WAWashington Geography

Geography overview

Washington occupies the 18th largest area among US states. Located in the West region, specifically the pacific subregion, its physical geography reflects its position on the North American continent. It has coastline on the pacific. It shares an international border with Canada.

Geographers typically think about a state's geography in five dimensions: location (where it is relative to other places), place (the physical and human characteristics), region (how it groups with others), movement (the flow of people, goods, and ideas), and human-environment interaction (how people have shaped and been shaped by the environment). This page touches on all five.

Topography and landforms

• Mountain ranges: cascades
• Active volcanoes within the state
• Glaciers
• Peaks above 14,000 ft ("Fourteeners")

Topography refers to the physical features of the land — mountains, valleys, plains, plateaus, basins. Washington's topography was shaped over millions of years by tectonic activity, glaciation (some of which is still active in the state), erosion, river systems, and (in some regions) volcanic activity. Understanding the topography helps explain everything from where cities developed historically (typically near reliable water sources and navigable rivers) to modern climate patterns (mountains create rain shadows, for instance).

Rivers and waterways

The state has Pacific Ocean coastline — often dramatic, rocky, and (in northern parts) heavily forested.

Mountains, elevation, and relief

The cascades mountain range(s) define much of Washington's topography. The state has peaks rising above 14,000 ft — "Fourteeners" in the geographer's parlance. Mountain regions create distinct climate zones, agricultural patterns, and recreation economies (skiing in winter, hiking and camping in summer).

Climate and time zone

Washington observes Pacific Time. Seismic activity is notable in parts of the state. Volcanic activity is also present.

National parks and protected areas

The National Park Service manages many sites in Washington — national parks, national monuments, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and historic sites. Tourism, particularly to natural areas, is a major part of the state economy.

Wildlife and biodiversity

Washington's wildlife reflects its geography. Forests, plains, rivers, and (where applicable) coasts support a wide range of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Protected populations of native species are maintained through state and federal wildlife management agencies. State parks and refuges protect critical habitats; hunting and fishing license fees fund much of the wildlife conservation work.

Climate zones within the state

Even within Washington's moderate area, microclimates vary by elevation and terrain. Coastal regions (where applicable) typically have milder, more humid climates than interior areas. Mountain regions are colder and snowier. Desert regions are hot and dry.

Geology — what made Washington the way it is

Washington's present-day geography is the result of geological processes operating over hundreds of millions of years: plate tectonics, volcanic activity, glaciation, erosion, sedimentation. Most of the state's bedrock is sedimentary (limestone, sandstone, shale) or metamorphic (where heat and pressure transformed older rocks), with igneous rocks (granite, basalt) more common in mountainous areas. The last Ice Age (which ended approximately 11,000 years ago) reshaped much of the northern US and shaped lake basins, river valleys, and soil distribution.

Washington notable firsts

• Washington has a unique place among the 50 states — discoverable across its geography, history, and culture

Washington vs similar states

How does Washington compare with 3 other states in the same region and size category?

State	Capital	Pop	Area rank	Admitted
Washington	Olympia	5 to 10 million	#18	1889
Arizona	Phoenix	5 to 10 million	#6	1912
Colorado	Denver	5 to 10 million	#8	1876
Idaho	Boise	1 to 5 million	#14	1890

Bordering states (2)

Washington shares borders with 2 other US states, listed alphabetically below. Each link goes to the dedicated state page.

Similar states to Washington

If this page interested you, you may also want to explore states with similar geography, history, or culture. These states share Washington's region (West) and similar size category:

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