You can really only walk about along the canyon top overlooking the falls, which is still nice, but not really a hike.

After visiting the Wastucna Bus we ventured over to Palouse Falls.

We got there at 3:00pm in the dead of the heat. 97 degrees. HIGHLY RECOMMEND doing this trail early or right before dusk.

The road from the highway was 2 miles in on a gravel grated road that most cars could manage with ease. Once we got into the state park there were a ton of open parking spots with a row of honey buckets.

We started down the stairs to Fryxell Overlook, where there were picnic tables covered in shade. We navigated to the left of the Falls where most of the trail were outlined in fences. We did see a family manage to go down to the river behind the falls but it looked like a giant scree hill to get there.

None the less, Palouse Falls was an amazing stop for a road trip!

Palouse Falls State Park - this was more of a walk/view than a hike.  Arrived late on a Thursday evening to visit the iconic falls en route from Western to Eastern WA.  Wanted to see the golden hour at sunset and made it just in time for some beautiful colors across the canyon and sky.  There is a short path up to the right of the falls with a couple of locations for viewing.  To the left of the parking lot there looks like a gravel path but didn’t seem safe to hike with the sun starting to set.  You can get great views from the top viewpoint instead to the right.

The road into the park is about 2 miles and all gravel that is grated and in good condition. Pit toilets in parking lot.

After finding #thatNWbus, we decided to make the trip out to Palouse Falls.  Quite a busy day at this tiny NW spot!  The rangers were very informative sharing which trails to use and were sure to stress the importance of staying behind the barriers they had placed near the falls.  Unfortunately, there were those who moved the barriers and continued on down to the river.  It's those who have to ruin it for others!

The river was flowing quite full and was impressive to see the mighty power of water flowing.  We were able to get quite a few good views from some near the edge places that were not barricaded off.  Lots of birds and hawks soaring up above.  Enjoyed a nice lunch in the grassy area with many picnic tables to choose from.  Did see several ground hogs busy doing their thing along the cliff edges and in the picnic area.

#MemberAppreciation

Did this back in May. But am really sad that the state plans to remove all access to the bottom pool. Already sad enough they don’t allow camping anymore. Loved to camp there. Here is a secret they don’t want you to know: you can still reach the lower pool of Palouse falls. And it can be done without even entering the State park. I haven’t been up in the last year or so to see what the trails are like. They were always sort of sketchy and I know of 4 different ways to get down to the bottom pool. There is the standard route of going from above the falls by the rock towers at the top of the falls. There is a small slot canyon you can use that has a small gate at the top about 1/4 mile from the parking lot. You can traverse a ridge or two and hike from the bottom of the canyon to the falls. Or my most recent route down there was to paddle in without ever even going thru the park. 5 miles away is lyons ferry park which is free. You put in there and ride the snake for probably a mile. Then it’s 4ish miles up to the falls. Few will ever do this but it’s a great day adventure.