Washington State is full of surprises, and life there comes with a host of quirks and oddities that locals know well but newcomers often discover only after moving in. Here are eight odd and strange things nobody tells you about Washington life, each with context or a source:
1. Rain Isn’t Just a Season—It’s a Lifestyle
The constant drizzle and mist are so persistent, you’ll question if the sun ever really shines. “Rain” in Washington is more about a never-ending, gentle moisture than dramatic storms—and wet socks become a daily reality.
2. Coffee Is Practically a Cult
As the birthplace of Starbucks, Washington takes coffee seriously. Coffee shops are everywhere, and locals are passionate about their brews. Order a “regular coffee” and you might get some side-eye.
3. The “Hipster” Population Is Real—and Everywhere
From flannel shirts to artisanal everything, Washington’s cities are brimming with hipsters. You’ll see more locally crafted wooden spoons than you ever imagined.
4. You Might Run Into Bigfoot—or At Least a Legend
Washington is famous for Bigfoot lore, and the state’s forests are prime territory for Sasquatch sightings and legends. There’s even a legend that Bigfoot saves lives.
5. The Unexplained Is Everywhere
The state ranks second in the U.S. for mysterious phenomena, from UFOs to raining rocks and the only unsolved hijacking in American history. Washington is a hotspot for the strange and unexplained.
6. You’ll Encounter Some Truly Bizarre Local Legends
From a body turned to soap in Crescent Lake to the “Northwest tree octopus” (an internet hoax, but still a local legend), Washington has more than its share of odd stories.
7. Landslides Are a Real Concern
Washington has the most landslides of any state, and they can be both destructive and weirdly fascinating. The state “wins” this distinction by a landslide.
8. You’ll Get Used to the Most Random State Symbols
Did you know the state amphibian is the Pacific Chorus Frog? Or that there’s a tribute to a giant squirting razor clam? Washington’s love for quirky symbols is just another part of daily life.
These oddities make Washington a unique and fascinating place to live—just don’t be surprised if you find yourself talking about rain, coffee, and Bigfoot all in the same conversation.
Sources:
- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3069121-weird-washington
- https://nomsmagazine.com/washington-state-facts/
- https://newstalkkit.com/biggest-red-flags-about-living-in-washington/
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/washington/weird-things-people-do-wa