There’s a lot that’s Western here, and a lot that’s big and outdoorsy, too. Washington, where American cowboys rub shoulders with their Canadian counterparts, as well as with lumberjacks and sea-faring sorts, is a crossroads for those who love nature in its rugged, natural best.

There really isn’t anything you can’t do here. Visitors can marvel at the Cascade peaks, hear the whisper of dense pine forests, smell the earthy fragrance of a country vineyard, feel ocean breezes caress their faces, or capture a sunset in the desert. The state boasts geological wonders, anthropological intrigue, authentic western history, and huge tracts set aside for parks and recreation. Scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, rafting, horseback riding, camping, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding are just a few of the recreational activities. Or you can retire in solitude in one of the many resorts and revel in the wonder and glory of nature.

But of course Native Americans were the first people to make this land their home—as far back as 9,000 years ago. 

Experts debate whether Sir Francis Drake explored the Washington coastline in 1579, but it’s clear that the Spaniards explored the coast in the early 17th century. Captain George Vancouver of the British Navy, in his quest for the Northwest Passage, discovered Puget Sound and mapped the surrounding area in 1792. 

Stories of the land’s riches—including furs, lumber, and agriculture—traveled far and President Thomas Jefferson, aware of the economic potential of the territory, had Captain Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark lead their now-famous overland expedition to the Pacific Northwest (1804-06) to reassert U.S. claims to the territory. Missionaries followed soon, and in 1836 the first of these, Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, settled close to what is now Walla Walla.

In 1848, Congress authorized the creation of the Oregon Territory, and five years later the portion that lay north of the Columbia River officially became the Washington Territory. Washington was admitted to the Union in 1889. With the discovery of gold in the Klondike and Yukon areas of Alaska in 1896, settlers flooded the area as a jumping off point for Alaskan gold mines. Many returned to settle in Washington—the "Evergreen State"—and avail themselves of the opportunities there.

The Great Depression hit the state hard and brought change. New Deal projects, such as Grand Coulee and Bonneville Dams, made it possible to reclaim about 1 million acres of land and the livelihood of Washington’s citizens. 

Later, during World War II, Boeing became the state’s leading industry, and Microsoft, founded in the 1970s, was to become the leading economic influence of the latter part of the 20th century. 

Western Washington is home to most of the state’s more than 5 million people, but don’t worry about crowds. At the northernmost point, you can sally off to the San Juan Islands, accessible by ferry, sailboat, or plane. This string of effervescent jewels numbers more than 700 islands. The more populated ones—Orcas, Lopez, Shaw, and San Juan—beckon as bucolic settings. You’ll see an abundance of wildlife along the beaches and in coves or, if you’re lucky, in the water, as the Orca whales spout and play. 

Rosario Resort, on Orcas, is a favorite of locals as well as tourists. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic places and offers a marina, restaurant, spa, and moorage. Built in 1910, the Argyle House bed and breakfast at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is another favorite, offering charm, character, and ambiance. Separate cottages also are available, and it’s all just two blocks from downtown.

If you’re driving and want to "go remote," take U.S. Highway 101 along the northern peninsula of the state through Olympic National Park. Lake Quinalt at the southern tip of the park is home to Lake Quinalt Lodge. The charming lodge, built in 1926, offers lake views with most of its rooms. In the quiet setting, surrounded by dense, scented forest and silence, it’s easy to forget there’s a civilized world outside.

Make your way down the coast to the resort town of Ocean Shores. Developed in the 1960s, this community has 70 miles of waterfront, six miles of flat, sandy beach, a bay front, lakes, and canals. Before white men arrived, Indian tribes used the area as a trading and feasting ground. It’s now a major destination resort offering activities ranging from biking and clamming to fishing and boating. Or you can soak up the sun on the flat, sandy beach. 

Astoria sits at the southernmost tip of western Washington, across the Columbia River, and there the North Head Lighthouse offers quaint repose. It has two keepers’ cottages with full kitchens and linens. The only thing you have to bring is food. Sail in for a night; up to six people can stay for $233 per diem.

Listening to the surf battering the shore is like hearing the sighs of relief from lonely ocean-going travelers from days gone by, as they caught sight of the lighthouse beam guiding them to safe harbor.