I love my home state of Washington, and it boasts some really incredible natural landscapes. The geology and history of the region is really interesting, as it’s created some of the most different landscapes that each have beauty in their own way.
Join me in a gorgeous walk across Washington in paintings, and each of these is actually available as a print right now!
Starting in Seattle, with the iconic city skyline, ferries that take you across the Puget Sound, and mountains in the distance. I can almost hear the sounds of Pike Place Market!
Further north is the Deception Pass bridge, connecting the mainland with Whidbey Island. There are mini islands in the river, and the views are breathtaking.
One of the most-recognized local landmarks is Mt. Rainier, and on a clear blue day it’s quite a joy. It’s almost as if it’s a whole weather event in itself – “The mountain is out today”
The mountain passes are something else and at Snoqualmie Pass, it’s ski and snowboard season! Icy crystal forests and trees dripped in snow covered frosting. Epic. Awe. So, which side are you on – ski vs snowboard?
Hop over the mountains to find Leavenworth, a Bavarian-inspired tiny town with the biggest heart. Magic is tucked in between these mountains, called The Enchantments, and the colors of the surrounding forests literally sing – if you listen closely.
Stop and go fishing in the foothills, ponds & lakes. Dinner tastes best when it’s fresh-caught and grilled over a campfire! Check out the Dept of Fish & Wildlife’s Places to Go Fishing.
Now Eastern Washington doesn’t have the Pacific Ocean views that Western Washington does, but that doesn’t mean the landscape is boring! In fact I find E WA to be even more colorful and unexpected in its flora and fauna – and it’s everchanging throughout the seasons, bringing a freshness, joy & peace to everyday life. I call this one: Wild Palouse!
Even more unexpected is Palouse Falls, a waterfall that seems to come out of nowhere in the Eastern Washington plains & rolling hills. Formed during the great Missoula Floods that swept across the landscape during the Pleistocene epoch, this waterfall feels like something special and taps you into a power bigger than yourself.
Follow the Snake River as it curls and touches the banks along a ton of Washington shore, and through into Idaho. The thirteenth longest river in the United States, Snake River is one of my favorite places to camp, fish, hike, boat, or just spend the day with a picnic.
Remember those Missoula Floods? They also carved out ripples in the basalt and created incredible rolling hills with fertile soil which exist to this day and are using for farming wheat, canola, and garbanzo beans. There are places you can stand on these hills and on a clear day, you can see Montana. The hills create microclimates which provide shelter for vineyards, growing wine grapes. The Palouse region has been known as the Tuscany of the United States.
In the summer, explore the devil heat of Hell’s Canyon! Jetboat tours, fishing explorations, white water rafting & hiking is all amazing in the summer sun. The rock walls and hills are so formidable when you’re down in the river basin.
Finish your exploration in Southeast Washington, in Walla Walla. The vineyards here in wine country are a reminder to take things slow and easy, and have gratitude for what the land gives us, and allows us to transcend above ourselves. This adorable town was originally going to be the capitol of Washington State, but instead now it is an adorable weekend getaway town with lots of art, culture, nature, and delicious artisanal food.
Explore the Washington State Print Collection!
Elizabeth Adan 