It's Picture Perfect in the Palouse
By Britnee Christen
There is no doubt the Palouse is one of the most spectacular areas in the world. With rich, rolling farmlands, vivid colors and incredible contrasts, it’s a photographers dream and a visitor’s delight.
The Palouse region is over 3,000 miles in size and filled with distinctive geological formations created millions of years ago by volcanic activity, the Great Missoula Flood and prehistoric wind storms. These environmental events created the landscape many call home and rely on for production of wheat, pulses, canola and so much more.
Visitors interested in hiking can get out and stretch their legs on the trails of Kamiak Butte or Steptoe Butte. Make it to the top and find yourself enjoying a 360-degree view of the rolling hills of the Palouse."
There are many opportunities to explore the natural landscapes of the Palouse. Wiggle your toes in the sand at the dunes, bike the 38-miles of paved trails or play a round of golf at one of seven golf courses. Visitors interested in hiking can get out and stretch their legs on the trails of Kamiak Butte or Steptoe Butte. Make it to the top and find yourself enjoying a 360-degree view of the rolling hills of the Palouse.
Most who explore the Palouse region make Pullman, Washington their home base for adventure. Pullman is home to Washington State University and a vibrant community of locals with a passion for their region. While in Pullman enjoy local craft beer and wine, dine on menus created with local foods and maybe even take in a live show at one of the local theatres.
Pullman also serves as the hub for the Palouse Scenic Byway. Take a drive and explore 208-miles of scenic roadways and charming communities. Enjoy delicious foods and a charming community in Palouse, snap a photo of the iconic Dahmen Barn wagon wheel fence, or stroll down memory lane at the vintage Texaco Station in Rosalia.
Standing at 198 feet, the Palouse Falls can be found in the Palouse Falls State Park.
The Codger Pole in downtown Colfax commemorates a grudge match football game played 50 years after the original by the same players.
Cyclists can enjoy the endless backroads winding through rich Palouse farmland.
Other points of interest along the Palouse Scenic Byway include the Codger Pole in Colfax, the Mammoth Archaeological Site in Latah, the J.C. Barron Flour Mill in Oakesdale, the litch gate at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Palouse and the WSU Bear Research Facility in Pullman.
So why not come and explore? Get lost amongst the hills on the Palouse Scenic Byway or take in a PAC-12 football game at Martin Stadium in Pullman. Find hidden treasures while antiquing and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local bakery. Don’t forget to grab the camera and capture your perfect moment on the Palouse.
Discover relics of a by-gone era as you explore the small towns of the Palouse.
Get local at the many eateries you'll find along the way.
Experience letterpress printing presses dating to the 1800s at the Roy M. Chatters Newspaper Museum in downtown Palouse.
There is something for everyone here on the Palouse, so, won’t you visit?
CLICK HERE to Experience the Palouse Scenic Byway.
Britnee Christen is Tourism Director for the Pullman Chamber of Commerce. She is responsible for overall tourism and convention marketing programs as well as advertising for the city of Pullman and the Palouse Scenic Byway.