Palouse Falls, Washington

The Palouse River runs through a narrow cataract and drops 200 feet to a churning bowl. From there, the current moves swiftly, through a winding gorge of columnar basalt, to its southern end at the mighty Snake River.

All Washingtonians, visitors to the region and Ice Age floods fans should see Palouse Falls State Park at least once in their lifetime.

Carved more than 13,000 years ago, Palouse Falls is among the last active waterfalls on the Ice Age floods path. This natural wonder was named Washington’s state waterfall in 2014, when the state Legislature passed a bill written by local schoolchildren, who advocated for the designation.

Palouse Falls is an artist’s dream, and many a painter or shutterbug has set up an easel or camera and tripod to capture the falls in the changing light. Others make the trip in all four seasons, when the water is high, low or frozen, because they understand that once is not enough when it comes to seeing Washington’s own state waterfall.

Getting There

From Ellensburg, head east on I-90 toward I-82/Spokane/Yakima and continue on this road for approximately 28 miles. Take exit 137 to merge onto WA-26 east toward Othello/Pullman. Continue another 83 miles until you reach the small town of Washtucna, often referred to as the “Gateway to Palouse Falls.” Turn right onto Main Street and drive through Washtucna. If you blink you might miss it, so keep your eyes open; There will be a gas station on your left with restrooms if you need to make a pit stop.

Continue southwest on Main Street for 6.4 miles, entering into Franklin County. Then turn left onto WA-261 S. You will begin to see signs here for Palouse Falls State Park. Follow the highway as it winds through rolling hills for another 8.5 miles. Turn left onto Palouse Falls Road. The road is clearly marked with a sign indicating “Palouse Falls State Park.” Drive 2.4 miles and enter the park following a dirt and gravel road to the end to find the parking area. The lot has room for two dozen or more cars. Don’t forget to display your Discover Pass!

Campsite information

This park has a tent-only campground with 11 primitive campsites and a pit toilet. One tent site is ADA accessible. Each space can accommodate up to two tents and four people. Sites have no hookups. Each space includes a picnic table and fire pit. Braziers are available. Drinking water is available from April to October. All campsites are first come, first served. For information call the park at (509) 646-9218.

Check-in time is 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time is 1 p.m.

Fees

For fee information, check out our camping rates page. Please note that campsite fees are payable on site with cash or check only. Camping fees include one vehicle only. All additional overnight vehicles will need to pay an extra vehicle fee of $10 per night.

 

The rest of the articles and the original stories you can find there.

Thank you all!

https://parks.state.wa.us/559/Palouse-Falls

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/palouse-