Welcome to the Geotoys State Facts page for our Pacific GeoPuzzle.

Here we’ll explore: 

• State Capitals
• State birds and flowers (you’ll see them on your map)
• Animals and plants that live in the state
• National Parks Services locations within the state
• AND share information on “easter eggs” you may have spotted as you pieced your map together. 

 

Let’s go!

 

Jump to Alaska * Jump to Hawaii * Jump to Washington * Jump to Oregon * Jump to California

Alaska

State Capitol: Juneau

Established as the state capital in 1906, Juneau is situated in the southeastern part of Alaska and is accessible only by boat or plane.

State Bird: The Willow Ptarmigan

The Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus), designated as the state bird in 1955, is known for its seasonal plumage that changes from brown in summer to white in winter for camouflage.

State Flower: The Forget-Me-Not 

The Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis alpestris), adopted as the state flower in 1917, is a delicate blue wildflower that thrives in Alaska's alpine regions.

Plants & Animals

Alaska’s ecosystems range from coastal rainforests to Arctic tundra. The Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), the state tree, dominates the temperate rainforests of southeastern Alaska. Tundra regions are covered with mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs, while wildflowers such as fireweed and lupine brighten the summer landscape. The state is also home to vast boreal forests featuring black spruce and birch.

Alaska's vast and varied habitats support iconic wildlife. The Moose (Alces alces), the largest member of the deer family, is common in forests and wetlands across the state. Bird species such as the bald eagle, puffin, and sandhill crane are frequently observed. Marine life includes humpback whales, sea otters, and salmon, while Arctic regions are home to polar bears, caribou, and musk oxen. Rivers and lakes host species like the Arctic grayling and king salmon, the state fish.

NPS Sites

Denali National Park and Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Katmai National Park and Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Kobuk Valley National Park
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Sitka National Historical Park
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve
Cape Krusenstern National Monument
Alagnak Wild River

Easter eggs: Totem Pole, Grizzly Bear, Polar Bear & Denali

Totem poles, intricately carved and painted wooden sculptures, hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Indigenous peoples of Southern Alaska, including the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. As symbols of ancestry, history, and storytelling, these towering monuments are found in places like Ketchikan’s Totem Bight State Historical Park, preserving Alaska’s rich Native heritage.

The grizzly bear, a powerful and iconic predator, thrives in the wild landscapes of Alaska, particularly in places like Katmai National Park (check out their live cam!) and Denali National Park. As a key species in Alaska’s ecosystem, these bears symbolize the state’s untamed wilderness and are a major draw for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

The polar bear, the largest bear species, roams the icy shores and waters of northern Alaska, particularly around the Arctic coast and the Beaufort Sea. As a symbol of Alaska’s fragile Arctic ecosystem, these majestic predators depend on sea ice for hunting and are a focal point for conservation efforts amid climate change.

Denali, the tallest peak in North America at 20,310 feet, towers over the rugged wilderness of Denali National Park in Alaska. As one of Alaska’s most iconic landmarks, it draws adventurers, climbers, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking breathtaking landscapes and untouched natural beauty.

Jump to Alaska * Jump to Hawaii * Jump to Washington * Jump to Oregon * Jump to California

Hawaii

State Capitol: Honolulu

Established as the state capital in 1845, Honolulu is located on the island of O'ahu and serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of Hawai'i.

State Bird: The Nēnē

The Nēnē (Branta sandvicensis), also known as the Hawaiian goose, was designated as the state bird in 1957. This species is endemic to Hawai'i and is adapted to volcanic landscapes.

State Flower: The Yellow Hibiscus

The Yellow Hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei), adopted as the state flower in 1988, is native to the Hawaiian Islands and represents the state’s vibrant natural beauty.

Plants & Animals

Hawai'i’s unique ecosystems range from lush rainforests to volcanic deserts. The Kukui Tree (Aleurites moluccanus), or candlenut tree, was designated as the state tree and is valued for its nuts, used historically for oil and lighting. Tropical plants such as ti leaf, breadfruit (ulu), and taro (kalo) play significant roles in Hawaiian culture. Native forests include species like koa, ʻōhiʻa lehua, and hala trees, while hibiscus and plumeria add splashes of color to the islands.

Hawai'i’s isolation has fostered the evolution of unique wildlife. The Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), a migratory visitor to Hawaiian waters, is the state marine mammal. Birds such as the nēnē, ʻiʻiwi (Hawaiian honeycreeper), and Hawaiian hawk (io) are iconic. Marine species include green sea turtles (honu) and reef fish like the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (Rhinecanthus rectangulus), the state fish. Hawai'i is also home to monk seals and spinner dolphins, while invasive species like mongoose and feral pigs threaten native ecosystems.

