Mar 11 2009
Cool Hangouts: Palouse Falls
With spring around the corner, it is definitely time to start considering a cool place to hangout once warm weather comes around. One of the best places I had the chance to visit last year was Palouse Falls, a towering waterfall that tumbles H20 56 meters into large circular pool below. Although the spring waters are not especially clean for swimming, the top of the falls offer good swimming and beautiful scenic views, especially at dusk.
When you get to the falls, you can take two trails to the top of the falls. The first is to the right of the parking area, down a narrow ravine, and then across a narrow trail on the edge of the canyon. You will end coming to the falls by way of the ledge visible to the upper left of the falls. The other way is to the left of the parking lot, down by the railroad tracks, down the side of the cliff, and then to the right of the canyon wall. You end up coming out behind the waterfalls, where you can swim.
Some facts:
-Height: 56 meters
-Depth of Canyon: 115 meters
-River: Palouse River
-Connects With: Snake River 4 miles downstream
Overall, the trails are fairly challenging, but excellent spring or fall hiking. It might be a little hot in the summer, so be careful to take water and maybe a swimsuit (hint hint).
Trail Stats:
- Terrain: Dirt and rock
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
- Elevation Gain/Loss:Less than 600 ft.
- Overall Rating: 9/10
