Physical Geography of Washington State: Mountains, Rivers, and Climate

Washington State, in the Pacific Northwest, features diverse landscapes:

• Size: 18th largest US state (71,362 sq mi).
• Borders: Oregon (south), Idaho (east), Canada (north), Pacific Ocean (west).
• Mountains: Cascade Range runs north-south; includes Mount Rainier (14,411 ft), the state's highest peak.
• Rivers: Columbia, Snake, Yakima—critical for hydropower, irrigation, salmon habitat.
• Climate: Temperate marine west of Cascades (wet, mild); semi-arid east (drier, hotter summers, colder winters).
• Natural Resources: Vast timberlands, minerals, abundant water, diverse wildlife (salmon, deer, elk, bears).