NPS Sites

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Haleakalā National Park
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Honouliuli National Historic Site
World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

Easter eggs: Pearl Harbor, Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Volcanos of the Big Island of Hawai'i, Hawaiian canoe

Pearl Harbor, located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, is a historic naval base that became the site of the December 7, 1941, attack, which led the United States into World War II. As one of Hawaii’s most significant landmarks, it is now home to memorials like the USS Arizona Memorial, honoring those who lost their lives and preserving the history of that pivotal day.

Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, preserves an ancient place of refuge where those who broke sacred laws (kapu) could seek safety and forgiveness. As one of Hawaii’s most culturally significant sites, it showcases traditional Hawaiian architecture, royal grounds, and sacred temples, offering a glimpse into the islands’ rich history and spiritual traditions.

The volcanoes of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, including Kīlauea, Mauna Loa, and Mauna Kea, shape the island’s ever-changing landscape with their powerful eruptions and lava flows. As the heart of Hawai‘i’s geological and cultural identity, these volcanoes are central to Hawaiian legends, scientific study, and the ongoing creation of new land.

The Hawaiian outrigger canoe, or wa‘a, is a traditional Polynesian vessel that played a crucial role in the early settlement and exploration of the Hawaiian Islands. As a symbol of Hawai‘i’s seafaring heritage, these canoes—especially the double-hulled voyaging canoes like Hōkūle‘a—continue to connect Native Hawaiian culture with the art of wayfinding and ocean navigation. Learn more about carving canoes as well as other Hawaiian traditions from this video, from Britannica.com

Jump to Alaska * Jump to Hawaii * Jump to Washington * Jump to Oregon * Jump to California

Washington

State Capitol: Olympia

Established as the state capital in 1853, Olympia is located at the southern end of Puget Sound.

State Bird: The Willow Goldfinch

The Willow Goldfinch (Spinus tristis), also known as the American goldfinch, was designated as the state bird in 1951. This bright yellow bird is commonly seen in meadows and along roadsides.

State Flower: The Coast Rhododendron

The Coast Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum), adopted in 1892, is native to the Pacific Northwest and is admired for its vibrant pink blooms.

Plants & Animals

Washington's ecosystems include coastal rainforests, alpine meadows, and dry eastern plains. The Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), the state tree, dominates the temperate rainforests of western Washington. Forests are also home to Douglas fir, red cedar, and bigleaf maple trees. Wildflowers such as lupines, Indian paintbrush, and trillium brighten the landscape, while eastern Washington features sagebrush and native bunchgrasses.

Washington’s varied habitats support a wide range of wildlife. The Olympic Marmot (Marmota olympus), found only on the Olympic Peninsula, is one of the state’s iconic mammals. Birds such as the willow goldfinch, bald eagle, and great blue heron are frequently observed. Marine life in Puget Sound includes orcas, harbor seals, and Pacific salmon, while inland rivers are home to steelhead trout. Reptiles and amphibians include the Pacific treefrog and garter snake, adapted to the state’s diverse climates.

NPS Sites

Olympic National Park
Mount Rainier National Park
North Cascades National Park
San Juan Island National Historical Park
Whitman Mission National Historic Site
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Manhattan Project National Historical Park
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve
Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail

Easter eggs: Space Needle, Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park

The Space Needle, an iconic observation tower in Seattle, Washington, was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and symbolizes the city's futuristic vision. As one of Washington’s most famous landmarks, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Seattle skyline.

Mount Rainier, the tallest peak in Washington State at 14,411 feet, is an active stratovolcano that dominates the skyline of the Pacific Northwest. As the heart of Mount Rainier National Park, it is a symbol of Washington’s rugged beauty, offering glaciers, wildflower meadows, and challenging mountaineering adventures.

Olympic National Park, located in Washington State, is a vast and diverse wilderness featuring rugged coastline, lush temperate rainforests, and glacier-capped mountains. As one of Washington’s most treasured natural areas, it showcases the state’s ecological richness, from the moss-draped trees of the Hoh Rainforest to the wild beaches of the Pacific Coast.

Jump to Alaska * Jump to Hawaii * Jump to Washington * Jump to Oregon * Jump to California

Oregon

State Capitol: Salem

Established as the state capital in 1851, Salem is located in the lush Willamette Valley.

State Bird: The Western Meadowlark

The Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), designated in 1927, is known for its melodic song and is often found in open fields and grasslands.

State Flower: The Oregon Grape

The Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium), adopted in 1899, is an evergreen shrub with yellow blossoms and blue berries, symbolizing the state’s natural beauty and resilience.

Plants & Animals

Oregon’s ecosystems range from coastal rainforests to high desert plains. The Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), the state tree, dominates the western forests and is a major contributor to the state’s timber industry. The Willamette Valley is home to oak savannas and wildflowers such as camas and trillium, while the eastern regions feature sagebrush and junipers. Coastal areas are adorned with Sitka spruce and rhododendrons, adding to Oregon’s lush landscapes.

