Hike to Palouse Falls

Palouse Falls is the first hike/waterfall I have seen in Eastern, WA and it’s very easy to locate. On highway WA-261 S you will see signs for Palouse Falls and you will turn onto Palouse Falls Road. When I went to this hike it was early April and turned out to be Free Park Day, so waiting in line for this park took my friends and I an hour to enter the parking area. There is a limited amount of parking space so that’s why we had to wait to enter, this park is heavy trafficked with people. As soon as you walk towards the trail you have a full view of the falls and there is a gate blocking you from the cliff. Palouse falls trail is a loop trail. If you wish to take the hike you can either follow the gate to the left onto the trail around the falls or go right, that will bring you straight down to the bottom of the falls. Throughout the trail there is many signs warning you of the danger of falling off the cliffs, don’t let this scare you.. just be aware of your steps please!

If you choose to hike to the bottom of Palouse falls there is a very steep trail. I had to use the cord to go up and down this section on the trail, but don’t let this discourage you.. the bottom is so worth it! Once you reach the bottom of the falls you will be rewarded with rewarding views, rainbows, and mist (or you can swim) to cool you down from the heat!

I highly suggest this half-day hike if you are driving through Eastern Washington or even if you live near the area.

Photographs Taken By : Myself, Omar Guzman, Kiona Goodman, Leann Gladsjo.