United States · Columbia Plateau, Washington
Palouse Falls
Carved by catastrophic Ice Age floods that repeatedly scoured the Columbia Plateau, the falls drop into a stark basalt canyon that looks abruptly out of place amid the surrounding wheat country. It's Washington's official state waterfall.
Carved by catastrophic Ice Age floods that repeatedly scoured the Columbia Plateau, the falls drop into a stark basalt canyon that looks abruptly out of place amid the surrounding wheat country. It's Washington's official state waterfall.
Palouse Falls drops 61 metres (200 ft) on the Palouse, inside Palouse Falls State Park. It is a plunge-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Washtucna, with PSC the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Spring runoff gives the fullest, most dramatic flow before summer thins the desert river.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Spring runoff gives the fullest, most dramatic flow before summer thins the desert river.
Entry: State park Discover Pass required
Getting there
- Base townWashtucna
- AirportPSC
- CountryUnited States
- RegionColumbia Plateau, Washington, North America
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
46.6647, -118.2278
Quick answers
How tall is Palouse Falls?
Palouse Falls drops 61 metres (200 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall on the Palouse.
When is the best time to visit Palouse Falls?
Peak flow is March to May. Spring runoff gives the fullest, most dramatic flow before summer thins the desert river.
What can you do at Palouse Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Palouse Falls?
The usual base is Washtucna, and the closest airport is PSC. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. State park Discover Pass required.
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