OUTSIDE WALLA WALLA

Palouse Falls

ACTIVITIES

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Trails ,
Viewpoints ,

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(Hiking, Trails, Viewpoints)

Overview

Summary

Thanks to a group of local, engaged elementary students, Palouse Falls is the official state waterfall of Washington. Dropping roughly 180 feet, Palouse Falls is a must see attraction. It is truly an impressive feature of the landscape. The park offers multiple views of the falls, and many interpretive signs enrich the experience.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Folks at the National Park Service are working toward a comprehensive trail system that would tell the story of the ice age floods. Palouse Falls would absolutely be one of...

Folks at the National Park Service are working toward a comprehensive trail system that would tell the story of the ice age floods. Palouse Falls would absolutely be one of the destinations along the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail (as proposed), thus reinforcing the significance of the area. This area is already heavily utilized and can at times be pretty crowded.

Consider off season usage or go early to beat the heat and the crowds in the summer. As a personal note, of the many times my family has visited the falls, inevitably we observe folks hiking in closed areas. Please know that tragic accidents happen, and always err on the side of caution.

Amenities
Vault toilets are available near the parking lot. Water is available April to October. There is one picnic shelter with a table and brazier (firepit) and seven uncovered braziers. An additional 15 unsheltered picnic tables and two acres of picnicking area is available to spread a blanket. Picnic sites are first come first served.

Regulations
Dogs must be on a leash.

Wildlife Awareness
We are all so fortunate to recreate in the Blue Mountains and Walla Walla Valley. So many opportunities exist to play outside, whether in a national forest, wilderness area, or on a Wild and Scenic River. With these opportunities comes great responsibility to appreciate that we are mere visitors and should all take pride in being good stewards of the wild.

Many animals call these protected places home, including moose, elk, bear, cougar, bobcat, and snakes to name a few. Take precautions to respect their home and understand the appropriate response should an encounter occur.

Additionally, many plant species thrive in the Blue Mountains, so staying on trail is always good practice.

Carry First Aid supplies to better respond to accidents or encounters, and always let others know where the day’s adventure is taking you.

Field Notes
Disclaimer: While the Outside Walla Walla team has enjoyed all the adventures listed on this site, we cannot provide real-time conditions & maintenance reports. Extreme weather can change access overnight. Volunteer groups might lose capacity to manage trail systems. We do our best to report that information and update our site accordingly, but please read our Disclaimer (footer) and proceed with any adventure as your comfort level allows.

WHAT TO DO

Hiking

Official trails to viewpoints are paved, ADA accessible, and short, which makes this destination very family friendly. The expansive views of the falls and surrounding landscape are literally right outside your car door. Hiking is no longer allowed beyond the 0.1 mile viewpoint trail.

Camping

Consider Starbuck / Lyons Ferry Marina KOA, Tucannon River RV Park, Texas Rapids Recreation Area, Little Goose Landing, or Lewis and Clark Trail State Park for nearby overnight options.

Kayaking

While there is no access to the Palouse River from the park, paddlers can kayak up the Palouse River from Lyons Ferry State Park. It is an extremely difficult paddle to the plunge pool and not recommended. The current from the falls is extremely strong. Do not enter the plunge pool. For a much more leisurely journey, simply enter the mouth of the Palouse River and enjoy the scenery, and save the view of the falls for the park.

Palouse Falls Gallery

WHEN TO GO

The park is open year-round. Winter hours for the day-use area are 8:00 am to dusk; summer hours are 6:30 am to dusk. The waterfall definitely wears the seasons well, so visit often. A day at the falls in the...

HOW TO GET THERE

Take HWY 125 north out of Walla Walla for three miles and take a left on Harvey Shaw/ Lyons Ferry Road (potentially unmarked). Follow for 42 miles then take a left on HWY 261. Cross the bridge over the Snake...