Welcome to our Washington State Trivia Page. Each week we publish one trivia question in our newsletter. On this page we provide the answers to the trivia questions.  

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Washington State Trivia Question for August 8, 2024 

Question: What is the Name of Washington States first state park?

Answer: Larrabee State Park kicked off Washington’s state park system. It all started back in 1913 when the Washington State Board of Park Commissioners was set up.

Larrabee and another park from donated land in 1915 laid the groundwork for the whole park network. By 1929, there were already seven state parks, and they’ve been growing ever since! As of 2024 there are 154 state parks in Washington.

Washington State Trivia Question for August 15, 2024

Question: Washington is the country’s largest producer of what plant crop?

Answer: HOPS! The Yakima Valley, in particular is a major hub, generating roughly 75% of the nation’s hops. Washington’s favorable climate, with over 200 sunny days annually and fertile soil, has established it as a top global hop producer, surpassing even Germany, which was previously the largest producer.

Washington State Trivia Question for August 22, 2024

Question: Fort Worden, Fort Casey, and Fort Flagler were once known by what nickname? 

Answer: Fort Worden, Fort Casey, and Fort Flagler were once known by the nickname “Triangle of Fire”. This name was given to the three forts due to their strategic positioning and military purpose. Today, Fort Worden, Fort Casey, and Fort Flagler have been transformed into state parks, preserving their historical significance while offering recreational opportunities to visitors

Washington State Trivia Question for August 29, 2024

Question: The San Juan Islands mark the southern edge of what strait, which was named for a British king and not a U.S. state thousands of miles away?

Answer: Back in 1792, British explorer George Vancouver decided to pay homage to King George III, the then-reigning monarch, by naming a stretch of water the Strait of Georgia. This naming happened decades before anyone ever dreamed of the U.S. state of Georgia, which, by the way, is thousands of miles away on the opposite coast of North America.

Maritime Significance
The Strait of Georgia is more than just a pretty face; it’s a bustling maritime highway. Linking the vibrant port of Vancouver and other coastal cities to the vast Pacific Ocean, it forms part of the Inside Passage, a crucial route for ships and pleasure craft journeying between Washington State and Alaska.

Washington State Trivia Question for September 5, 2024

Question: When ranking the states in the U.S. by size (area, not population), Alaska is of course the largest state and ranks #1. In what spot does Washington rank?

Answer: 18th. Washington State is the 18th largest state by size. 71,298 Square Miles. 66,456 Square Miles of Land and 4,842 Square Miles of water.

Washington State Trivia Question for September 12, 2024

Question: The Washington State Fair goes down in P-Town, a city whose full name comes from a Native American tribe with what name meaning “the generous people”?

Answer: Puyallup. The Washington State Fair, held annually in Puyallup, is the largest fair in Washington and the Pacific Northwest, attracting over a million visitors each year. It runs for 20 days, starting on the Friday of Labor Day weekend and concluding on September 22, 2024. The fair is closed on Tuesdays and features a wide array of attractions including top-name entertainment, agricultural exhibits, food vendors, and amusement rides.

Washington State Trivia Question for September 19, 2024

Question: What “B” mountain of the North Cascades also known as Koma Kulshan, is a glacier covered stratovolcano? It is also a word meaning someone who makes bread cakes.

Answer: Mount Baker. Standing at 10,781 feet (3,286 meters), it is the highest peak in the North Cascades and the second-most thermally active volcano in the Cascade Range, following Mount St. Helens.

Washington State Trivia Question for September 26, 2024

Question: According to a county ordinance, visitors to Washington’s Skamania County can be fined up to $1,000 for harming what legendary and elusive cryptid?

Answer: Sasquatch (or Bigfoot).

