Miles outside of established civilization, past Dayton, Starbuck and Lyons Ferry rests a hidden high desert gem, Palouse Falls. This roaring waterfall has captured the hearts and minds of many since a few years ago when a man rode a Kayak over its 200 foot descent.
This tents only and day use park keeps you safe from the bowl sided cliff with fencing allowing you to take photographs to your hearts content. For the more daring, there is a gap in the fence that leads you on a 30 minute adrenaline rush. Along the winding cliff face are trails work to dirt from the daring, down through ravine and a little minor trespassing on Union Pacific property allows for the 125 foot defending trail of fractured loose stone.
Once you’ve reached the base of the valley, you’ll meander through desert Brush and trees while clamoring over extremely large winter wash boulders. Keep a keen eye for rattle snakes, though they are rarely seen - they can be resting on stones sunbathing and comparing tan lines.
Past the brush you’ll reach the minor step down falls, this is an excellent swimming and fishing hole, safely far enough from the great falls to enjoy a day at the river. If you are still in the hiking mood then pass the swimming hole and continue south through the canyon. You’ll see a wall strewn with limestone scrawling, some decades old professing loves to last a lifetime, mine included.
There are two distinctive paths to take, one is river side and one is wall side. The wall side trail is much like any other hiking trail you’re used to, minor rising and lowering according to terrain, it is dirt with stones and sagebrush. The river side trail is massive boulders from which to enjoy a parkour-like hike leaping from stone to stone and the feeling cheating death along the cliffs edge.
At the furthest point on the trail you will reach the top of The towering Palouse Falls itself, the energy of the earth with surround you and the mist will lightly cool you as you feel accomplished, rowing spited of granite are like statues peering over the 200 foot drop.
Please be cautious here as many people have not lived to tell of their experiences at Palouse Falls, but do not let a darker subset of history dissuade you from your exploration as this is a once in a lifetime journey.
