Tucked away in the far-flung top left corner of America, Washington feels a little like a secret. Outside of a few trivia facts about being the home of Starbucks and the birthplace of 1990s grunge music, the collective American imagination is likely more familiar with the state’s aesthetic than anything else. Its dense, lush forests bring to mind The Goonies or the Twilight series, and the bare, slick treacherous cliffs lead down into the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean.
What sets Washington apart from much of the country is that it doesn’t seem to mind being a secret. Sure, all are welcome, but like many of its inhabitants, the state possesses quiet confidence and security in its place as one of the most exciting and naturally beautiful states in the U.S.
Like a lot of the Pacific Northwest, Washington doesn’t feel the need to brag about itself. But there is so much to brag about in the Evergreen State!
Below are some sights and landmarks you should try to catch when sojourning in the 42nd state in the Union:
Wing Luke Museum Affiliated Area: A unique experience awaits visitors to this national park in Seattle, WA. Called “an experience” more than a museum, this national park gives visitors a glimpse into what it truly means to be and live as an Asian American in the Pacific Northwest. Guided tours are available to take the curious through the founding and importance of the local Chinatown International District. Also, look into the lives of some of the more famous Asian Americans who have influenced society and culture in America, including the great martial artist and actor Bruce Lee.
Minidoka National Historic Site: If the maxim that “those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it” rings true, this national park is of the utmost importance. During a dark time in the nation’s collective history in World War II, anti-Japanese sentiment swept the country following the attack on Pearl Harbor. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9086, which led to the internment of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans into 10 prison camps across the U.S. One of those camps is memorialized at this national historic site along the Washington-Idaho border. A vital piece of American history that must never be forgotten, the stories and lives of those imprisoned there are preserved in their somber reality for generations to learn.
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area: Often called “a long lake with a deep story,” this national recreation area along the northern border of Washington is an outdoors person’s dream come true. Nestled alongside the mighty Columbia River, with deep wells carved long ago by the Ice Age floods, this pristine lake has been a refuge and resource for its inhabitants, Native peoples, trappers, traders, and settlers for centuries. Today, it tells the stories of those that came before and thrived off the land and the river and offers a welcome respite from the grind of modern daily life. Popular activities include swimming, boating, hiking, camping, and fishing. There is no shortage of fun and stimulating outdoor adventure at this incredible national park
