) Shark
    c) Orca whale
    d) Dolphin

    Which of these crops is Washington famous for?
    a) Bananas
    b) Apples
    c) Potatoes
    d) Oranges

    What mountain can be seen from Seattle?
    a) Mount St. Helens
    b) Mount Rainier
    c) Mount Everest
    d) Mount Adams

    What is the name of the tower built for the 1962 World’s Fair?
    a) Seattle Tower
    b) SkyPod
    c) Rain Needle
    d) Space Needle