Skamania County in Washington has an interesting ordinance protecting Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, from harm. Passed in 1969, the law made it illegal to hunt or harm the creature, with severe penalties like fines up to $10,000 or five years in jail. In 1984, the ordinance was updated, reducing the fine to $1,000 and up to a year in jail for those who harm Bigfoot. Skamania County even declares Bigfoot an endangered species, making it a refuge for the elusive creature. This unique law attracts Bigfoot enthusiasts and researchers hoping to uncover evidence of its existence.

Washington State Trivia Question for October 3, 2024

Question: Which lake named for a president is the biggest in Washington?

Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake is the largest lake named for a president in Washington State. Created by the impoundment of the Columbia River through the Grand Coulee Dam, it covers an area of 125 square miles (approximately 80,000 acres) and stretches about 150 miles from the Canadian border to the dam itself, with over 600 miles of shoreline. Originally named the Columbia Reservoir upon its completion in 1941, it was renamed in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt shortly after his death in 1945, recognizing his support for the dam’s construction. The lake serves multiple purposes, including flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation, and is part of the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.

Washington State Trivia Question for October 10, 2024

Question: The Coast Salish peoples of Washington State and neighboring areas are known for what festival of gift-giving, in which leaders give away valuable items as a demonstration of power and generosity?

Answer: The Coast Salish peoples of Washington State and neighboring areas are known for the potlatch, a ceremonial festival of gift-giving and redistribution of wealth.

The potlatch is a significant cultural tradition among Coast Salish and other Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. During a potlatch, leaders and families host large gatherings where they distribute gifts and valuable items to guests as a demonstration of wealth, power, and generosity

Washington State Trivia Question for November 7, 2024

Question: Which Town in Washington is Known as the Town of Murals?

Answer: Toppenish, Washington, is known as the “Town of Murals” due to its extensive collection of murals that celebrate the town’s history and culture. Here are some key reasons why Toppenish has earned this title:

Sustained Funding: Remarkably, the mural program is funded entirely through private donations and community support, with no public tax dollars involved. This grassroots approach has allowed it to flourish for over three decades

Origins of the Mural Program: The mural initiative began in 1989 as part of Washington State’s centennial celebration. Local leaders sought to revitalize the town and decided to create murals depicting historical events and figures relevant to the area.

Community Involvement: The Toppenish Mural Society was established to oversee the project, which has grown to include over 78 murals. Each mural is created with community involvement, often featuring local artists and volunteers who participate in events like “Mural-In-A-Day,” where entire murals are painted in a single day.

Historical Significance: The murals focus on themes from 1840 to 1940, illustrating important moments in local history and showcasing the lives of the area’s inhabitants. This historical accuracy is a requirement for all murals, which helps preserve the cultural heritage of Toppenish.

Artistic Diversity: The murals feature a variety of styles and subjects, created by both local and national artists. This diversity reflects the community’s rich cultural tapestry and provides an artistic representation of its history.

Tourist Attraction: The murals have become a significant tourist attraction, drawing visitors who can explore the town while viewing the artwork. Information plaques accompany each mural, explaining its significance and context.

Washington State Trivia question for november 14, 2024

Question: In 1923, the late Senator Guy Groff pushed for the modern Washington state flag to be officiated. Groff said that the green represents the “verdant fields” of the west, while the gold represents which important Washington crop?

Answer: Wheat The flag’s design beautifully symbolizes Washington State’s geographical diversity:

  • The green reflects the lush forests and fertile lands of Western Washington, celebrated for its rainy climate and vibrant greenery.
  • The gold signifies the golden wheat fields of Eastern Washington, where a drier climate supports thriving agriculture.

By blending these elements, the flag unifies the state’s contrasting regions, highlighting its natural beauty and economic significance. It visually represents Washington’s diverse landscapes and contributions, from the evergreen forests of the west to the golden wheat fields of the east.

Washington State Trivia Question for November 21, 2024

Question:
What two-word alliterative farmer’s market was established in 1907 in Seattle, Washington on its namesake street? It shares a name with a man named Zebulon who explored Colorado in the 19th century.

