Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site — Monday, Jul. 25, 2022

I stopped here after a visit to Palouse Falls. I admit there was no hiking, we just drove the road to the top and parked. But it's worth noting that it is a great side trip if you happen to see the signs for it. The countryside of the Palouse Hills are gorgeous. During our visit, ladybugs had recently hatched and there were hundreds of them buzzing through the air, as well as at least five different types of butterflies at the top. Discovery Pass required, and a pay box and placards are at the upper parking lot. Caution: If you have vertigo like I do, the drive might be a lot. It winds up and around, has very few guard rails, and is a relatively steep drop off. I found myself focusing on the inside of the turn rather than admiring the views until we arrived at the top. I see other reviews for snow hiking here. You could easily walk to the top as well, there was no one else here while we were visiting, and you'd just want to listen for oncoming cars. At the time of our visit, some hills were brown from being plowed, others yellow with dry wheat not yet harvested, some green from wheat still getting water, and there were lots of white flowers, which I'm wondering was a clover cover crop? Beautiful view!