Day Hiking at Palouse Falls

By Harley McAllister
Looking for a fun day trip to see something spectacular?  Something that will make your heart skip a beat?  Then you might consider a scenic drive to a short hike around Palouse Falls.

The Palouse River winds its way through the deserts and coulees of eastern Washington on the north side of the Snake River. But not far from the town of Starbuck (which is completely unrelated to anything to do with coffee) it plunges 186 feet off a basalt cliff into a large basin of frothing, foaming water.  What will make your heart skip is learning that this is the highest waterfall ever paddled by a kayaker.  That's right, in the spring of 2009, just a couple days before our family visited the falls, Tyler Bradt rode his kayak over this massive waterfall and survived.    You can see the video on YouTube, but you might save it until after you visit the falls so that the first time you lay eyes on this natural wonder will be in person and not on a video screen. See Tyler's amazing feat here: World Record Waterfall in a Kayak

One of the great features of the Palouse Falls State Park is that it is low in elevation, which means you can access and enjoy it literally year round.  In fact, viewing the falls in their icy, wintry landscape is a beautiful sight.  However, it is even more spectacular in the spring when abundant run-off makes the falls plunge and surge with the surplus water, and the wildflowers are starting their show.  Accordingly, this is a great activity to consider in late March through May when the ski season is winding down but the more traditional hiking and camping options are still inaccessible.
Picture of Palouse Falls, image, Palouse Falls, Palouse Falls State Park, Kids, Family
Palouse Falls flows big in the Spring.
The park is also well suited to any age and ability level.  You can drive almost to the various vantage points the park affords of the falls, and trails to the majority of these vantage points are short and paved - anyone can negotiate them.  There you will find interesting interpretive signs and protective fences to keep you from the precipitous edge.  Just beyond this fence you will likely see a good number of yellow bellied marmots running along the cliffs that they call home.  These delightful little fur-balls always seem to fascinate and delight kids... and adults alike.  You are also very likely to see a number of birds flitting about in the wind currents created by the falls, catching bugs and generally putting on a good show.

If you are interested in stretching your legs a bit, there are a number that branch off the main trail that leaves from the north side of the parking lot, none of which would exceed 2 miles total in hiking.  You can walk along the rim of the cliff to stand directly above the head of the waterfall, if you dare, or you can stay left and explore the scablands and river channel upstream of the falls.  At the north edge of the 105 acre park there is actually a train track, but don't spend a lot of time hoping to see a train as this spur is seldom used.

Take note of the trail in the left hand photo below.  You can see that hiking to the head of the falls will cause you to wan to grab your child's hand and hold on tightly...
So if you find yourself with some cabin fever after a long winter, or if you are passing through this region of the state, take the time to go and visit one of the regions more impressive waterfalls.

When you go


 First, don't forget your WA State Discover Pass (link), or you'll have to pay $10 to get in.

From Hwy 12 go east/north on State Route 261 for 20.5 miles then turn right onto Palouse Falls Rd. as indicated by a sign reading "Palouse Falls State Park - 2".  Follow this 2.4 miles to the park.

From the north, look for State Hwy 26 22 miles east of US 395.  Go south on State Route 260/265, which is also called Main St. here. Take this for 6.4 miles before turning left to stay on WA-261.  You will then drive another 8.7 miles before turning left on Palouse Falls Rd. to your destination.