What is the most western state in the USA? Take a guess and scroll down to learn the answer to this travel trivia question! You might be surprised to learn which state is farthest west. Read on to discover the most western point in the U.S. and learn fun facts about the country's Western states.
California is west…but not that far west.
When many of us picture the U.S. West Coast, California springs to mind. It's no wonder with the state's 840 miles of shoreline along the Pacific Ocean. California is the most populous state in the country. Its robust economy represents nearly 15 percent of the total U.S. economy and, if it were a country, the state would be the fifth-largest economy in the world.
California is a diverse state that has plenty of beauty and attractions to please all sorts of travelers, from beaches and theme parks to some of the country's most renowned cities. Want to learn more? Take a look at the best destinations in California for families.
Go farther west than Oregon.
When thinking of going west in the U.S., Oregon may spring to mind. After all, the Oregon Trail led hundreds of thousands of American pioneers westward on wagon trains in the 1800s. The trail stretched nearly 2,000 miles from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon.
Oregon is known for its rugged natural beauty, Willamette Valley wine country, and proudly quirky Portland. Explore things to do in Cannon Beach and Portland with kids.
It isn't Hawaii.
Did your mind wander even farther west across the ocean to Hawaii? The Aloha State is the second farthest west in the U.S. In fact, Hawaii is about 2,500 miles from California's coast. Hawaii is made up of 137 official islands and atolls, including eight major islands. This makes up the longest and most remote island chain on the planet.
Hawaii boasts beautiful white, black, red, and green sand beaches and some of the best surfing waves in the world. The state's welcoming spirit, year-round warm weather, and tropical beauty lure over 9 million vacationers per year. Learn about things to do in Oahu with kids and what it's like to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.
The state farthest west is Alaska!
It might surprise you to learn that Alaska is the most western state, especially when considering how far west Hawaii lies from the Continental U.S. An island named Attu located at the very tip of the Aleutian Island chain is the most western point in the entire country. It is situated about 1,700 miles from Mainland Alaska.
Alaska is renowned for its abundance of wildlife, chilly weather, vast size, and hearty residents. Discover what there is to do in the capital city Juneau with kids.
Test your travel trivia knowledge!
Do you love learning facts about the world? Then you’ll love our travel trivia questions! Test your global knowledge with the questions below.
Which country has the most islands?
What was the first state in the USA?
Which country outside North America is closest to the United States?
What is the only continental U.S. city from which you can drive due south into Canada?
Take a look at additional travel trivia questions!
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What's the farthest west you've ever traveled? Let us know in the comments below!
About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama
had no idea of this before after reading your blog only came to know how the USA and Russia or close enough
Ha! I had no idea… i was on the edge of my seat the whole time! For as much as we travel, you’d think my geography would be better. Thanks for helping me with that!
Ha! Glad to create (and solve) a little mystery for you! 🙂
I nailed it! Alaska! I traveled there and fell in love with it. And I always say it’s almost in Russia! Lol 😂
Love all your fun facts! Keep them coming!
It is kind of crazy how close the U.S. and Russia are!
I guessed Hawaii – I had no idea that Alaska included a chain of islands!!
Researching this travel trivia question surprised me too — I would have thought Hawaii!
I knew it was Alaska immediately. The Aleutians seem to go on forever. Nearly to the largest country on earth, even now after the breakup of the USSR.
Bravo! Good guessing, Rick!
We loved Alaska when we cruised there – you should definitely visit! I guessed that Hawaii was the farthest west though – so I was wrong!
If “west” continues beyond the International Dateline, the furthest West I’ve ever been is Chongqing, which is 7400 miles west of Phoenix, Arizona where I live. Chongqing is home to a wonderful zoo which houses dozens of giant pandas. The highlight of our visit to the Chongqing Zoo, however, was the giant pandas’ small cousin the red panda. Inside their large, treed enclosure we spotted a domestic cat surrounded by three threatening red pandas. Fearing for the poor cat we wondered how it could escape. The cat raised his back then pounced straight up a couple of feet in the air sending the red pandas scrambling for cover.
Tom (a.k.a. Dad) – I think once you reach China, you’re definitely in the East, not the West!
Except it depends a bit on what you mean by “furthest west.” Alaska has the single most western point but Hawaii has the western most geographic center.
Yes, I’m a huge geography geek.