Washington: State Flag, Bird and Facts
Washington's state bird is the willow goldfinch, or American goldfinch, and the coast rhododendron is its state flower.
- Capital
- Olympia
- Nickname
- The Evergreen State
- State bird
- Willow goldfinch (American goldfinch)
- State flower
- Coast rhododendron
- State tree
- Western hemlock
- Admitted
- November 11, 1889
- Population
- 7,705,281 (2020 census)
- Mottos and slogans
- by and by; Alki
- Region
- West
- Area
- 184,827 km² (71,362 sq mi)
- Highest point
- Mount Rainier (14,400 ft)
About Washington
Washington shares its namesake, George Washington, with the national capital, which is why people often say Washington state. Olympia is the capital, and Seattle is the largest city. Most residents live around Puget Sound, an inlet full of islands, fjords and bays cut by glaciers. The rest of the state mixes rainforests, mountain ranges and a dry eastern basin used for farming.
Mount Rainier, an active volcano, reaches 14,400 feet and stands out more than any other peak in the contiguous states. Washington grows more apples, pears, hops and sweet cherries than any other state. The flag is the only state flag with a green field, and the only one showing a president. A portrait of George Washington fills the state seal in the middle. It became official in 1923.
Did you know?
- The western hemlock is the official state tree of Washington.
- Washington has the second-largest population on the West Coast, after California.
- The state motto of Washington is Alki, which means by and by.
Questions about Washington
What color is the Washington state flag?
It is dark green, with the state seal showing George Washington in the center.
When did Washington become a state?
Washington was admitted on November 11, 1889.
Sources
- Wikidata Q1223, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Washington, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Flag of Washington, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.