10 Quirky Facts About Washington State That Might Surprise You

The Evergreen State is rich in unique history and stunning sights, ensuring you'll never run out of exciting things to do and see. But this state also has a quirkier side. There are so many interesting Washington facts waiting to be revealed. For example, did you know that there is an underground city in Port Angeles, or that a woman in Washington invented the Slinky Dog toy? You may be surprised to learn that the Evergreen State is filled with unusual history, inventions, landmarks, and traditions. Read on to see our list of quirky facts about Washington State that sound made up, but are 100 percent accurate.

1. Washington’s State Flag Is the Only Green One in the U.S.

In a sea of varying shades of blue and red, the Washington State flag is the only one with a green background—Irish green to be precise. It seems a fitting color for the Evergreen State. The vibrant green represents the fields of the western part of the state, while the gold, encircling an image of our nation's first president and state namesake, represents the golden wheat fields of eastern Washington.

2. Square Dancing Is Washington’s Official State Dance

When pioneers settled in the West, they brought a dance called the quadrille, which is French for square. They adopted the simpler name, and in 1979, the square dance was designated as the Official State Dance of Washington. Each year, visitors usually enjoy square dance performances at the Washington State Fair.

3. Richland Is Home to the World’s Largest Freezer

Richland, Washington, is home to the largest freezer on Earth, located on Polar Way. It is a cold storage facility that is both the largest refrigerated warehouse and the largest automated freezer in the world, spanning over 400,000 square feet. Wondering what it stores? Frozen food mostly. The facility is private and not open to public tours, but its massive size is visible from surrounding roads.

4. Everett Has a Ban on Displaying Hypnotized People in Store Windows

There are some pretty weird Washington laws out there. Although stage hypnotism is perfectly legal, hypnotism in store windows is a no-go in Everett, Washington. According to Municipal code 9.24.010, "It is unlawful for any hypnotist or mesmerist, or other person, to exhibit or display, or permit to be exhibited or displayed, any subject of any hypnotist or mesmerist, or any person while under the influence of or alleged influence of hypnotism or mesmerism, in any window or public place outside of the hall or theater where such hypnotist or mesmerist is giving his entertainment or exhibition."

Originally created to prevent passersby from witnessing the possibly disturbing sight of an entranced person (and likely also to avoid exploiting an entranced person), the law continues to this day. In other words, enjoy your hypnotism on the stage, but refrain from taking it to the streets. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to $500 and/or up to six months in jail. They don't mess around in Everett.

5. Pickleball Got Its Start Right Here in Washington

In recent years, pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., with over 24 million people participating in 2025. Described as a mix between tennis, badminton, and ping pong, pickleball courts are sprouting up in parks and gyms across the United States. But did you know this popular sport got its start right here in Washington?

In 1967, Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell were looking for something to do at Pritchard's home on Bainbridge Island. They fashioned a game for the family to play together on the property's old badminton court using ping pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball. In 1972, they formed a corporation to protect the creation of their new sport, adding pickleball to the list of Washington inventions and firsts. You can learn more about the origins of pickleball at the Bainbridge History Museum.

6. A Bicycle Is Mysteriously “Growing” Inside a Tree on Vashon Island

There are several stories about how this rusty, old bicycle in the tree came to be. The most popular is the tale of a young man who enlisted in the United States military, leaving his cherished bike resting on the low branches of a tree in an island forest he frequented. After years of sitting undisturbed, the bike eventually started to be consumed by the tree, growing and becoming part of the mighty trunk.

As sweet and romantic as this sounds, some say the real story is that of a local boy who abandoned the bike in the forest in 1954, and it sat there rusting until it became entangled and seemingly grew with the tree. In either case, it has become a popular tourist stop with a mysterious origin. Many of the bicycle's original parts have been lost due to the elements and vandals, but locals occasionally add new pieces to the bike to keep the story alive. The bike tree is located off of Vashon Highway SW behind a bus stop, but parking is limited. Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes for the walk.

7. A Secret Fake Town Once Hid a Massive Airplane Factory in Washington

At the end of World War II, a seemingly ordinary residential neighborhood emerged in the Georgetown area of Seattle. Though it consisted of houses, trees, and cars, in reality, this was no ordinary neighborhood. Built atop the Boeing Plant 2 in Seattle, this suburb was completely fake.

Why go to the trouble of creating an entire fake town? It's simple. This neighborhood was constructed on the roof of Boeing's Plant 2 in an attempt to hide the production of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. Up close, it might look like a hastily thrown-together movie set, but from the air, it was the perfect disguise to keep the airplane manufacturing plant safe from aerial bombers. Today, aviation enthusiasts can visit the Museum of Flight in Seattle to learn more about Boeing’s history.

8. Washington Isn’t Nearly as Rainy as Everyone Thinks

It may surprise you to learn that Washington is not the rainiest state, and Seattle is not the rainiest city in the state. Indeed, we often get a bad rap for being cold and dreary all the time, and Seattle ranks high in the number of days with measurable precipitation. However, in terms of overall rainfall, Washington ranks 29th, behind Florida, Alabama, and even Hawaii. In fact, from May to September, you can take a sunny adventure in Washington’s wine country with little fear of precipitation.

9. It's Illegal to Hunt a Sasquatch in Skamania County, Washington

That’s right—in southern Washington, a law was passed making it illegal to harm a Sasquatch. Adopted into law on April 1, 1969, many first thought the new ordinance was a joke, but it was indeed true. Breaking this Skamania County law can land you a year in jail and a $1,000 fine, as stated by the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce. Wondering what other strange notions are hiding in the Evergreen State? Check out this read about 10 strong beliefs Washington natives stand by.

10. Seattle’s Famous (and Sticky) Gum Wall

Looking for unique Washington attractions? Stroll down Post Alley under Seattle's Famous Pike Place Market, and you can't miss one of the most curious sites in the city. The Unexpected Productions Theater is the home of an 8-foot-high by 54-foot-wide brick wall covered in chewed gum! It all started around 1991 when a theater patron stuck their gum to the wall and pressed a penny into it. This act caught on, and soon the wall was dotted with colorful pieces of chewed gum and various coins.

At some point, the coins all disappeared, but the tradition of sticking gum to the wall continued. Today, people come from all over to add their personal touch and take photos in front of Seattle's famous gum wall. Some view it as art, while others find it disgusting. Either way, this is one colorful idea that stuck.

As you can see, there are lots of weird facts about Washington that make our state unique and beautifully quirky, and we wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Searching for more fun facts about Washington State that we might have missed? There are plenty more unique Washington trivia facts out there.

If you're looking to visit Washington to see everything that makes us so special, or if you are a local in search of a staycation opportunity, you'll find plenty of great stays in the Evergreen State to meet your accommodation needs. There are homes of all sorts to stay in, from cozy cabins to luxe apartments. Plan your ultimate trip with the Only In Your State itinerary planner, where you can customize visits to these quirky locations and more. And don't forget to read about the ultimate Washington bucket list of adventures.