The Quirky, Heartfelt Symbol of Northwest Pride
You’ve probably seen it: a jagged, minimalist outline of Washington State—but flipped upside down—stuck proudly on a Subaru, a dusty hatchback, or a bike frame in a coffee shop parking lot.
At first glance, you might think, “Did they put it on wrong?”
But no—it’s intentional.
And what began as a lighthearted inside joke has blossomed into a beloved symbol of Pacific Northwest identity, blending humor, humility, and deep regional pride.
Let’s explore the story behind this upside-down emblem—and why so many people wear it like a badge of honor.
