In this page, you will find informations and advices we can give, based on our experience
Palouse - Washington
What to do if you have little time : Steptoe Butte State Park
Another extremely photographed Northwest location of the United States. Yet it is only wheat fields ! But these fields are on very hilly meadows. The region is as wrinkled. In the daytime, when the sun is high, this is of no interest. The reliefs are not apparent. But when the sun is lower in the sky, the shadows lengthen and highlight the hills, while giving a warm tint to all this greenery. You also need a little luck and / or good preparation of your trip to Palouse, because the whole point is to be here when the wheat is still green, ie within the first 15 days of June.
Steptoe Butte State Park
No hike
1 to 2 hours
10$ per vehicle
N 47° 01' 55.2"
W 117° 17' 49.3"
Steptoe Butte State Park is characterized by a slightly higher altitude than other hills, allowing to dominate these plains. The best place is however not on top of this hill, but halfway.
Access : from the city of Colfax take north on US195 for 7 miles. Turn right on Scholtz Road just after the sign for "Steptoe Butte 5 miles". At a crow's feet, turn right on Hume Road for 4 miles then left at the sign for Steptoe Butte State Park.
Kamiak Butte State Park
0,7 mile
1 hour
10$ per vehicle
GPS trail to download
It is a butte similar to Steptoe Butte, but the reliefs that surround it are less interesting. However there is a nice picnic area. A short hike of 1,4 miles round trip with a relatively large drop (330 feet) allows to climb to the top of the hill.
Access : from Pullman, take the WA-27 north for 11,7 miles. Turn left on Clear Creek Road for 0.4 mile and continue straight on Fugate Road for 1,7 miles. Turn left onto Wells Marvin Road to the park.
To see around
Lodging
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Copyright Magali and David BELLEC