Erin Antoch | Staff Writer

“Isn’t living in Washington like, super depressing?”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had Californians ask me that. Yes, it rains a lot. No, I’m not “depressed” because of it. Because according to Mental Health America, there are 29 states ahead of Washington in mental illness prevalence— one of them is actually sun-soaked California!— and because rain-soaked Washington is one of the most environmentally diverse places in the United States. There is so much to see, do, and love– any Washingtonian will tell you that.

So no, mental illness isn’t controlled by the weather. And no, Washington is not depressing.

Let me show you why.

From endlessly hikeable mountains,

Mount Si, North Bend, WA via @knswain

Snow Lake, Snoqualmie, WA

Snoqualmie Valley, WA

To peaceful waterfalls,

Denny Creek, WA

Duvall, WA via @knswain

Snoqualmie Falls, WA

To exciting destinations,

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Skagit Valley, WA

Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA

North Bend, WA via @knswain

To ocean front views,

Gas Works Park, Seattle, WA

Overview of Puget Sound, WA

Ocean Shores, WA

And everywhere in between,

I-90 East, Headed to exit 32

Bike Trail in North Bend, WA

Washington is a beautiful place that has endless things to explore.

And, we don’t let the rain stop us.