We're sorry. An error has occurred
Please cancel or retry.
Curious & Fascinating Facts: Washington
Some error occured while loading the Quick View. Please close the Quick View and try reloading the page.
-
15 June 2027

Get to know Washington state like never before with this collection of facts and stories that explore the history, culture, landscapes, and some of its funniest, weirdest, and wildest moments.
If you think you know Washington, think again! Of course, there are dramatic waterways, coffee, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound—but did you know Washington has the largest ferry system in the country? Or that the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge twisted itself apart in the wind and became known as “Galloping Gertie”? Have you heard of the geoduck, the giant clam with a name almost as unusual as its appearance? Curious & Fascinating Facts: Washington is your guide to everything you ever wanted to know about the Evergreen State—and plenty you never knew you needed to know.
Written by Seattle resident Nicole Hardina and packed with hundreds of facts—including the weird, wild, and wonderfully unexpected—this book is perfect for the campfire, road trips, family games, trivia night, or quiet reading time. It goes beyond a history lesson—it’s a journey through Washington’s arts, culture, natural wonders, industries, and unforgettable stories. Whether you’re a proud resident or a visitor who loves quirky facts, prepare to explore Washington—one fascinating fact at a time.
Test your knowledge with topics like these:
- Oddball state symbols and the stories behind them
- Wild encounters with volcanoes, earthquakes, and fire
- Maritime mysteries and shipwreck stories
- Famous Washingtonians, from aviation pioneers to coffee innovators
Nicole Hardina is a writer and editor based in Seattle. Her writing about place appears in magazines and journals such as Out There Outside and the Bellingham Review, and in her book Little Washington. She publishes monthly essays on story, memory, and the creative process at her Substack.
Introduction
Washington at a Glance: Stats, Symbols, and Superlatives
How to Get Around: Roads, Rails, and Runways
How the Water Shapes Us: Maritime Life
Who Was Here First: Nations Still Here
Where to Stay: High Rises and High Divides
Where to Play: Trails, Tides, and Terroir
How We Work: From Timber to Tech
How We Organize: From the Wobblies to CHOP
How We Weather It: Volcanoes, Fault Lines, and Fallout
What to Eat: From Sea to Soil
How to Live: From Grunge to Grad School
Who Built the Legend: From Lewis & Clark to Sasquatch
Who to Root For: Sports Heroes and Other Gods
Photo Credits
Works Cited
About the Author