Explore Palouse Falls
LaCrosse, Washington
Description
Added by Mitch Pittman
Explore Washington's State Waterfall with a towering 198 foot drop. The falls are a short walk from the parking area.
Back in early 2014, a group of fifth-graders from nearby Washtucna, Washington were able to convince the governor to name Palouse Falls the official State Waterfall.
These miniature John Muirs were on to something.
Palouse Falls is every bit as accessible as it is spectacular. From the parking lot, walk about 50 feet to an overlook with interpretive signs and sturdy fences to guard you from the massive cliffs.
For a great photo op, hike a couple hundred yards on social trails cut into the grass for awesome views of the falls and valley extending to the South. There are NO FENCES here. Be very careful and don't go too close to the edge of the cliffs.
The five minute walk to Upper Palouse Falls, which really looks more like rapids, is worth the effort after driving all the way out here.
This is a great spot for a family trip. There are bathrooms right at the parking lot, in addition to picnic tables and a shelter. There are even 11 campsites for those who can handle the coyotes howling all night long. The sites are first come first served. You can get more information by calling the state park (509) 646-9218.
It's a long drive from the Puget Sound area, but well worth a weekend trip to admire the falls and take in the unique landscape in this part of the state.
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Reviews
Pictures don’t do it justice. It is a very beautiful place to visit and the hike is easy for the most part. Went fishing there and we found a great spot
4.0
We had fun exploring the area with the kids. The campground was pretty much full but we were able to snag a spot. Great spot for car camping with the family.
5.0
This was such a fun place to explore. Definitely recommend it.
5.0
I went on the best day ever. There was a class of photographers there so it was a little crowded but it had a great overhang. I went right before sunset and it turned a little overcast and started to drizzle. Cleared a lot of people out but we stayed and it was worth it. Sun came back out and there was a rainbow right above the falls with amazing light. Didn't get a chance to hike underneath the falls or go behind it but the view from above is just incredible.
5.0
I went here with some friends in the early fall. We had a blast hiking around he falls all day and getting to some beautiful spots. We actually swam in the water around the base of the water fall and although it was very cold it was a great experience. The day was amazing but when it came to camping it left a lot to be desired. The camp sites were small and very close together with little to no privacy. Defiantly a great destination but don't expect a great camping experience.
4.0
Lived an hour away from this beauty my whole life and had no idea it existed. You want to get there early to beat the crowds and the heat if you're going during the summer. Beautiful and well worth it. Hiking trail is great but there are some loose rock you will have to travel across. Great place to bring a lunch and sit under a tree while you listen to the roaring falls.
5.0
Amazing waterfall. Don't forget your wide angle lens or pano feature. Be careful once you go off the path there's no railings or anything to protect you.
5.0
Beautiful waterfall that is wonderful to photograph and has a plethora of easy to access viewpoints. While the park will likely be full of people whenever you visit, you can always follow some of the scattered 'trails' that not only lead around the falls, but down to the base of the waterfall as well. This path gets a little narrow at times, but near the base there is a rope set up to help people get up and down (not that I think it is encouraged by the park to go to the base of the falls anyway), but overall the area is easy to explore and find paths that lead every which way, just be safe if you chose to descend into the canyon.
4.0
The hike to Palouse Falls was quick and easy while affording superb views of the falls from the cliffs as well as the stream that turns into the falls.
5.0
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