Explore Washington State
Washington's state bird is the Willow Goldfinch, a flash of brilliant yellow that turns up in backyard feeders, weedy fields, and wetland edges across the state. Learn how to identify it, when breeding colors peak, and the best places to spot one near you.
NOTE: Article updated for the 2026 Sandhill Crane Festival March 20th, 21st and 22nd. 2026. The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge begins in the small eastern Washington farming community of Othello. From the bustling Main Street, the refuge stretches northwest for uninterrupted miles upon miles of channeled scablands, rocky slopes, basalt landscapes and ancient, dried out...
Signs of spring are popping up all across Washington. My home in Olympia has been surrounded by birdsong every morning as our avian neighbors get ready for the breeding season! To start my days, I like to sit in front of my living room window with a nice cup of coffee and watch Washington birds...
We hope you enjoy this guest post written by Megan, @leonadventurecat about her experience with adopting, and harnessing her new kitten. I hadn’t had a single thought about getting a cat until I saw Leon’s photo on the SCRAPS (Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service) page as I was scrolling through Facebook. I had been...
Predators of the Heart is a special animal refuge located in Anacortes, Washington. They are a non-profit organization that is dedicated to nurturing and helping “all species of wild animals who, for various reasons, find themselves without a place to live out their lives.” This is a one-of-a-kind refuge in the state. From foxes, vultures, and...
There’s something about getting out into the wilderness that refreshes the mind and the body. A little dirt and fresh air helps us put a new perspective on life and reminds of the vastness of our wild world. Thank goodness there are places we can go to recharge and renew! One of Washington’s best outdoor...
Point Defiance Park in nestled at the end of the scenic Ruston Way Waterwalk in the north end of Tacoma, and is home to three of the city’s most popular destinations for families and large groups. Planning a trip to Tacoma? Start with our complete Tacoma Visitor Guide → History of Point Defiance Park Point...