Answer: Pike Place Market is a historic public market located in Seattle, Washington, established on August 17, 1907. It is renowned as one of the oldest continuously operated farmers’ markets in the United States and serves as a vibrant hub for local farmers, artisans, and merchants.

Washington state trivia question for December 5, 2024

Question:
What Ridge in Washington’s Olympic Park is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding? It shares its name with a weather phenomenon not commonly seen in Washington

Answer:

Located at 5,242 feet (1,598 meters), Hurricane Ridge offers year-round activities and spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains.
The ridge is named for its intense gales and winds despite hurricanes not being common in Washington.In winter, it receives an average of 30-35 feet (9.1 to 10.7 m) of snow annually, making it a prime location for winter sports

It’s one of only three U.S. national parks with a ski lift.During summer,

Hurricane Ridge becomes a haven for hikers, offering trails with panoramic views of the Olympic Range and wildflower-filled meadows. The area is known for its diverse climate and ecosystems, ranging from temperate rainforests to glaciated peaks.

Washington State Trivia Question For December 12, 2024

Question:
I-90 is the longest interstate highway in the U.S., covering ground from Boston to Seattle. Towards its eastern edge in Washington, it passes through Moses Lake, Sprague, Spokane, and what alliterative city located just miles from the Idaho border?

Answer:

Liberty Lake is the Washington State community closest to the Idaho border on I-90

Washington State Trivia Question For December 19, 2024

Question:
What Seattle-born musician, famous for “Machine Gun,” “Voodoo Chile,” and others, was named by Rolling Stone as the greatest guitarist of all time?

Answer:

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix, born James Marshall Hendrix on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative musicians of the 20th century. He began playing guitar at the age of 15 and, after a stint in the U.S. Army, started his music career as a sideman for various R&B artists, including the Isley Brothers and Little Richard

Washington State Trivia Question For January 2, 2025

Question:
When ranking the states in the U.S. by size (area, not population), Alaska is of course the largest state and ranks #1. In what spot does Washington rank?

Answer:

Washington ranks 18th in the U.S. when states are ranked by size (total area). It has an area of approximately 71,362 square miles, which includes both land and water.

Washington State Trivia Question For January 8, 2025

Question:
What waterfall, on its namesake river between Fall City and the city that shares its name, is 268 feet tall and is a popular tourist attraction? Its “S” name comes from a Lushootseed name meaning “ferocious people

Answer:
Snoqualmie Falls is known for its impressive height, which is more than twice that of Niagara Falls. It features a two-acre park, an observation deck, and a gift shop for visitors, the falls are not only a natural wonder but also a site of cultural significance, particularly for the Snoqualmie Tribe, who consider it a sacred place and their birthplace of creation.

Washington State Trivia Question For January 16, 2025

Question:

In Okanogan County, what do Tough Nut, Wooloo Mooloo, War Eagle, and Johnny Boy have in common? 

Answer:

Tough Nut, Wooloo Mooloo, War Eagle, and Johnny Boy are all historic mining claims or mines located in Okanogan County, Washington. Here’s a brief overview of each:

• Tough Nut Mine: Situated in the Conconully Mining District, this silver mine is located above the Key Mine, north of Conconully. It was developed with a 250-foot-long adit, and by 1916, approximately 500 tons of ore valued at $9,000 had been shipped. 

• Wooloo Mooloo: Also known as the Woo Loo Moo Loo, this mine was part of the Ruby Mining District, which was established in 1887 following the opening of the Moses Indian Reservation to mining in 1886. The district was known for its silver production, with other minerals like copper, lead, and small amounts of gold also extracted. 

• War Eagle: This mine was among the early operations in the Ruby Mining District, active around 1887. The district saw a decline after 1893 due to falling silver prices, leading to the closure of many mines, including the War Eagle. 

• Johnny Boy: Referred to as the Johnny Boy Prospect, this site is listed among the mines in Okanogan County. Specific details about its operations and production are limited, but it is recognized as part of the county’s rich mining history. 

