EXPLORING OUR OWN BACKYARD: WASHINGTON ADVENTURES

TWENTY PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO VISIT WASHINGTON STATE

From the rugged Pacific coastline and mossy rain forests to the soaring volcanic peaks of the Cascades and the fertile fields of the Columbia Basin, Washington state’s geography is diverse and spectacular at every turn.

After living all my life in Iowa, I was ready for a change. Wanting to travel and experience some place new, my husband signed on for a semi-spur-of-the-moment job in Seattle, Washington. Excited for our adventure, we packed up everything we owned and, with the help of our mom's, drove across the country with two cats.

Moving to a new city was challenging. Doing it all during a pandemic was even more challenging. We spent our time developing new passions, hobbies, and interests. Pickleball, the state sport, has lead to many friendships and an active lifestyle. We also fell in love with the West Coast culture, which prioritizes sustainability. I was thrilled to be surrounded by national parks, to see lawns that grew wildflowers instead of grass, and grocery stores that used paper instead of plastic bags.

Perhaps my greatest discovery was Washington's nature and the realization that it is vital to my personal health and well-being. Green spaces are plentiful in the city, while national parks boasting rugged wilderness are only a drive away. The diversity of the parks is unparalleled and unique, featuring beautiful sandy beaches, arid deserts, thundering waterfalls, snowy mountain ranges, and lush green forests.

I fell madly in love with these wild landscapes and the feeling of waking up at sunrise to see the colors paint the sky, to hear the animals in the trees, and to feel my heart beat in my chest. Washington's natural beauty is the reason why I never want to leave. It has left me speechless, out of breath, and at peace with the world.

Washington is where I first learned to explore fully and deeply. Where I purposely sought authentic experiences. Where I freely roamed off the beaten path. I discovered happiness in solitude. I began to love my life and the person I was becoming.