Washington State's Four Borders

Washington State, in the Pacific Northwest, is defined by four distinct boundaries:

• West: Pacific Ocean – providing a rugged coastline and major ports.
• North: Canada (British Columbia) – the 49th parallel forms the international border.
• East: Idaho – the border runs along a meridian, separating the wetter west from the drier inland.
• South: Oregon – largely defined by the Columbia River.

This geography creates diverse climates, from temperate rainforests on the coast to arid high desert in the east.