How to Explore the Palouse Scenic Byway in Washington

Steptoe Butte along Washington's Palouse Scenic Byway

The Palouse Scenic Byway in southeastern Washington is 208 miles of beautiful rolling hills and farmland that takes just over 4 hours to drive, but offers numerous opportunities for historical and cultural exploration. Read more to learn how traveling along the Palouse Scenic Byway can enhance your family's Washington state vacation.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Visit the university town of Pullman, Washington, along the Palouse Scenic Byway. Home to one of the Washington State University campuses, Pullman blends small town hospitality with all the demands of university life. In Pullman you can see a fossil record of human evolution at the WSU. Museum of Anthropology, spend a day with the kids at Palouse Science Discovery Center, or visit WSU's Bear Center to learn about bear research and conservation.

2. See the buttes of the Palouse Scenic Byway. Steptoe Butte is a gorgeous quartzite butte that offers a panoramic view of the Palouse region. Open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round, Steptoe Butte is a great place to take in amazing views and watch the local wildlife. Kamiak Butte, with its beautiful hiking trails and camping sites, is a great overnight adventure for those who love the outdoors. Just north of Pullman, Washington, Kamiak Butte offers great camping with plenty of nearby conveniences (see Resources below).

3. Stop at the Iris Test Gardens in Clarkston, Washington, near the town of St. John. The Iris Test Gardens has over 2,000 varieties of Irises on nine acres. Open during blooming season from mid-April to mid-June the Iris Test Garden is fun and fragrant place for a stop along the Palouse Scenic Bypass (see Resources below).

4. Look forward to beautifully scenic waterfalls at Palouse Falls State Park. Water cascades from a height of 200 feet down to a round rock salt canyon at this 105-acre camping park. Open year-round, Palouse Falls State Park is located in Franklin County, 23 miles southeast of Washtucna, Washington (see Resources below).

5. Schedule a stop at the restored Roy M. Chatters Newspaper and Printing Museum in Palouse, Washington. The Roy M. Chatters Newspaper and Printing Museum features a large collection of both local and national newspapers, as well as printing presses and other items that date back as far as 1898. The Roy M. Chatters Newspaper and Printing Press Museum is fun and educational for the whole family.

Tips & Warnings

• For even more things to see and explore along Washington's Palouse Scenic Bypass, request an information packet from the Official Washington State Tourism website (see Resources below).

Resources

• Iris Test Garden
• Washington State Parks-Steptoe Butte
• Washington State Parks-Palouse Falls State Park
• Visit Palouse
• The Official Site of Washington State Tourism