Burn Ban - Level 1

Fires allowed in all designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills allowed.

Part of the Park is Closed

Start Date:

All trails into the canyon and base of Palouse Falls are permanently closed. Venturing beyond designated viewing area and trails at the park is prohibited. 

General

Start Date:

Limited parking at Palouse Falls during high-use periods.

Parking at Palouse Falls State Park is limited during high-use periods, such as weekends and holidays. Turnaround for vehicles with trailers and RVs is very difficult during these times. We recommend visitors avoid bringing vehicles to the park during high-use periods.

A large waterfall pours over a cliff.
A waterfall at the end of a deep canyon with mist rising from the water below.
A close up view of the waterfall.
A river flows through a rocky canyon with patches of grass and shrubs.
A parking lot with a short trail to an overlook at the edge of a canyon. A river is flowing below.

Palouse Falls State Park Heritage Site

Palouse Falls Road, LaCrosse, WA 99143

Palouse Falls State Park Heritage Site is a 94-acre day use park with dramatic views of the official state waterfall.

Rules

  • Day-Use Only
  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires Allowed in Designated Areas

Parking at Palouse Falls State Park is extremely limited and you can expect long waits to enter on weekends and holidays.

Trailers and RVs are not allowed.

Extreme weather is possible so be sure to bring plenty of water and check the weather before your visit.

The majority of the park does not have cell phone service. Palouse Falls is far away from nearby cities, amenities, and first responders, so please plan ahead to help make your trip a success.

Visit the Adventure Awaits Blog for more tips on visiting the park.

Activities

First Day Hike Events

Bird Watching

Amenities

Automated Pay Station

Restrooms

Trash Service

Grill

Picnic Shelters

Picnic Tables

Accessible Parking

Parking

Interpretive Opportunities

Observation Deck

Accessible Trails

Park features

River

Seasonal Wildflowers

Viewpoint

Image

Waterfall

Wildlife Viewing

Rules

  • Day-Use Only
  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires Allowed in Designated Areas

Parking at Palouse Falls State Park is extremely limited and you can expect long waits to enter on weekends and holidays.

Trailers and RVs are not allowed.

Extreme weather is possible so be sure to bring plenty of water and check the weather before your visit.

The majority of the park does not have cell phone service. Palouse Falls is far away from nearby cities, amenities, and first responders, so please plan ahead to help make your trip a success.

Visit the Adventure Awaits Blog for more tips on visiting the park.

Map & visitor guide

46.66492844, -118.2264328

Carved more than 13,000 years ago, the Palouse River runs through a narrow cataract and drops 200 feet at Palouse Falls into a churning bowl. From there, the water current moves swiftly through a winding gorge of columnar basalt, to its southern end at the Snake River. 

The park offers three distinct views of the falls. The lower viewpoint provides a direct view that is reached by a set of steps from the main day-use area adjacent to the parking lot. The second, at the end of a paved interpretive path, explains the history of the secluded canyon. Both the interpretive path and gravel secondary parking area lead to the third and highest viewpoint, the Fryxell Overlook. This overlook offers panoramic views of the falls and Palouse River Canyon.

Concessions

Walla Walla Shaved Ice offers a variety of delicious flavors on their Hawaiian Shaved Ice. They also serve cold brew coffee, snacks, and other beverages. They are open Friday - Sunday in April through October. To look at their menu, visit them on Facebook.