I fell in love with the Palouse, a stunningly beautiful region tucked in southeastern Washington State and north central Idaho, over twenty years ago. At the time, I was living in Seattle, and decided to explore an area that I hadn’t yet been to. Since then, I’ve visited the Palouse numerous times, and it has become one of my favorite places in the world. This region will captivate any visitor, with its distinctive rolling hills covered in a variety of vibrant hues, old and often decaying farm homes, quaint small towns from a bygone era, and stunning vistas. The Palouse offers a serene escape from more urban areas, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Cyclists are especially attracted to the Palouse because of the quiet country roads and scenic byways providing a spectacular view. The Palouse Scenic Byway is a picturesque route, winding through rolling farmlands and charming small towns.
History of the Palouse
The Palouse region is a land of rich agricultural heritage. Its history is deeply intertwined with the indigenous peoples, early settlers, and the development of American agriculture. The name is believed to have originated from the indigenous Palus tribe, which was later adapted by French-Canadian fur traders to describe the area’s rolling, fertile hills.
The indigenous Palus and Nez Perce tribes practiced fishing, hunting, and gathering, navigating the complex network of rivers and streams and relied on the area’s diverse plant and animal life for sustenance. The Palus tribe were known for their expertise in breeding and trading Appaloosa horses, which became an integral part of their culture and economy.
European-American settlers arrived in the mid-19th century drawn by the promise of fertile land. When the Northern Pacific Railway was completed in the 1880s facilitating easier access, a wave of homesteaders arrived, eager to cultivate the rich soil. The Palouse quickly became a major agricultural center, particularly for wheat production. By the early 20th century, it was one of America’s leading wheat-producing regions.
Today, the Palouse remains a vital agricultural area, known not only for its wheat but also for legumes, barley, and canola. The area’s agriculture is supported by research and innovation from institutions like Washington State University in Pullman. In addition to its agricultural significance, the Palouse has become a destination for travelers and photographers from around the world, drawn to the area’s stunning landscapes and charming small towns. From the ancient heritage of the indigenous tribes to the pioneering spirit of early settlers, the Palouse stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of those who have shaped its history.
Stunning Natural Scenery
The Rolling Hills – The Palouse is renowned for its distinctive wave-like landscape, characterized by gently rolling hills that stretch endlessly into the horizon. These hills are covered in lush emerald green during spring and summer, bright yellow canola during September, and a golden sea of wheat in the fall, creating a dynamic and ever-changing panorama. When the wind sweeps the hills, you’ll witness the changing hues. The occasional red colored barn or old farmhouse adds another dimension worthy of a photograph. The unique topography of the Palouse is the result of ancient volcanic ash and silt deposits, shaped over millennia by wind and water, giving the region its signature appearance.
The hills of Palouse are a dream come true for photographers. The interplay of light and shadow on the rolling terrain creates a tapestry of colors and textures. The best time to visit is during sunrise and sunset, when the soft light accentuates the curves of the hills and casts a magical glow over the landscape.
Kamiak Butte – Kamiak Butte County Park, located southwest of the town of Palouse, is considered a national natural landmark. The butte reaches over 3,600 feet, and the park offers five miles of trails through forests and meadows. A moderate climb to the summit offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
The Snake River – The Snake River forms the southern boundary of the Palouse region. The scenic river, hugged on both sides by steep barren hills, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking.
Palouse Falls – On the western edge of the Palouse is Palouse Falls State Park, a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its dramatic and rugged beauty. Plunging nearly 200 feet into a deep basalt canyon formed 13,000 years ago by the Palouse River, the falls are a stunning display of raw power and scenic splendor. The surrounding landscape, characterized by cliffs and rolling hills, adds to the dramatic setting, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts. At sunset, the changing light and shadows offer a visual display not to be missed. Palouse Falls State Park offers three viewpoints, hiking trails, picnic areas, toilet facilities and limited camping. An informal trail to the base was recently closed due to the high number of accidents and injuries.
Steptoe Butte – Steptoe Butte State Park, located east of the small town of Steptoe, offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Palouse. The quartzite formed butte rises over 3,600 feet above sea level and provides a 360-degree vantage point of the surrounding farmland and iconic hills. Driving up the steep and spiraling road to the butte is an adventure in itself, with dramatic drops just beyond the edge of the road. At the top, there are opportunities for hiking, photography, and picnicking, all while taking in the view.