Oregon's varied habitats support diverse wildlife. The American Beaver (Castor canadensis), the state animal, is common along rivers and streams, symbolizing industriousness and resilience. Birds like the western meadowlark, bald eagle, and osprey are widespread, while the coastal waters host sea lions, gray whales, and tufted puffins. Reptiles and amphibians include the northern alligator lizard and rough-skinned newt, while fish such as Chinook salmon and steelhead thrive in Oregon’s rivers.

NPS Sites

Crater Lake National Park
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Nez Perce National Historical Park
Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail
Oregon National Historic Trail
California National Historic Trail
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail
Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

Easter eggs: Heceta Head Lighthouse, Mount Hood, International Rose Test Garden, Smith Rock State Park

Heceta Head Lighthouse, perched on the dramatic cliffs of the Oregon Coast, is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. As a beacon of Oregon’s maritime history, it has guided sailors since 1894 and continues to shine its powerful light 21 miles out to sea.

Mount Hood, the highest peak in Oregon at 11,240 feet, is a dormant stratovolcano that dominates the state's skyline. As one of Oregon’s most iconic landmarks, it offers year-round outdoor recreation, from skiing at Timberline Lodge to hiking through its scenic alpine forests.

The International Rose Test Garden, located in Portland, Oregon, is home to over 10,000 rose bushes, showcasing varieties from around the world. As one of Oregon’s most beloved attractions, it reflects Portland’s nickname, the "City of Roses," and serves as a premier testing ground for new rose hybrids.

Smith Rock State Park, located in central Oregon, is famous for its dramatic cliffs, rugged canyons, and world-class rock climbing. As one of Oregon’s most stunning natural landmarks, it attracts adventurers, hikers, and climbers eager to explore its breathtaking volcanic formations.

Jump to Alaska * Jump to Hawaii * Jump to Washington * Jump to Oregon * Jump to California

California

State Capitol: Sacramento

Established as the state capital in 1854, Sacramento is located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers.

State Bird: The California Quail

The California Quail (Callipepla californica), designated as the state bird in 1931, is known for its distinctive plume and gregarious nature.

State Flower: The California Poppy

The California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica), adopted in 1903, is celebrated for its vibrant orange petals and blooms widely across the state’s landscapes in spring.

Plants & Animals

California’s ecosystems range from coastal redwood forests to arid deserts. The Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), the state tree, includes some of the tallest trees on Earth and thrives along the northern coast. The iconic Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) dominates desert landscapes, while chaparral regions are filled with scrub oaks and manzanita. Wildflowers like the California poppy, lupine, and monkeyflower create colorful spring displays in grasslands and meadows.

The California Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos californicus), though extinct, remains a state symbol and is featured on the state flag. Other mammals include mountain lions, mule deer, and gray whales, which migrate along the coast. Bird species like the California condor, golden eagle, and snowy plover are notable. Reptiles include the desert tortoise and western fence lizard, while rivers and streams host species such as Chinook salmon and rainbow trout.

NPS Sites

Yosemite National Park
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Death Valley National Park
Joshua Tree National Park
Redwood National and State Parks
Channel Islands National Park
Pinnacles National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Point Reyes National Seashore
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Cabrillo National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Manzanar National Historic Site
Mojave National Preserve
Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
César E. Chávez National Monument

Easter eggs: Napa Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, Joshua Tree National Park, Balboa Park & Santa Monica Pier

Napa Valley, located in northern California, is world-renowned for its picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and exceptional wineries. As one of California’s premier wine regions, it attracts visitors from around the globe for wine tastings, gourmet dining, and scenic vineyard tours.

The Golden Gate Bridge, spanning the Golden Gate Strait in San Francisco, California, is an engineering marvel known for its iconic red-orange color and Art Deco design. As one of California’s most famous landmarks, it symbolizes the state’s innovation and connects the city to the stunning landscapes of Marin County. Check out their live webcams!

Joshua Tree National Park, located in southern California, is famous for its surreal landscapes, rugged rock formations, and the iconic Joshua trees that thrive in its desert environment. As one of California’s most unique natural wonders, it showcases the dramatic meeting of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, offering breathtaking scenery and world-class rock climbing.

The Santa Monica Pier, located on the California coast in Santa Monica, is a historic landmark featuring an amusement park, an iconic Ferris wheel, and stunning ocean views. As one of California’s most famous coastal attractions, it marks the western end of Route 66 and embodies the state’s classic beach culture.

Balboa Park, located in San Diego, California, is a cultural and architectural gem featuring lush gardens, Spanish Colonial-style buildings, and world-class museums. As one of California’s most treasured public spaces, it is home to the San Diego Zoo and serves as a hub for arts, history, and outdoor recreation.

Jump to Alaska * Jump to Hawaii * Jump to Washington * Jump to Oregon * Jump to California