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Palouse Falls State Park
Phone: (509) 646-3252
Fax: (509) 646-3297
City: Starbuck
Address:
Po Box 157,
Starbuck, WALocated 23 miles southeast of Washtucna, Wash.
This park features a 200-foot-high waterfall which is particularly spectacular in spring and early summer. A quarter-mile ADA-accessible hiking trail overlooks this natural wonder. The park has an observation shelter and historical displays.
For more up to date information, visit the Palouse Falls page on the state parks web site.
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Park Overview
Palouse Falls State Park is a 105-acre camping park with a unique geology and history. The park offers a dramatic view of one of the state's most beautiful waterfalls. Palouse Falls drops from a height of 200 feet.
Marine Park: No
Park Hours
Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.
Camping:
Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time, 1 p.m.
Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.
Camping:
Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time, 1 p.m.
Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Significant History
The park was dedicated June 3, 1951. For many years the falls were called "Aputapat." Later, the name was changed to commemorate the Palouse Indian culture.
According to a story of the Palouse tribe, the Palouse River once flowed smoothly into the Snake. But four giant brothers, in pursuit of a mythic creature called "Big Beaver," speared the great creature five times. Each time Big Beaver was wounded, he gouged the canyon walls, causing the river to bend and change. The fifth time he was speared, he fought the brothers valiantly and tore out a huge canyon. The river tumbled over a cliff at this point to become Palouse Falls. The jagged canyon walls show the deep marks of Big Beaver's claws.
According to a story of the Palouse tribe, the Palouse River once flowed smoothly into the Snake. But four giant brothers, in pursuit of a mythic creature called "Big Beaver," speared the great creature five times. Each time Big Beaver was wounded, he gouged the canyon walls, causing the river to bend and change. The fifth time he was speared, he fought the brothers valiantly and tore out a huge canyon. The river tumbled over a cliff at this point to become Palouse Falls. The jagged canyon walls show the deep marks of Big Beaver's claws.
Major Landmarks
Created by the Lake Missoula floods, Palouse Falls is the only major waterfall left along the glacial flood path of 15,000 years ago.
Directions provided by the state parks department are given below the map,
or you can try to have google create the directions from the coordinates we have on file.
Located 17 miles southeast of Washtucna.
From State Route 261 Washtucna: Drive southwest 5.8 miles to the State Route 261/260 junction, and turn left at the grain elevator. Follow State Route 261 southeast for 8.7 miles to Palouse Falls Road. Turn left, and follow the road to the end (approximately 2.5 miles).
Directions
From SR 261:Located 17 miles southeast of Washtucna.
From State Route 261 Washtucna: Drive southwest 5.8 miles to the State Route 261/260 junction, and turn left at the grain elevator. Follow State Route 261 southeast for 8.7 miles to Palouse Falls Road. Turn left, and follow the road to the end (approximately 2.5 miles).
| Mammals | Birds | Fish & Sea Life | Plantlife |
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Badgers
Bobcats
Coyotes
Deer/Elk
Marmots
Rabbits
Raccoons
Squirrels
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Chukar
Crows/Ravens
Dove/Pigeon
Ducks
Geese
Gulls
Hawks
Herons
Humming Birds
Osprey
Owls
Pheasant
Quail
Snipe
Swan
Woodpeckers
Wrens
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Alders
Ash Trees
Birch Trees
Oak Trees
Poplars
Lupines
Thistle
Poison Oak
Poison Ivy
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| General | Trails | Freshwater Activities | Saltwater Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
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Swimming
Bird Watching
Wildlife Viewing
Interpretive
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0.5 mi. of ADA Hiking Trails
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The quarter-mile ADA-accessible hiking trail overlooks the falls.
Picnic NotesThe park provides one sheltered picnic area with eight braziers and 10 unsheltered picnic tables with two acres of picnicking area. Picnic sites are first-come, first-served.
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| Park Services | Area Services |
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Boating
Camping Area
Fishing and Hunting Supplies
Gasolene
Golfing
Groceries
Hardware
Marine Supply
Pay Phones
US Mail
Propane
White Gas
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Services and supplies are available at privately-operated Lyons Ferry Marina. | |


