United States Tourism

Washington became the 42nd state to join the Union on November 11, 1889. The state boasts vast tracts of forested land, and timber production is naturally one of the state's economic assets. Nicknamed "the Evergreen State", Washington values its forests for their contribution to both the economy and to the region's ecosystems. The official state tree, the western hemlock, can attain towering size and beauty.

Mount Rainier
Powerful rivers run through the state, providing natural habitat for one of America's best game fish, the steelhead trout. The mighty Columbia River is home to one of the world's most massive masonry structures, the Grand Coulee Dam, which provides 30% of the nation's hydroelectric power.

From the unique temperate rainforests of the west to the apple-producing orchards of the east, Washington is a state of fantastic natural beauty.

The Geography of Washington

Longitude / Latitude Longitude: 116° 57'W to 124° 48'W

Latitude: 45° 32'N to 49°N
Washington base and elevation maps

Length x Width: Washington is about 360 miles long and 240 miles wide.

Geographic Center: The geographic center of Washington is located in Chelan County, 10 miles WSW of Wenatchee.

Longitude: 120° 16.1'W

Latitude: 47° 20.0' N

Borders: Washington is bordered by Canada in the north and Oregon in the south. On the east, Washington is bordered by Idaho and, on the west, Washington is bordered by the Pacific Ocean.

Total Area: Washington covers 71,303 square miles, making it the 18th largest of the 50 states.

Land Area: 66,582 square miles of Washington are land areas.

Water Area: 4,721 square miles of Washington are covered by water.

Highest Point: The highest point in Washington is Mt. Rainier at 14,410 feet above sea level.

Lowest Point: The lowest point in Washington is sea level where Washington meets the Pacific Ocean in the west.

Mean Elevation: The Mean Elevation of the state of Washington is 1,700 feet above sea level.

Major Rivers: Columbia River, Snake River, Yakima River

Major Lakes: Lake Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lake Washington

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