cool state washington

The mighty Columbia: lifeblood of our civilization for centuries

On the Columbia River, you’ll see a waterway that was a trade route for native inhabitants at least ten millennia before newcomers Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacagawea, and the Corps of Discovery made their historic journey to the Pacific Ocean. Rich, ubiquitous and infinitely varied is the culture of Washington’s first residents. Whether you visit a gallery to buy a dance mask carved from cedar or alder, spend the night in a tepee in the Yakama Nation, or attend a powwow hosted by any of our 29 native tribes, you’ll be riveted by the beauty and depth of what you see, and you’ll feel welcome.

Fishing and timber heritage

Meander through our historic and pristine towns to see well-preserved remnants of the culture that came with the first European-American settlers. Venerable brick and frame buildings are now often home to restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts, shops and galleries. Bookstores are stuffed with volumes that celebrate the history and culture of the state, attesting to both the keen public interest in things Washington and the marketability of our heritage. Towns across the state celebrate their history with locals turning out in force for harvest festivals, pioneer days, logging shows, sea fests and ethnic festivals of all kinds.