"It rains so much in Washington that the state is literally upside down with water!"
It's a playful reference to the drizzling rain that falls in the legendary Pacific Northwest—especially west of the Cascade Mountains, where gray skies and misty forests set the mood for much of the year.
2. Modestly looking at state pride
Unlike flashy state flags or bold logos, the upside-down sticker says:
“I love this place, but I don’t take myself too seriously.”
It's unassuming, humorous, and deeply reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest: unpretentious, nature-loving, and a little eccentric.
3. A nod to Mount Rainier 
Some say the state's southern arc resembles Mount Rainier—Washington's iconic, snow-capped volcano—in reverse, rising proudly from the landscape.
(Look closely: the “bottom” of the upside-down sticker really does mimic a mountain peak!)
4. Community and belonging
For many, it's a silent handshake among Washingtonians.
See one on the side of the road? You've found your tribe - people who understand Dungeness crab season, ferry culture, and why "sundays" are a cause for celebration.
More than a sticker – it’s a mindset
The upside-down Washington sticker is not about geography.
It's about values:
Love of wild places (primeval forests, alpine lakes, rugged coastlines)
Respect for rain (not as gloom, but as a life-giving rhythm)
Quiet pride (no shouting – just a subtle, all-knowing symbol)
Joy in imperfection (because who needs everything in its place?)
Even people who have moved away keep the sticker as a talisman of home—a reminder of foggy San Juan mornings or the scent of cedar after a storm.
Where will you see it?
On Subarus (the unofficial PNW car)
On kayaks, bike frames and backpacks
In cafe windows from Bellingham to Portland
In cars of expatriates in the United States – and even abroad!
Ironically, the upside-down sticker has become so iconic that companies are now selling it upside down - proving that the joke has become a tradition.
Final thought
In a world of loud logos and performer pride, the upside-down Washington decal does the opposite: it's quiet, smart, and full of heart.
He doesn't say, "Look where I came from!"
He whispers, “If you know, you know.”
So, next time you see one, give it a nod.
You just found another person who loves rain, mountains, and the beautifully eccentric charm of the Evergreen State.
