If you’ve experienced these ten things, you’ve likely lived in Washington far too long—and you might even be a true Washingtonian at heart.
1. You Check “If the Mountain is Out” Before Making Plans
Washingtonians refer to Mount Rainier simply as “the mountain.” If the skies are clear and “the mountain is out,” everyone talks about it and plans a good day outdoors.
2. A “Light Mist” Isn’t Worth an Umbrella
You scoff at umbrellas because what others call rain is just “a light mist” here. Drizzles rarely stop anyone from walking, running, or biking.
3. You Drink Way Too Much Coffee—Rain or Shine
You crave a “rain coffee fix,” whether it’s a cold brew in December or a venti drip in June. Starbucks loyalty runs deep, but indie cafes are just as beloved.
4. You’ve Experienced “June-uary”
Summer seems delayed every year, so the chilly, wet spell in early June is dubbed “June-uary.” You keep your boots handy just in case.
5. You Say “Meet Me at the Market,” and Everyone Knows It’s Pike Place
Pike Place Market is shorthand for “the market,” and it’s everyone’s default spot for produce, fish, and people-watching.
6. You Don’t Tan, You Just “Dry Out”
Locals joke about never actually tanning—after months of rain, long sunny days are merely a chance to “dry out”.
7. You’ve Mastered Pronouncing “Puyallup,” “Sequim,” and “Snohomish”
If these town names roll off your tongue without hesitation, you’ve become a true Washington resident.
8. Salmon Is a Food Group
You grill, smoke, bake, and even barbecue salmon, and you know the difference between Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye.
9. You Carry “Beauty Bark” for Your Yard
Washingtonians call mulch “beauty bark,” and you spread it for garden pride. If someone calls it bark dust, you know they’re from Oregon.
10. Hiking in the Rain Is Just “Getting Fresh Air”
Rainy weekend hikes in the Cascades or Olympics are a fact of life. You own specialized gear, and your car always seems to have muddy boots in the trunk.
If these things are part of your daily routine, you’ve lived in Washington so long the quirks are second nature, and the rainy days just feel normal.
Sources
(https://www.pommietravels.com/what-is-washington-known-for/)
(https://library.fiveable.me/hs-washington-state-history/unit-1/traditional-lifeways-customs/study-guide/tzo4ReNSbkd6oojL)
(https://villagegreenretirement.com/navigating-arts-and-culture-washington-state/)
(https://www.britannica.com/place/Washington-state/Cultural-institutions)
(https://tourismteacher.com/tourism-in-washington-state/)
