Organizing a fly and drive in the United States we always try to include the most popular and well-known destinations. Very often, however, during an on-the-road trip, it happens that you come across hidden gems (both natural and otherwise) that, partly because of an unlucky location, do not get the attention they deserve. This is the case of Palouse Falls in the state of Washington, which offer a spectacular and unique panorama. Let’s find out more about this unknown natural wonder of the North West.
Palouse Falls Directions
As mentioned Palouse Falls are located in the state of Washington, more precisely in its southeastern part along the border between Franklin and Whitman counties just before the Palouse River forms a confluence with the Snake River. They are part of the Palouse Falls State Park.
The address is Palouse Falls Rd, LaCrosse, WA 99143. From Seattle it will take you about 4 hours by car, while from Portland 4 hours and a half, so it is essential, if you want to visit them, to choose an intermediate stop to take a break from driving or a hotel nearby (which I will suggest later), to rest without adding more time to driving. It is therefore an attraction a bit ‘hidden and off the beaten track but, if you have some time available, it is definitely worth going to discover it. If you travel during the winter and autumn months, check the road conditions before organizing your excursion in order not to run into unpleasant situations.
The nearest airport (about an hour and twenty by car) is the Tri-Cities Airport which is located, as you can guess from the name, between the three cities of Pasco, Kennewich and Richland and is connected, among others, with the cities of Seattle and San Francisco. This makes it a useful support point in case you want to organize an internal flight and then rent a car. In this case, we recommend our tips dedicated to the things to know about renting a car in the United States.
In order to visit the park, you need to be in possession of a Washington State Discover Pass, either annual ($30) or daily ($10), which can also be purchased online at the official website. Once you reach the parking lot of Palouse Falls State Park you will have to leave the pass visible inside the car.
Palouse Falls Hike
Don’t expect impressive visitor centers and great facilities (chances are you won’t meet any rangers and there’s also no cell phone network). The only reason why it’s worth coming here is to visit and photograph the impressive Palouse Falls in an original and fascinating setting. The park offers the possibility of walking two short paths to allow you to see and photograph the falls from different points of view.
- the first one, the one located a few steps from the parking lot, will allow you to observe Palouse Falls from above
- the second trail will take you to a viewpoint located in front of the falls.
If you are wondering if it is also possible to descend into the canyon and get to the level of the falls, unfortunately the answer is officially no. There is actually an unrecognized trail, but you can only take it at your own risk as there have been many accidents along this trail in recent years (there are no barriers). That’s why you’ll see notices that advise against going beyond the marked trails, considering the dangers you may be exposed to, and the fact that you’re in a quite remote area.
If you have the chance, and you’re a photographer whose goal is to get the perfect shot, the best time to visit the park is at sunset when the light that changes along the course of the canyon creates a fascinating effect. However, take into account that you’ll need to have a place to sleep nearby to avoid driving hours into the night.
Where to Stay near Palouse Falls
The park offers only a spartan camping site with not many pitches available, and if you want a hotel or a motel, you’ll have to head to the nearby towns. As mentioned, probably the most comfortable solution is to sleep near the Tri-Cities Airport between the three cities of Pasco, Kennewich and Richland where you will find a wide range of options.
Among the many, I would like to mention the Hampton Inn & Suites Pasco and the SpringHill Suites by Marriott. They are both part of popular hotel chains (with all the advantages that this can provide), offer fairly large rooms by American standards and both have the option of using the indoor pool and fitness center.
For all other accommodations in the area you can click on the button below:
All accommodations available in the area
Other solutions (a bit more convenient for proximity but not for the possibility of choice) could be the town of Walla Walla (a little more than an hour by car) and Dayton (about fifty minutes away).
