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Washington State

From rugged coastlines and soaring mountains to welcoming small towns and thriving cities, discover the people, places, businesses, attractions, and hidden gems that make Washington unforgettable.

Your next local discovery starts right here.

Washington at a Glance

Population8,115,100 (2025 OFM)
CapitalOlympia
Largest CitySeattle
Counties39
Land Area66,455.12 sq mi (2020)
Water Area4,845.2 sq mi
Statehood1889
Highest Peak14,410 ft
Explore Washington

Explore Washington

Each county has its own landscape, local character, and story. Choose a county to discover trusted resources, places to visit, and businesses serving the community.

Washington State county map

Find Your County

Benton CountyClark CountyCowlitz CountyFranklin CountyIsland CountyKing CountyKittitas CountyLewis CountyPacific CountySnohomish CountyThurston CountyWhatcom County
Washington State landscape

From mountain towns to coastal communities, every county has something worth discovering.

American landscape
Welcome To

AMERICA

From coast to coast and every community in between, our nation is built on local stories, local businesses, and a shared sense of belonging.

Rooted in rich history and strengthened by the people who call it home, America is a place where hard work is celebrated, dreams are pursued, and every generation has the chance to leave a lasting impact.

One Nation. Endless Possibilities.

Built on Freedom

A nation shaped by possibility and the freedom to build a meaningful life.

Strength in Community

Our strongest places grow through neighbors helping neighbors.

Opportunity for All

Local ideas and hard work create opportunity for every generation.

A Future Together

We move forward by celebrating what connects us.

More Than a Place on the Map.This is home.
The

Washington Dispatch

News and stories from across Washington

Washington State Standard · Washington

Washington 9th graders perform better with new program, but funding isn’t guaranteed

Across Washington state, schools rolled out a support system designed to help high school freshmen over the last…

Read the full story
By Aspen FordOct 27, 2026Read at source
Today's Coverage

Around Washington

Local coverage first, followed by Washington and national updates when needed.

Washington State Standard · Washington

Washington 9th graders perform better with new program, but funding isn’t guaranteed

Across Washington state, schools rolled out a support system designed to help high school freshmen over the last…

Oct 27, 2026 • Read at source
Washington State Standard · Washington

Feds allege over 400 noncitizens vote in WA; Hobbs disputes data

The top federal prosecutor in Seattle claimed on Monday that more than 400 noncitizens have been voting in…

Oct 26, 2026 • Read at source
Washington State Standard · Washington

Rising prices squeeze more Americans ahead of pivotal midterm elections

Americans’ growing frustration over high prices has defined many political campaigns ahead of November’s midterm elections. Rising costs…

Oct 26, 2026 • Read at source
Washington State Standard · Washington

The percentage of people without health insurance is growing

The percentage of working-age adults without health insurance has increased in the past two years, largely because many…

Oct 26, 2026 • Read at source
Washington State Standard · Washington

These measures on WA ballots could shake up local government

Voters may evict the sheriff from office in Pierce County, make Snohomish County Council seats nonpartisan and bar…

Oct 26, 2026 • Read at source

Washington forecasts and warnings — National Weather Service

Watch & Discover

Every Place Has a Story

Every community has a story waiting to be told. From hidden gems and historic landmarks to local businesses, festivals, and unforgettable destinations, discover the people and places that make each state unique through our original video features.

State Symbols & Heritage

The Spirit of Washington

The symbols of Washington reflect its landscape, history, and enduring character.

Washington State flag
Nickname

The Evergreen State

Inspired by Washington's abundant evergreen forests.

State Motto

Al-ki

A Chinook word commonly understood to mean by and by.

State Bird

Willow Goldfinch

A bright native bird found across the state.

State Flower

Coast Rhododendron

A vivid spring bloom found throughout western Washington.

State Tree

Western Hemlock

A towering evergreen central to the state's forest heritage.

State Marine Mammal

Orca Whale

A symbol of strength and the rich life of Washington coastal waters.

A State Unlike Any Other

Washington brings together evergreen forests, a dramatic Pacific coast, productive farmland, innovative cities, and communities that value both heritage and possibility.

Evergreen ForestsOutdoor AdventurePacific CoastSmall Town CharmInnovationNatural BeautyAgriculture
My Local Guide

WASHINGTON

The Evergreen State

A collection of places, moments, and views from across the state.

Our State. Our Stories.★
Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel, Mount Rainier, July 2006Rock face, Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington State, 1992Exotic Terranes—North Cascades near Ross LakeSeattle I-5 skyline dlluSan Juan Islands 10 (6550549891) (2)Palouse fields, Washington from Kamiak ButteSnoqualmie Falls WashingtonMain street in Leavenworth, Washington (2023-06-18) (cropped)Upper Falls Weir, Spokane, WashingtonRainier Aerial West Close Washington Mar23 R16 07149Washington Pass North Cascades HighwayVista de Seattle, Washington, Estados Unidos, 2017-09-02, DD 07-08 HDRSan Juan Islands 01 (6550508095) (2)Snoqualmie Falls, Snoqualmie, WAPedestrianized street in Leavenworth, Washington (2021)Mount Rainier behind the flowering meadows of Paradise Park (18 August 2012)Luna Peak, North Cascades Nat Pk, Washington State 4310Seattle skyline 2021San Juan Islands NM in Washington (19234709526)Palouse Landscape near Campus9th Street (Alpen Strasse) in Leavenworth, Washington - 2019Upper Spokane Falls and Upper Falls Power Plant, Spokane 201500 0489 Mount Rainier - Washington USA
County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

A collection of places, moments, and views from across the state.

Government Resources

State Government

Official services, agencies, elected offices, and public information.

Visit WA.gov

County Services

Find county offices, records, permits, elections, and local contacts.

Choose your county

Licenses and Permits

Access business, professional, vehicle, and recreational licensing.

Browse services

Public Records

Locate public notices, records requests, laws, and agency directories.

View public information

Taxes and Revenue

State tax guidance, forms, filing information, and assistance.

Department of Revenue

Voting and Elections

Registration, election dates, ballots, and official results.

Election resources

Health Department

Public health programs, community services, and current guidance.

Health resources

Business Assistance

Starting, operating, licensing, and growing a Washington business.

Business resources

Parks and Recreation

State parks, outdoor permits, recreation programs, and visitor information.

Explore parks

Employment Services

Jobs, unemployment benefits, training, and workforce programs.

Employment resources

We're Here To Help.

Answers, contacts, and trusted local resources are always close at hand.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about living, visiting, working, and doing business locally.

Washington is known for its evergreen forests, Pacific coastline, Cascade Mountains, agriculture and cities including Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma.

Your Journey Continues

Keep exploring the communities, stories, and local connections that make this state feel like home.

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