Washington fun facts

We live in a state with lots of fun facts! Did you know these things about our state?

  • The most rain any place in Washington ever got in one day was 14.26 inches at Mt. Mitchell in 1986.


  • The highest place in Washington is Mt. Rainier, which is 14,410 feet above sea level.


  • Washington is the only state to be named after a president.


  • Our state flower is the Coast Rhododendron.


  • Our state tree is the Western Hemlock.


  • Our state bird is the Willow Goldfinch.


  • Our state fish is the steelhead trout.


  • Our state dance is the square dance.


  • Our state fruit is the apple.


  • Our state fossil is the Columbian Mammoth (and a group of fourth-graders from Windsor Elementary in Cheney worked with the state Legislature to make this happen!).


  • Our state marine mammal is the Orca (and a group of students from Crescent Harbor Elementary in Oak Harbor worked with the state Legislature to make this happen!).


  • Our state vegetable is the Walla Walla sweet onion.


  • Our state capitol is Olympia. Native Americans who lived here for generations called it “The Black Bear Place.”


  • The Space Needle in Seattle is 605 feet tall.


  • Washington has five major volcanoes as part of the Cascade Range: Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens.


  • The Centennial Trail that goes from Spokane to Coeur d'Alene is 69 miles long.







Do you know a fun fact about Washington?

Send it to communications@del.wa.gov. We may post your fun fact on our website.



Note to parents and caregivers: Washington is a state rich in history. Here are some resources for you and your child to explore together to learn more about Washington.

Learn more about Washington’s state symbols here: www.leg.wa.gov/Symbols/

Take an online tour of the state capitol in Olympia here: www.ga.wa.gov/visitor/capitoltour/

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge has a long and interesting history. Find interesting facts and photos about the building of the bridge, the famous 1940s collapse, and rebuilding efforts here: www.wsdot.wa.gov/tnbhistory/

The Washington State Historical Society website offers online stories and other activities related to our state history for children ages 5 and older: http://washingtonhistoryonline.org/