I can’t remember how many years this hike has been on my bucket list. It just always seemed so far away that it wasn’t convenient to visit. I happened to be along the Columbia River so I made a three hour detour to swing by Palouse on the way home to western Washington. The wind was a real factor on this day so it limited what I was willing to do. On a calm day, the loop trail would be great fun and not nearly as dangerous.
View near the parking area
The road from Hwy 261 is gravel and graded in such as way that your teeth chatter, so increase your speed to around 30mph to avoid rattling every bolt loose in your car. There’s plenty of parking on two levels with lots of tables and clean pit toilets if you just want to go for the views. A Discover Pass is required because this is a state park. You can pay a $10 day fee at a couple of kiosks and even by phone if you don’t have cash.
The parking area and overlook have the best views of the falls
It felt very sketchy to be within a few feet of the edge with the unpredictable gusts of wind, and I lost my nerve to take the lower trail. Instead, I decided to walk over the plateau and down to the upper river location in order to get to the point of the falls. Several signs warn of impending doom and rattlesnakes. People have died here, so be careful.
There’s a steep path from the plateau along the rail tracks to reach the river access trail
Once you make your way down to the river, you hop rocks to the cliff base and find another trail that leads to the point and the waterfall. These basalt cliffs are beautiful (despite the graffiti), but are definitely not stable. They periodically shed rocks that would easily take you out. It’s a bit of a Russian roulette walking along the trail. I’m overly cautious because a head-sized chunk fell feet from me at a similar location in Iceland. I’m sure you’l be fine…
View from the upper river towards the falls
It’s a short and simple hike to the point along the river. I found a spot to eat lunch here, sheltered from the wind somewhat. It’s unfortunate that everywhere I looked there was graffiti on the rocks, discarded bags of dog poop and even baby diapers scattered in the bushes.
The upper river is 10-20 feet wide
The point above the falls
I stepped two feet beyond the sign and the wind was so strong I turned right around again. I saw others out there later, but they have more guts than I do. Will I return? Doubtful, but I’m happy I went.
1.4 mi loop
387 ft elev gain
Hikers seen: Lots
Discover Pass required or $10 day fee. Pay with cash or via phone through the kiosk at the parking area.
