I see that WTA's website says the trail down to the upper falls is 'permanently closed' and I'd say there isn't much permanent about it. There's an open gate to the trail (which could easily be closed and locked if it was 'permanent'), and signage saying to be careful, stay back from the cliffs, keep kids close and keep dogs on a leash. There are also signs noting that this is rattlesnake country. However, there are ZERO signs that use any words like 'closed', 'do not enter' etc., and in company with an open gate, I consider that fair game. We walked the widest and clearest trails to keep our eyes open for rattlesnakes (zero sighted minus one shed skin, but that really means nothing about their population numbers), and stayed well back from cliff edges. There is a diagonal trail down from the train tracks that drops you into the basin around the upper falls, which are much smaller. I was heading here off a recommendation from the book Swimming Holes of Washington, published in 2018 by the Mountaineers press. About that part... while I did get in and enjoyed the water close to the upper falls, I wouldn't rave about this as a swimming hole. The current is slow enough, the water was very refreshing if very foamy around the edges, and the algae was not terrible. It is, however, a lot of trouble between the general uncertain status of the trail access, the risk of rattlesnakes (sorry, not a fan), and the poison oak, which is quite healthy in the basin. The falls were gorgeous! The road was washboarded but not very pot-holed, there's no water at the falls, as well as no cell service. There are picnic tables (some in the shade), pit toilets with hand sanitizer and a ranger box, which was closed while we were there. Discovery pass required.

Note that Palouse falls state park is really remote, so plan ahead with food, water, driving and rest. Discover pass is needed at this location. The Parking lot is big, good picnic area, had a small restroom but no running water on May 8 when we went. Good view of falls and valley right off the parking lot and there are trails leading to other viewpoints but with large warning signs to go at own risk. Portions of the park also appear closed. Lots of rattlesnake warnings and we saw plenty of snake holes along the trails. Lot of marmots running around the cliffs too. Flow at the waterfall was really good and the views were just gorgeous! Watch your pet - make sure they don’t eat bugs or chase rodents. 

A must see if you are in the area! Along with the viewpoints, you can do a small loop to see the falls from different vantage points. Do note the trail is no longer open descending to the falls. If venturing past the official viewpoints be sure to keep a safe distance from the edge - winds are harsh and a fall would be deadly.

I decided to stop by Palouse Falls as I was "in the area" and figured I would not get another good chance to see it anytime soon. This is a hefty drive from anywhere on the west side of the Cascades, and I most likely would not make a special trip for it unless the camping opens up again.

The road in was curvy, but in good shape. The final push on gravel was also decent, though there were some big potholes right after the park entrance/near the bridge. I really enjoyed the grassy picnic area and the facilities were welcome. There's a chain link fence surrounding the drop, though there are quite a few social trails across the footpath. I stuck to the paved areas, and spotted a perfect rainbow in the bowl of the falls. Very pretty and surprisingly quiet for the time I was there.

When in Rome… visit the falls!

Pretty busy and short, but the payoff is good for families or for those seeking a rest stop between points.

There’re some educational placards about how the falls were formed, some history about the coulees, etc, that are also worth reading (much like Dry Falls).

Definitely watch out for rattlesnakes: leash your pet, keep your kids under control, and stay out of the brush. Also, stay away from cliff edges: people have died here, as the signage notes!

There’s a (bootleg?) trail on the northeast portion of the public area by the train tracks. I went down and it was a bit challenging (for the area), but not too bad. Just take your time and you can get up and down. There’s supposedly another bootleg trail that follows the west/south side of the canyon walls by the falls per CalTopo, but I didn’t want to meander over there since it seemed precarious and I was just walking around without my pack and tools (my approach shoes were fine, but I was playing it safe).

I picked up some trash while there, but there’s more down in the canyon to collect. I didn’t want to wander out into the brush without long pants, high top boots, and my trekking poles because of rattlesnakes.

The falls weren’t something I would personally actively seek out (I’ve seen a lot of other falls of similar scale), but it’s a great rest stop 🙂. Others might get more value from the falls than I did, however, so my comment shouldn’t be taken as a suggestion that one shouldn’t go here.

The coulees, plant life, green oases among hills of brown, the movement of the grass in the breeze (like fingers through hair), the proximity to Snake River (my first time seeing it!!), and the overall drive were probably the best part to me about this trip. The awesome things I discover when out looking for lookouts!