Anyone who has seen the Grand Canyon in Arizona can attest to its vastness and natural beauty.  Did you know that Washington also has its very own grand canyon? If you’ve not been to Palouse River Canyon in Washington yet, you’re in for a beautiful treat that includes the canyon and a breathtaking waterfall. Or, if it’s been too long since you’ve visited, you’ll definitely want to add it to your to do list for the coming year.

James Hawley / Flickr
According to the Palouse tribe, Palouse Falls State Park in Washington had an interesting start. The Palouse River once flowed smoothly into the Snake River, until four giant brothers decided to pursue a mythic creature called Big Beaver. Each time Big Beaver was speared, he gouged the canyon walls and caused the river to bend and to change. The fifth time he was speared he fought the brothers with all his might and tore out a huge canyon in the process.
NikonFDSLR / Flickr
The river tumbled over the cliff Big Beaver created and became Palouse Falls. The jagged canyon walls show the deep marks of Big Beaver’s claws. The falls were originally called Aputapat, but the name was changed later to honor the Palouse tribe.
Andrew Flenniken / Flickr
The cliffs and canyons that make Palouse Falls so spectacular were actually carved out by the giant flood that happened between 15,000 and 30,000 years ago when the Missoula Ice Dam broke apart. That flood shaped the entire region, including the Columbia River.

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Palouse Falls State Park has so much incredible scenery. Of course, its shining glory is the waterfall itself, which was named the official Washington State Waterfall in 2014. The proposal for the bill was started by a group of elementary school students from Washtucna who lobbied the state legislature.
Chris H. / Yelp
The official name of the canyon that lies south of the falls is the Palouse River Canyon. It’s 1,000 feet deep in some places, and you can get a good view by hiking the two-mile Palouse Falls Trail.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Palouse Falls State Park is open year round, and you can even camp out with reservations. Click here for the official website of Palouse Falls State Park.

Have you ever been to Palouse River Canyon in Washington? Share your experience in the comments! If you like waterfalls, you’ll definitely also want to plan a visit to Comet Falls.

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More to Explore

Palouse River Canyon In Washington

Beth Price-Williams | March 14, 2020

Where else can I find the best views in Washington?

For some of the very best views in Washington, treat yourself to a delicious meal at The Dining Room at the Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie. Request a seat near the window, where you’ll have sweeping views of the gushing waterfall.

If it’s been too long since you’ve had a getaway, plan a trip to The Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge, where you’ll have sensational views of the river and of the mountains. Each cabin boasts a full menu of amenities – from a kitchenette to WiFi.

What are the most scenic hiking trails in Washington?

Whether you’re an avid or a newbie hiker, you’ll find an abundance of sensational hiking trails in Washington. One hike that you’ll definitely want to add to your bucket list is the Staircase Rapids Loop Trail in Olympic National Park. The 2.1-mile scenic trail provides beautiful views of forests and streams. You’ll also cross a suspension bridge.

For another scenic trail that features a waterfall, set off on the Marymere Falls Trail near Port Angeles. The 1.8-mile trail will take you along wooden stairs, shaded by towering trees, that lead straight to the gushing Marymere Falls.

Are there any other natural wonders in Washington?

Who’s up for a road trip? Sometimes we all need to get away. This road trip will take you to some of the best natural wonders in Washington. The nearly 12.5-hour road trip spans more than 660 miles. Along the way, you’ll stop at such natural wonders as Mount Rainier, Palouse Falls, and Mount St. Helens.

If you don’t have time for a full-blown road trip, consider visiting some of the best natural wonders in Washington on daytrips. Definitely add Snoqualmie Falls, Puget Sound, and Discovery Park to your bucket list.

 

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Featured Addresses
Palouse Falls State Park, Palouse Falls Rd, LaCrosse, WA 99143, USA