The Northwest Corner
The location of a place is like an address. Washington is located in the northwest corner of the United States. It is between the 46th and 49th parallels north latitude. It is between 117 degrees and 125 degrees west longitude.
Washington covers 68,139 square miles, including some of the most diverse geographic regions in the country.
Boundaries
Some of Washington's boundaries are natural features of the land. Others are political boundariesBoundaries decided by people, which means they were decided by people.
- British Columbia, a Canadian province, is north of Washington.
- The Pacific Ocean and Strait of Juan de Fuca are natural boundaries.
- The Columbia River separates Washington from Oregon.
- Idaho lies to the east.
Spatial Patterns
Geography is all about spatial patternsHow things are arranged in space. These are the locations and arrangement of natural and human features of the land.
All locations have physical characteristicsNatural features of the land. Washington has many, including beaches, forests, mountains, volcanoes, rivers, deserts, and farmland.
People bring language and ways of living with them. These human features are called cultural characteristicsHuman features of the land.
Where Do People Settle?
Washington's geography influences where people live and work. Rivers, mountains, and climate all affect settlement patterns.
Humans Impact the Land
In the past, people believed resources would last forever. This led to overuse of forests, animals, and fish.
Later, dams, roads, and cities changed the environment. Today, laws help protect natural resources.
The Columbia River
The Columbia River is one of Washington's most important physical features. Native peoples and early settlers used it for transportation and food.
The River's Route
The river begins at its headwatersWhere a river begins in Canada. It flows south, joins the Snake River, and continues west to the Pacific Ocean.
Tributaries
Small streams called tributariesStreams that flow into a larger river flow into the Columbia River.
Dams Produce Electricity
The Columbia River is a major source of hydroelectricElectricity from moving water energy. Dams generate power and create reservoirs.
The Pacific Coast
Washington has 157 miles of ocean coastline, but over 3,000 miles when including bays and inlets.
The coast supports shipping and fishing industries.
The Ocean Affects Our Climate
The ocean creates a temperateA mild climate climate in western Washington.
Eastern Washington is drier and has more extreme temperatures.