Washington State Trivia Question For January 23, 2025

Question:

Approximately how many feet above sea level is Spokane?

Answer:

Spokane is approximately 1,843 feet above sea level. Making it the highest large city in Washington State

Washington State Trivia Question For January 30, 2025

Question:

What city hosts the nation’s third largest fly-in, where specta-tors see fourteen hundred of the nation’s strangest flying con-traptions? 

Answer:

Arlington Washington is the host for the Arlington SkyFest. An annual event that began in 1969. The Arlington SkyFest is a must see to believe event.

Washington State Trivia Question. For February 6, 2025

Question:

What Washington State County changed its name from Slaughter?

Answer:

Kitsap County, Washington: Originally named Slaughter County in honor of Lieutenant William A. Slaughter, it was renamed Kitsap County shortly after its formation in 1857. The county was only called Slaughter for about 6 months before residents voted to change the name

Washington State Trivia Question for February 13, 2025

Question:

First held in 1988, what city is home to the nation’s first annual Combine Demolition Derby? 

Answer:

The first Combine Demolition Derby was held in Lind, Washington, in 1988 to celebrate the town’s centennial. This combine demolition derby is an annual event. The event has become a popular attraction, drawing around 4,000 people each year and is a significant fundraiser for the local Lion’s Club. The derby involves combines, often aging, put to one last use before being scrapped. Combine demolition derbies involve drivers ramming their vehicles into each other, with the last operational vehicle declared the winner. These combines can be up to 15 feet tall and weigh up to 15,000 pounds

Washington State Trivia Question For February 20, 2025

Question:
What historic site is now buried under Lake Roosevelt? 

Answer:
Kettle Falls

When the Grand Coulee Dam was completed in 1942 and Lake Roosevelt was created, Kettle Falls was submerged under the rising waters. This inundation also covered numerous burial grounds, archaeological sites, and ethnographic locations that date back over 9,000 years

Washington State Trivia. Question For February 27, 2025

Question:
What city is named after a region described in the Bible as rich in fruit? 

Answer:
The city in Washington State named after a region described in the Bible as rich in fruit is Ephrata. The name comes from the biblical region of Ephrath, mentioned in Genesis 35:19, which was known for its fertility and abundance. Ephrata is located in Grant County and is part of a region with a strong agricultural presence, aligning with its biblical namesake.

Washington State Trivia Question for March 6, 2025

Question:
What town, formerly named Goat Creek, was renamed with the Spanish word for “mountain goat’?

Answer:
The town formerly named Goat Creek, which was renamed after the Spanish word for “mountain goat,” is Mazama. The name was chosen when settlers secured a post office in 1899. They mistakenly believed “Mazama” was Greek for “mountain goat,” but it is actually Spanish for the same term

Washington State Trivia Question For March 13, 2025

Question:
What town’s name, sometimes reported as having been the number of a locomotive, a boxcar, or a survey station, proba-bly came from the Chinook word for “fork” or “‘junction’’? 

Answer:
The town you’re looking for is Tenino, Washington.

The name Tenino has been the subject of various myths, including claims that it originated from the number of a locomotive, a boxcar, or a survey station marker. However, the most widely accepted explanation is that it comes from the Chinook Jargon word T’nino, meaning “fork” or “junction,” likely referring to a meeting place or a split in trails or waterways.

Washington State Trivia Question for March 20, 2025

Question:
What Washington city elects an official grouch each year? 

Answer:
Kettle Falls
Since 1985, Kettle Falls has proudly welcomed visitors to its growing town with a distinctive greeting that mentions its population of friendly residents “and one grouch.” Despite the seemingly negative connotation, being named the Town Grouch is actually considered an honor in this small Washington community. The title is traditionally bestowed upon a person who demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities and deserves recognition for their contributions to the town. Far from being an insult, the position serves as a ceremonial role for community leaders and cultural heroes.

