13 Popular Misconceptions About Washington State
Most people associate Washington State with the misty streets of Seattle or the looming presence of Mount Rainier. To others, it’s a land of perpetual rain or a coffee-fueled tech haven, but there is so much more to Washington than what you see.
Sadly, a whole lot of what people believe they know about the state is exaggerated or just plain wrong. If you are a potential visitor, a curious local, or someone with a passing interest, get ready to see Washington State like you’ve never seen it before.
It Always Rains Here
Washington is known—or disdained—for its rain, but the notion that the state is perpetually wet is just as fictional as Bigfoot. Seattle does have a lot of gray days, but the city gets less annual rainfall than cities such as New York or Boston. On the other hand, on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, it’s a completely different story. Spokane and the Tri-Cities are dry, sunny, and almost desert.
Seattle Is All There Is
Seattle draws the spotlight, but Washington has plenty more to see than just one city. Explore the Olympic Peninsula’s lush rainforests, the wine country of Walla Walla, or Bellingham’s charm. While Seattle may be the flashy sibling, the rest of the state has a lot to offer.
Bigfoot Lives Here
Washington is a hotbed of Bigfoot enthusiasts coming to look for the mythical creature, but there’s still no scientific evidence. You’ll find plenty of stories and even a few dedicated museums, but most Washingtonians will tell you it’s just a quirky part of local folklore.
It’s Just Forests and Mountains
Washington does have some stunning natural landscapes, but it’s not all wilderness. The Pacific coast is dotted with bustling cities, historic small towns, and even sandy beaches. It’s a more varied state than its rugged reputation would suggest.
The Economy Is All About Tech
Agriculture is a huge part of the economy, and while tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon call Washington home, it’s not as if the state is all about the tech industry. The nation’s largest producer of apples, Washington, is also a major producer of cherries, hops and, yes, spearmint oil.
You Can See Mount Rainier From Everywhere
Breathtaking as Mount Rainier is, it doesn’t loom over all the state. Washington is big and has such varied geography, so the iconic peak is only visible from certain places, mostly around western Washington.
Everyone Drinks Coffee All Day
Washington has an impressive coffee culture, thanks in no small part to being the birthplace of Starbucks, and many people scour the city for the next best cup to clutch 24/7. In reality, craft beer, wine, and cider are equally popular, with the state ranking as a top producer of premium wines in the U.S.
Everyone Recycles Religiously
While Washington is environmentally conscious, not everyone is perfect about recycling. Washingtonians recycle more than the national average, but plenty of recyclable materials still end up in landfills.
It’s Always Cold
Washington’s weather isn’t for everyone. In Spokane or the Tri-Cities, summers become triple digits and in the same places, winters are dry and cold. In the meantime, Seattle’s winters are mild relative to much of the rest of the country.
Outdoor Activities Are Mandatory
Of course, Washington has a healthy outdoor culture, but not everyone is climbing mountains or kayaking in fjords. There are plenty of locals who prefer to stick to indoor activities like visiting a museum or binge-watching their favorite shows.
Traffic Is Horrible Everywhere
Traffic in Seattle can be a headache, but a lot of the rest of the state is pretty uncongested. For example, in Eastern Washington, you’ll find wide open roads, where you’re more likely to see a tumbleweed than a traffic jam.
All Washingtonians Love Rain
Some residents love the drizzle; others hate it and dream of sunnier climates. Locals are not unusual in booking mid-winter trips to get away from the gloom and soak up some vitamin D somewhere else.
It’s a Boring Place to Visit
Washington State is not boring at all! The state has more than its natural beauty to offer. From urban exploration to history, wine tasting, or outdoor adventures, Washington has something for everyone. In ancient forests, you can hike, stroll around art galleries, or attend world-class events like the Seattle International Film Festival. Washington is anything but a boring destination, and it has diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and plenty to do.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
