When you think of Washington State, what do you think of? For me, I think it’s the towering trees that reach toward the sky. Having spent innumerable hours walking through its forests, I know Washington’s trees are more than a blank canvas of wood and green — they’re an essential part of the picture. If you’ve ever sat under a centuries-old Douglas fir, or awed at the blazing oranges and golds of a bigleaf maple in fall, you know precisely what I mean. I want to take you today on a journey through the incredible trees of Washington State and why they’re so worth celebrating.

The Evergreen State: A Dream for Forest Lovers

There is a reason Washington is called “The Evergreen State.” Its forests are thick, carnavalesque, downright magical. From the needle-rain forests of the Olympic Peninsula to the coarse pine-dusted slopes of the Cascade Mountains, trees fill the view. If you’re a nature-lover like I am, there are endless opportunities to commune with these giants.

I love the Hoh Rainforest, where the trees are old and incredibly large and it feels like nature is watching over you. Here, the Sitka spruces, some more than 300 feet, are staggering. Then there are the western red cedars, with their gnarled trunks and fragrant wood. These trees are not only beautiful — they are a critical part of the ecosystem, offering habitat for wildlife and helping to combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide.

Iconic Trees You Need to See

There are a few species of trees you can’t miss if you’re going to be in Washington:

Douglas Fir: This is Washington’s state tree, and with good reason. Douglas firs can live hundreds of years and are supper resilient. Nothing can replace the awe inspired by their rough bark, textured, towering height—make you feel so small in the best way as possible, my first time as up close as the below photo.

Western Hemlock: These trees are often found in the understory of forests, with a delicate, feathery appearance. They flourish in Washington’s moist climate and lend a soft, almost mystical touch to the landscape.

Bigleaf Maple: In fall, you will be treated to a spectacular display of gold leaves. These trees are a photographer’s dream, and their wide leaves form a canopy that, walking beneath it, feels like naturally enforced cathedral space.

Why Washington’s Trees Matter

Washington’s trees serve an important role in the environment, too, and beyond their beauty. They purify the air, resist soil erosion and provide habitats for thousands of species of plants and animals. From a conservation perspective, as someone who loves nature, I feel we need to help to preserve these forests for generations to come.

If you want to get away and feel closer to nature, I highly recommend a trip to one of the many state parks or national forests in Washington. When you’re out and about, whether it’s hiking, camping, or just plain walking/looking, you’d be surprised what grounding just a bit of the trees can do for you.

So next time you’re in Washington, look up. The trees here exist not just in the background — they’re a symbol of both the natural world’s power and beauty. And believe me, once you’ve tried them, you’ll see why (they’re so special).

Do you have a favorite tree or forest memory? Let me know in the comments below!