PALOUSE FALLS STATE PARK, JOSO, WA :: Despite having once lived in the Palouse region for five years, I had never been to Palouse Falls. On my way to Hell’s Canyon, I noticed signs for the park along SR261, a curvy and scenic road between the towns of Washtucna and Starbuck. I tagged the location on my TomTom, intending to finally check it out on my way back home.
Without the signs, most people would drive right on by, never suspecting such a unique and massive waterfall hiding just on the other side of the hills. From 261, a short dirt road leads to a parking lot, picnic area and a circuit of trails to various lookouts. I noticed additional trails along the canyon floor that might be fun to explore and spotted some hikers near the hoodoos above the waterfall’s edge. I suspect there might be some interesting dayhike opportunities here if I ever return, but today I only pulled over for a quick pit stop.
The falls drop nearly 200 feet into a stepped wall canyon. It’s a very impressive landscape to behold, definitely worth a detour and visit on your way through Eastern Washington.
Without the signs, most people would drive right on by, never suspecting such a unique and massive waterfall hiding just on the other side of the hills. From 261, a short dirt road leads to a parking lot, picnic area and a circuit of trails to various lookouts. I noticed additional trails along the canyon floor that might be fun to explore and spotted some hikers near the hoodoos above the waterfall’s edge. I suspect there might be some interesting dayhike opportunities here if I ever return, but today I only pulled over for a quick pit stop.
The falls drop nearly 200 feet into a stepped wall canyon. It’s a very impressive landscape to behold, definitely worth a detour and visit on your way through Eastern Washington.
