Washington State, in the Pacific Northwest, is known as the Evergreen State for its lush forests, temperate rainforests and year round greenery. Yet the state is one of remarkable contrasts. The Cascade Mountains divide Washington into two distinct landscapes. To the west lie rugged Pacific coastline, ancient forests and a mild, wet climate. To the east, rolling hills, vineyards and orchards flourish in a much drier landscape that has become one of the United States' leading wine producing regions. Between them are snow capped peaks, glaciers and world class skiing, creating an extraordinary diversity of scenery within a single state.

Home to three national parks, Olympic, Mount Rainier and North Cascades, Washington offers beautiful beaches, towering forests, remote coves, abundant wildlife, spectacular waterfalls, colourful lavender fields, acclaimed wineries and magnificent volcanoes. From the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Peninsula to the vineyards of Yakima Valley and Walla Walla, each region reveals a different side of the state's natural beauty.

Rich in Native American heritage and celebrated for its farm to table cuisine, thriving craft breweries and internationally recognised wines, Washington combines outdoor adventure with culture and innovation. Enjoy whale watching in the waters of the Pacific Northwest, explore charming coastal communities, scenic byways and picturesque islands, or simply immerse themselves in landscapes that range from rugged coastline and dense forests to mountains, fertile valleys and rolling vineyards.

Seattle, set between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, is the state's cultural and economic heart. Known for its distinctive neighbourhoods, pioneering coffee culture, grunge music heritage, innovative food scene and iconic Pike Place Market, it is also home to global companies including Amazon, Microsoft and Boeing. As the principal gateway for Alaska cruises, Seattle is the ideal starting point for exploring both Washington State and the wider Pacific Northwest.