These images of Washington state are simply amazing

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Every morning about 7 million people are lucky enough to wake up in the great state of Washington. If you’re not in that number, all is not lost; the rest of us can still visit this beautiful Pacific Northwest gem. If you’re predisposed to loving the outdoors and a strong cup coffee, you may not want to flip through these pictures as it may cause sudden urges to visit the Pacific Northwest or even become a transplant.

Seattle, the state’s largest city, is more than just the Space Needle and the home of Starbucks. Toward the waterfront, you can find the famous Pike Place public market filled with everything from flowers to fish. A few blocks inland you’ll find a busy, but not too busy, downtown with skyscrapers, restaurants and shopping. Unlike many places in the country, you don’t have to go far to be in the middle of nature. Even from Waterfront Park, in downtown Seattle, you can see the sun setting behind the mountains of Olympic National Park.

Outside the vibrant urban areas are vast stretches of forests, rugged mountain ranges, and three national parks. The state is filled with so much natural beauty its been nicknamed the ‘Evergreen State.’ The center of the state is creased by the tall Cascade Mountains and largely preserved by various state and national parks.

Of all the great natural places to visit, possibly the most impressive is Mt. Rainier National Park. Even famed naturalist John Muir had a soft spot for the 14416 ft (4,394 m) volcanic peak of Mt. Rainier. He was once quoted as saying: “Of all the fire-mountains which, like beacons, once blazed along the Pacific Coast, Mount Rainier is the noblest.” Along with its impressive peak, there are plenty of adventurous hiking trails and calm ponds to catch a reflection photo.

No matter what you’re into, Washington’s got a little bit for everyone, and a lot for those who love the outdoors. Hopefully, these pictures inspire a little bit of Washington wanderlust.

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