Washington’s peak tourist season falls in the summer between the
months of March and September. Washington’s excellent parks are
notorious for filling up fast and full, so smart traveler will make
reservations and try to get as close to the “shoulder” seasons
as they can. Many parks are closed for the winter.
White-water rafters often choose to visit Washington in the spring to
catch the first good swells of the winter run-off. Hitting the rivers
at the opportune time is an art as well as a science, so a little research
may be necessary to beat the crowds but catch the water.
State Abbreviation: WA
State Capital: Olympia
Largest City: Seattle
Area: 71,303 square miles (18th biggest state in the
USA)
Washington Population: 6,203,788 (as of 2004)
Major Industries: farming, lumber, tourism, hydroelectric
power, computer software, aircraft, aluminum refining
Washington Rivers: Columbia River, Snake River, Yakima
River
Washington Lakes: Lake Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lake
Washington
Highest Point: Mt. Rainier - 14,410 feet above sea
level
Origin of the Name: named for George Washington, the
1st president of the USA.
State Nickname: The Evergreen State
State Motto: "Alki" (By and By
State Song: Washington, My Home
