Why do drivers put this upside-down sticker on their cars?

Ouadie Rhabbouron
A strange, heartfelt symbol of Northwest pride
You've probably seen it before: the jagged, minimalist outline of Washington state—but upside down—proudly plastered on a Subaru, a dusty hatchback, or a bicycle frame in a coffee shop parking lot.
At first glance, you might think, “Did they pick it up wrong?”
But no – that's intentional.
And what started as a lighthearted, inside joke has become a beloved symbol of Pacific Northwest identity, combining humor, humility, and deep regional pride.
Let's discover the story behind the upside-down symbol - and why so many wear it as a badge of honor.
🌊 The Origin: A    Sticker   That Went Viral
Like many other state outline    stickers ,  the    Washington state sticker   was an easy way for travelers and locals to show their roots. Its distinctive shape—the Olympic Peninsula jutting out to the west, the Cascade Mountains bisecting the state, the square Canadian border—makes it instantly recognizable, even in silhouette.
In the 2010s, these stickers exploded on backpacks, laptops, and car bumpers, especially among outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and coffee drinkers (yes, it goes perfectly with that other PNW icon: the green mermaid).  

Car dealership
But then… someone turned it around.
🔄 Why upside down? The real meaning(s):

Why upside down? The real meaning(s)

There is no single “official” reason – but the beauty lies in its layers of meaning, shaped by community, humor, and love for the land:

1. “The rain never stops” ☔

The most popular explanation?

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