'Squatches at the Falls

Location: Palouse Falls State Park

Directions from Pullman, WA:  Take 195 north to Colfax. Take the Walla Walla left in Colfax and get onto WA 26. In Washtucna, take the left (there should be a sign). Follow 261 until you see the sign for Palouse Falls (another left).

Geocaches: 

• INWCBSA Treasures of the Scouting Southern Cross 6
• Treasure Falls

Rating: If you stay at the top - Easy. If you want to descend to the river, the climb can be a bit steep - Difficult. 

We took the dogs out to Palouse Falls on the first truly warm day of the summer. Terrible mistake. I would not suggest this as an area for dogs as there is absolutely no shade and a lot of snakes

Which might make it an adventure for people without a fear of snakes. Like Baby 'Squatch Brother - who really doesn't like snakes. The second thing to keep in mind is that if you are going to do any serious hiking, you're going to want lots of water. Temperatures climb quickly and these are desert conditions.

On the way in to Palouse Falls, there is absolutely no evidence that there would any waterfalls within hundreds of miles. The drive in comes up the dry Washtucna Coulee. Its a regular dry tumbleweed slice of the Old West - like a Sergio Leone film. Even as you pull into the parking area (which requires either a $10 day fee, or a Washington State Discover Pass), its not immediately obvious where all the water is supposed to be. The wonder of the Scablands is the sudden geological features and Palouse Falls is the most dramatic example. 

If you can tear your eyes away from the water, take a look around. The Scablands was the result of massive flooding unleashed by the waters of Glacial Lake Missoula. The whole region may be Earth's best analog to the Martian Outflow Channels. (Maybe this adventure would be good paired with a long weekend at Crater's of the Moon National Monument). 

Palouse Falls is a busy adventure destination, parking can be difficult on busy weekends, but its a must see for anyone in the area. Nothing more perfectly boils down the essence of eastern Washington's natural beauty. 

Conclusion: Not likely to see a Sasquatch. This place is way to busy on beautiful weekends for that. But, you will see some crazy people setting world records taking their kayak over the falls, or more likely a rock chuck or two.