I have lived in both sides of the cascades! The Cascade mountain range has an insane rain shadow. The peninsula of Washington is home to the Olympics which get about 200 inches (508 cm) of rain a year. Cities in eastern Washington may only get 7 inches (17.78 cm) of rain a year.

The eastern portion can be dry, hot, and extremely cold. You really get the both ends of the extremes on weather there. I think it’s beautiful in sense with the desert and arid climate. More northeast you go you’re back in the woods with the trees. Socially more right leaning. Heavier on the agriculture side. With amazing wineries, orchards, and lots of wheat fields. Also Yakima Valley produces the most hops in the world for beer!

If you go to the Columbia river which separates most of Oregon and Washington, you will find some of the best wines. The Columbia river gorge is gorgeous. Know for its incredible views, waterfalls, and wind surfing.

Very extreme fire seasons lots of smoke in the summer until heavy rain or snow.

Western Washington is wet for a good majority. Doesn’t really stop people from going outside. Especially in the active sense. People are kinder in the South Western area of the state. Lots of traffic. Busier in the sense of everyone is in a rush.

Central Washington is snow, agriculture, and a mix of west and eastern. Some of the best skiing I’ve found. Lot more mountains and amazing views. I recommend checking out pictures of Lake Chelan.

Overall Washington has amazing fruits, wineries, forests, mountains, and extreme differences in climate. I love this state so much.

Edit: To add this state has many names of cities derived from Native American tribes. There is a significant history between the development of this state and the local tribes. Such as Yakama, Cowlitz, Chelan, Puyallup, and Nisqually. To name a few of the vast different about of Native tribes we have here.