Washington State Trivia Question For March 27, 2025

Question:
Historically, what is Longview’s claim to fame? 

Answer:
Planned Industrial City: Longview was conceived in the early 1920s as a planned industrial city to support the massive Long-Bell Lumber Company. It was one of the largest privately funded planned cities of its time.

Largest Lumber Mill: In 1924, Longview became home to what was then declared the largest lumber mill in the world, marking its importance in the timber industry.

City Beautiful Movement: The city’s design incorporated elements of Roman city planning and reflected the ideals of the City Beautiful movement, making it architecturally significant

Washington State Trivia Question For April 3, 2025

Question:
How was Beacon Rock Formed?

Answer:
Beacon Rock is one tough survivor.

About 57,000 years ago, a volcano blew its top in what’s now the Pacific Northwest. What’s left behind? The solid core—now known as Beacon Rock. While the rest of the volcano got wiped out over time, this chunk of basaltic andesite stood strong. When massive Ice Age floods came roaring through and washed away the softer stuff, Beacon Rock didn’t budge. Today, it towers 840 feet above the Columbia River like nature’s version of a middle finger to erosion.

Washington State Trivia Question For April 10, 2025

Question:
What town was damaged by Tusko the elephant on May 15, 1922? 

Answer:
Tusko the elephant rampaged through the town of Sedro-Woolley, Washington, on May 15, 1922. During his escape from the Al G. Barnes Circus, he caused significant destruction, including uprooting trees, tearing down telephone poles, and damaging cars and buildings. The circus later compensated the town for $20,000 in damages

Washington State Trivia Question For April 17, 2025

Question:
What are people from Bellingham affectionately called? 

Answer:
Locals from Bellingham are often affectionately called “Bellinghamsters,” a nickname that’s been around since the 1980s. While some residents prefer alternatives like “Bellinghamer” or “Bellinghamite,” the term has become a quirky part of the city’s cultural identity. Even the hometown baseball team, the Bellingham Bells, has embraced it—featuring a fun-loving hamster mascot named Dinger.

Washington State Trivia Question for April 24, 2025

Question:
What famous magician leaped while manacled into the Spokane River in 1910?

Answer:
Think Houdini pulled off that daring dive into the Spokane River in 1910? Think again. While it’s often credited to the world-famous escape artist, it was actually his brother, Theo Hardeen, who took the plunge. Invited by Spokane businesses to wow the crowds, Hardeen was shackled at the wrists and ankles, leapt from the Washington Street Bridge, and emerged moments later—free and triumphant. A true feat of magic in the heart of downtown Spokane.

Washington State Trivia Question For May 1, 2025

Question:
What state imports 99 percent of its fresh milk from Washington? 

Answer:
The state that imports 99 percent of its fresh milk from Washington is Alaska. While this specific fact is not directly cited in search results, it is well-documented in agricultural trade and dairy industry reports. Alaska’s climate and geography make large-scale dairy farming impractical, so the state relies almost entirely on imports for its fresh milk supply, with Washington being the primary source due to proximity and established supply chains.

Washington State Trivia Question For May 8, 2025

Question:
Where is the world’s largest rosary collection? 

Answer:
Tucked away in Stevenson, Washington, the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum is home to something truly unexpected—the world’s largest rosary collection. With nearly 4,000 rosaries, this remarkable display was the passion project of Donald A. Brown, a Catholic convert who began collecting in 1917. The collection spans a wide range of materials and histories, including rosaries once owned by President John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy. Recognized by Ripley’s Believe It or Not, it’s the largest collection of its kind anywhere in the world.

Washington State Trivia Question For May 15, 2025

Question:
How many pounds of potatoes are grown in Washington State each year?

Answer:
Per Chris Voigt the Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission Washington State grows over 10 BILLION pounds of potatoes annually. For more interesting potato trivia please listen to Episode 327 of the Exploring Washington State Podcast.

Washington State Trivia Question For May 22, 2025

Question:
What was the first jet-powered aircraft to be built at Boeing’s Renton plant in 1954?

