Palouse Falls State Park

Great place to visit but the campground is closed at the moment :(

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.

This is an interesting spot. Love the waterfall and views, but you have to be pretty comfortable camping basically on top of your neighbors. As I prefer a bit more isolation when getting into the great outdoors, this campsite is not high on my list. But, the waterfall area is gorgeous and a unique gem amongst the landscape

I love coming here so much

Loved it here

Palouse Falls was designated the state waterfall in 2014 and we had been told it was not to miss. Apparently, four people have died falling off the cliffs here, according to signs as we approached. The road in is dirt with a lot of “washboard” and just over two miles. Navigable by any car, just take it slow. The falls are beautiful but not much to do here. Tent camping only, no RV or van camping in the parking lot. When we arrived on July 2 at mid-day, there were no tents and we mistakenly ate our lunch in a “campsite”, not realizing the day use area was off to the right. Camping area was a large field with no separation between the sites other than the picnic tables being numbered. Pit toilets only. We camp in a van so we moved on down the road after enjoying the Falls.

If you are a night sky photographer, this is the campground for you. The limited to no light pollution makes this perfect for any night sky event! If you are not a night sky photographer, I wouldn't waste my money. It's a very reasonable $12 a night. But it's hot, very hot. Limited to zero shade, a pit toilet that doesn't get maintained often enough with the amount of visitors. Don't get me wrong, the area is beautiful, gorgeous canyon, high cliffs, waterfall is amazing. There is a trail, on the other side of the protective fence, on the side of the cliff. That's a big nope for me! DON'T GO PAST THE FENCE. So yes, very hot, amazing waterfall, cool wildlife. Not much else. Great day place, not exactly where you want to spend a week.

There are bathroom facilities. Beautiful views, hikes are about 1-3 miles. Beautiful overviews of the falls and if you’re adventurous and fit enough can climb down the canyon to the base of the falls and walk along the river. Lots of wildlife, watch out for rattle snakes. Stick around for sunset you won’t be disappointed. Camping is in an open grassy area, no reservations or real boundaries between sites, all sites are smushed together. Very transient turnover. Most people stay one night. A discover pass is required.

The camp is first come first serve. There’s only 12 spots for tents and there can be up to 8 people per spot. The views are amazing and the sunrise is amazing from camping area. We were there in late August and it was pretty cold at nights but the days were cool enough to go for a hike.

Even in early June it was sweltering and dry at Palouse Falls. We stumbled upon the park while driving across the country and it was a welcome break from the monotony of the region. As soon as the sun started going down the weather cooled off enough to walk around the rim of the canyon above the river and waterfall. We didn't try swimming but I hear that there are a few places that it's safe to cool off in the water.

Middle of nowhere with surprisingly beautiful waterfalls and either an accessible short hike, or a few miles of fairly easy hiking. Make sure to visit in the spring when there is a lot of water. In our opinion, it’s not worth driving a huge distance to visit (unless you’re really into waterfalls), but if you’re in the area it’s a great place to stop and spend the night. The campground is very small, but since it’s so out of the way it apparently rarely fills up. Sites are exposed, no views of the falls. Nice day trip and nice simple state park campground.

The scenery was phenomenal and the Rangers were really great. We had a good time, but the camping area was small and there wasn't any privacy between sites. I will go back, for sure, when I go hiking, but I now realize it's not exactly geared to bring young children. A good friendly place to lay your head for sleep between hikes. Oh!, and make sure you check you gas tank and make sure you have everything you need. There isn't a gas station or store anywhere near.

Sure was hot when we visited the falls. Camping at the falls is not really a good option as the sites are right in the middle of where all of the people visiting for the day go through. I would suggest camping nearby (maybe near the snake river). There are not clear signs as to where to hike for trails to get you to the bottom of the falls. Some of the hiking is pretty scary as there are no barriers if you were to fall. Definitely worth the visit though!