Palouse Falls — Attraction in Dayton

The drive was the purpose, not the destination. My first visit to Palouse Falls after 11 yrs in E. WA. was just a day hanging out with my daughter.

If you're in the area it's ABSOLUTELY worth the DETOUR because the falls really are impressive. Everybody who drives from west of 395 to WSU or the U. of Idaho should make this stop at least once in their college life. Keep in mind the last few miles are a washboard dirt road, not the best for sports cars.

As a singular destination there's just not a lot to do at the site besides a picnic, a photo op, & a short hike which looks down into the canyon ABOVE the falls.

If you do the short hike, know that you can walk right up to the edge of the dirt and rock cliff. There are signs all over the place warning people not to approach the edge because of the risk of falling. I strongly recommend against taking children who can't obey instructions, or need to be leashed/carried.

Off the the north end of the loop trail mapped by the State of WA, adjacent to the railroad tracks, there is a game trail that can take you down to the Palouse River. This would be a BAD idea because you might slip into the river above the waterfall. FAIR WARNING to those with friends who have poor decision making skills.

A highlight are the marmots at the picnic tables. They beg with the confidence of 3rd world kids at an NGO convention. But remember the FATTER that they get, the easier to prey they become for the hawks and eagles.

This is a state park so entry requires a Discover Pass or day use fee. National park passes do not...

Palouse Falls is a beautiful and scenic spot in Washington that offers breathtaking views, especially when you visit with family. The falls are stunning, and there are plenty of picnic benches available, making it a great spot for a family outing. It's a peaceful and enjoyable place to relax and take in the natural beauty.

However, there are a few things to note. The restrooms could use some improvements, as the current facilities are quite outdated and need some fixing. It would be great if the park could upgrade the toilets and perhaps add more restroom facilities to accommodate visitors, especially on busy days.

Additionally, if you're planning to visit, make sure to bring your Washington State Parks pass, as there is a fee for entry. It's always helpful to be prepared!

While the experience was overall fantastic, safety is key when visiting. There are some areas near the cliffs that are quite dangerous, so be cautious and keep an eye on the kids. Also, there have been reports of rattlesnakes in the area, so it's essential to be mindful of your surroundings while hiking.

Despite these minor concerns, the visit was memorable and worth it. Palouse Falls offers a great outdoor experience with a stunning natural backdrop, perfect for a family day out. Just remember to stay safe and plan...

Extremely scenic State water fall of Washington, a bit out of the way, but a must visit when in the area like in Walla Walla. The drive from Walla Walla takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the route, but it is absolutely worth it. To reach the day-use area, one has to follow a wash-boarded gravel road for about a mile or two. Parking at the day use is limited, but when I have visited during a weekday or even on a weekend night I had no issue finding parking. I think campers and RVs are not allowed to enter as there's no real way for them to turn around. The views of the falls and the canyons formed during the Missoula floods even just from the day use area are fantastic. There are some paths that can be followed along the fenced-off cliff face for different vantage points. One can also (very carefully) follow a dirt trail to additional cliff point views overlooking the falls from above. The park also has some picnic tables. Highly...