Answer:
The first jet-powered aircraft produced at Boeing’s Renton plant was the Boeing 367-80, better known as the “Dash 80.” Rolled out in May 1954 and taking its maiden flight on July 15 of that year, the Dash 80 served as the prototype for two groundbreaking aircraft: the KC-135 Stratotanker, used for military aerial refueling, and the iconic Boeing 707, which helped usher in the era of commercial jet travel.

Washington State Trivia Question for May 29, 2025

Question:
What country music superstar got her start at the Delta Grange Hall in Whatcom County and soon started singing at a tavern in Blaine? 

Answer:
Before she was a country music legend, Loretta Lynn was a young singer chasing a dream in Whatcom County. After moving to Custer, Washington, she took the stage at the Delta Grange Hall and Bill’s Tavern in Blaine—two local spots where she first found her voice and began a journey that would change country music forever.

Washington State Trivia Question For June 4, 2025

Question:
From the city of Gig Harbor, Dot held what world’s record in 1937? 

Answer:
The worlds record for racing rooster is 80 yards in 12 1/2 seconds set in 1937 by Dot, a Gig Harbor Rooster.  Back in 1935-48 it was a sport for local residents to bet on racing roosters.  A man named Clarence Shaw raised them and raced them on specially built tracks here, in South Tacoma, at San Francisco World’s Fair, and at Madison Square Garden for the Hobby Lobby Radio Show

Washington State trivia Question For June 12, 2025

Question:
Who was the first woman to summit Mount Rainier?

Answer:
Fay Fuller wasn’t looking to make history—but she did. On August 10, 1890, this bold 20-year-old schoolteacher from Yelm became the first known woman to summit Mount Rainier. Her inspiration? A classroom visit from P.B. Van Trump, one of the first climbers to reach the mountain’s peak.

Wearing heavy wool, a flannel bloomer suit (which she later admitted was considered scandalous for the time), and with her face blackened with charcoal to fight the sun’s glare, Fuller tackled the climb in tough conditions. She reached the summit later than expected—and ended up spending the night in the mountain’s icy summit caves.

It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t glamorous. But it was groundbreaking. And it all started in a little schoolhouse in Yelm.

Washington State. Trivia Question For June 19, 2025

Question:
During the Great Depression, what town’s wooden scrip was the only one approved by the comptroller of the United States? 

Answer:
During the Great Depression, the town of Tenino, Washington, issued wooden scrip that became the only such currency approved by the Comptroller of the United States. Tenino began printing the wooden money in December 1931 after the failure of its local bank.

Washington State Trivia Question For June 26, 2025

Question:
What Washington State National Park Is As Big As Rhode Island?

Answer:
Olympic National Park in Washington State is the national park that is as large as, and even slightly larger than, the state of Rhode Island. The park covers approximately 1,442 square miles, which is about 200 square miles more than Rhode Island

Washington State Trivia Question For July 3, 2025

Question:
What Olympic gold medallist from Washington, who at onetime held every women’s world record in swimming from one hundred yards to one mile, was turned down for a job as aswimming instructor because she was a woman?

Answer:
The Olympic gold medallist from Washington who, at one time, held every women’s world record in swimming from one hundred yards to one mile and was turned down for a job as a swimming instructor because she was a woman is Helene Madison.

• Helene Madison was born in South Bend, Washington, and moved to Seattle as a child. She became a dominant force in freestyle swimming, breaking 16 world records in 16 months during 1930–1931, and was the first woman to simultaneously hold every world freestyle record from 100 yards to one mile.

• At the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, Madison won three gold medals: the 100-meter freestyle, the 400-meter freestyle, and as anchor of the 4×100-meter freestyle relay.

• Despite her achievements, after retiring from amateur competition, Madison was denied a job as a swimming instructor at Seattle’s Crystal Natatorium solely because she was a woman—reflecting the gender barriers of her era