Small Town Charm
The Palouse is dotted with charming small towns that offer numerous sights and attractions, museums, fun events, dining and lodging. Driving or walking through these towns and their main streets evokes a bygone era.
Palouse, Washington – The town of Palouse sits along the Palouse River. The town beckons with its vintage charm and artistic flair. Here, you can visit local art galleries, browse through antique shops, and savor the laid-back pace of life that defines this rural community. Visitors can step back in time and explore the evolution of the news industry at the Roy M. Chatters Newspaper and Printing Museum. The Bank Left Gallery, housed in an old bank, showcases regional artists adjacent to a Euro-style tearoom. The annual Palouse Days festival, held in September, is a highlight, featuring a parade, live music, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Colfax, Washington – Located a short drive from scenic Steptoe Butte State Park and the ghost town of Elberton, Colfax makes a great base for visiting interesting attractions, including the Codger Pole, a 65-foot-tall wooden pole with the wrinkled faces of 51 football players carved into it. The pole commemorates the 1988 rematch of a 1938 high-school rivalry game. Visitors can also explore the Perkins House, a restored Victorian built by one of the town’s founders in 1887. The Palouse Empire Fair is held each September, offering carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, a rodeo, entertainment and food and craft vendors.
Pullman, Washington – Home to Washington State University, Pullman is the region’s largest town and offers a pleasant mix of college-town vibrancy and rural tranquility. Visitors can stroll through the many shops and boutiques in the historic downtown area, enjoy a meal at one dozens of restaurants, explore the university’s sprawling beautiful campus, or hike and bike along the numerous trails. During the autumn, the Washington State Cougars football team brings surge of energy to town on game days. On campus is the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art which has a permanent collection of over 4,000 works of art.
From Pullman, the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail stretches through Washington and Idaho, following along the Moscow/Pullman highway. The trail is part of the former Union Pacific Railroad and passes through 13 original railroad bridges.
Dayton, Washington – My favorite town in the Palouse is Dayton, known for its rich history and well-preserved 19th-century Queen Anne and Victorian style architecture. The town’s vibrant Main Street is lined with historic buildings housing cafes, boutiques, antique shops, the Wenaha gallery and the Liberty Theater. Dayton is also home to a beautiful Columbia County courthouse, the oldest in Washington State. The Dayton Historical Depot Society maintains two museums including the historic Dayton Depot and the nearby Boldman House, built in 1880 and an example of the Queen Anne architectural style. Every May, Dayton Days is held on the last Saturday. Visitors can watch a parade, and participate in activities such as old-time games, rope making, butter churning and apple peeling. There is plenty for outdoor enthusiasts including hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby Lewis and Clark Trail State Park.
Moscow, Idaho – On the Idaho side of the Palouse is Moscow, a charming city that is home to the University of Idaho. The city boasts a lively downtown area with a variety of local shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, including the historic Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. Nearby, the Appaloosa Museum is dedicated to education about the Appaloosa horse. The city is surrounded by scenic landscapes such as Moscow Mountain and its many trails. Moscow is known for its commitment to sustainability and local agriculture, highlighted by the popular Moscow Farmers Market.
A Growing Wine Region
The Palouse region is home to a growing number of wineries that produce exceptional wines. Take a leisurely wine tour, savor tastings at picturesque vineyards, and learn about the winemaking process from passionate vintners. Nestled among the vibrant farmlands, the wineries of the Palouse offer a unique blend of scenic beauty, exceptional wines, and warm hospitality. The following wineries are all located in the Palouse.
Wawawai Canyon Winery, located near Pullman, Washington
Merry Cellars Winery, in Pullman, Washington
Colter’s Creek Winery, in Juliaetta, Idaho
Dumas Station Wines, near Dayton, Washington
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, in Spokane
When to Visit, and Getting There
The best times to visit are in the spring and early summer, when the hills are a vibrant green, and in late summer and fall, when the golden fields create a striking contrast against the blue sky. There are no interstate highways that traverse through the Palouse, only state highways and rural roads. The nearest interstate highway is Interstate 90 which traverses east-west between Seattle and Boston.
The Palouse region starts just south of the city of Spokane, another destination that should be visited. The Spokane International Airport has seven airlines with non-stop service to 20 cities. Car rentals are available from the airport. From Spokane, Highway 195 traverses south to the heart of the Palouse.
Toward the southern edge of the Palouse, the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport provides another option for visitors, with daily flights to Seattle and Boise.