Palouse Falls
Washington • 198 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Palouse Falls
Palouse Falls plunges approximately 198–200 feet (about 61 m) on the Palouse River in southeast Washington, sitting roughly four miles (6 km) upstream of where the Palouse meets the Snake River. The falls are set within the 94-acre Palouse Falls State Park, and the scene includes an upper cascade of about 20 feet (6 m) located roughly 1,000 feet (300 m) north-northwest of the main drop, as well as the dramatic lower plunge. These features combine to make the park a compact but rewarding destination for day visitors and photographers. Trails in the state park lead to designated viewpoints that frame the main plunge and the river corridor below. If you’re planning to camp nearby, Lyons Ferry Marina is the closest campground, about 8.62 km away, making Palouse Falls an easy addition to a regional loop of scenic stops along the Snake and Palouse rivers.
The Setting
Palouse Falls sits at 719 feet along the Palouse River, in the foothills of Washington. At 198 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Washington.
Height: 198 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The primary route to the Palouse Falls overlook is an established out-and-back trail of about 2.4 miles round-trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain; the route is typically rated moderate. The trail delivers hikers to a designated viewpoint that looks out over the main 198-foot fall and downstream canyon. Surface, grade, and formal trail class details from a USFS trail listing are not provided in the supplied data; visitors should expect a maintained park path to the overlook and follow posted signs and stay within designated areas for the best views and safety.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 198 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Palouse Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Palouse Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is the best time to visit, as the waterfall is most impressive during this season. However, it is a year-round destination with unique beauty in every season.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Stay on designated trails and avoid unmaintained paths, as the terrain can be unstable and dangerous. The canyon edges are steep and unfenced in some areas. Exercise caution, especially with children and pets.
Current Water Conditions
39 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 91 years of record
3.12 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge PALOUSE RIVER AT HOOPER, WA (12 km away).
Today
Moderate
39 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
40 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
42 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
41 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
43 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
46 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
48 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to early May, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Washtucna hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 304 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The falls are listed at 198 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 759 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 208 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 217 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 759 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 304 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Palouse Falls is located in Palouse Falls State Park, approximately 23 miles southwest of Washtucna, Washington. It is accessible via Palouse Falls Road, which is a paved and gravel road leading to the park.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area at Palouse Falls State Park, which can accommodate cars and small RVs. Parking may fill up during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
719 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.663479° N, -118.223577° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit in the spring when the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. Bring water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes if you plan to explore beyond the main viewpoint. Cell service is limited, so plan accordingly.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Lyons Ferry Marina
5.4 miles away · 0 sites
This recreation area is part of Lake West
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Dayton, Washington
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Dayton, Washington on SoakingSprings.
Explore Washington springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Lyons Ferry State Park and the Snake River. The surrounding area also offers opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, including hawks and eagles, as well as small mammals and reptiles.
Cities near Palouse Falls
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