You’ll find Washington State in the far northwest corner of America, with a shoreline along the Pacific and a border with Canada. ‘The Evergreen State’ is normally abbreviated to ‘WA’ and, if you hire a car in Washington, you’ll find most people live around the shore of Puget Sound, a scenic area of islands, inlets and bays. This is where you’ll find the biggest city, Seattle - although the state capital is in Olympia and the second city is Spokane, in the east of the state. The rest of Washington State is an inspiring mix of forests, lakes, dams and mountains, with a rich farming region in the south.
Seattle is the state’s big urban attraction, as it’s a popular city with a relaxed atmosphere. The city’s attractions include catching the views from the top of the futuristic Space Needle, playing with the hands-on displays at the Experience Music Museum and browsing the bustling Pike Place Market on the waterfront. There’s an acclaimed art museum too. If you have a hire car in Washington you’ll be able to visit the outdoor sights on Seattle’s doorstep, like the forests and rocky shores of Olympic National Park or the towering volcanic peaks of Mount Rainier National Park. Snoqualmie Falls, a 268ft waterfall, is one of the state’s most photographed attractions.
Most of Washington’s roads are quiet and scenic, but generally driving in the state is much like driving anywhere in America. You drive on the right and dial 911 in an emergency. There are a only few local rules to watch out for: drivers must stop between 15 and 50 feet from a railway crossing when signalled to do so and must stop when they approach a school bus with its red lights flashing. Beware, school buses may be fitted with cameras to catch drivers who don’t. All passengers must wear seatbelts – unless they’re in the cargo area of a pick-up truck.
