KNOWN FOR its fertile rolling hills and land-grant universities, the southeastern region has more to offer than just amber waves of grain.
In 2009 Tyler Bradt set the world record for the highest waterfall run, diving a daring 189 feet down Palouse Falls. Washington State University in Pullman is home to a sloth of grizzly bears, living in a roomy 2.2-acre research enclosure. In August, Pullman also hosts the annual National Lentil Festival (lentilfest.com), a great legume-centered celebration involving lots and lots of lentil chili.
Colfax, population 2,000, is home to the Codger Pole, the tallest chainsaw carving in the world. There are six little stone houses in LaCrosse, built more than 70 years ago and still standing—one of them is even occupied.
Erected in 1904, Uniontown’s St. Boniface Catholic Church was the first consecrated church in the state, and it still holds all the original stainedglass windows, altars, paintings, and pews.
The 25-foot tall Steptoe Battlefield Monument, set on a hill overlooking Rosalia, marks the location of the last Indian victory over the U.S. Army, in 1858.
Just north of Uniontown is Dahmen Barn (artisanbarn.org), a dairy barn transformed into studio and performing space for local artists, surrounded by a 1,000-wagon-wheel fence. —ANNE LARKIN
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Legends claim a giant serpent once tore up canoes and killed Native Americans in Rock Lake, near St. John.
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For decades, crooner Rudy Vallée kept his holiday shopping simple: Cougar Gold cheese from the Washington State University creamery, and lots of it.
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EVER SINCE LEWIS AND CLARK paddled down the Snake River back in 1805, word has been getting out about Southeast Washingtons splashy outdoor scene.
Natural and man-made wonders in the Palouse
Dabble in Daytons diversions.
KNOWN FOR its fertile rolling hills and land-grant universities, the southeastern region has more to offer than just amber waves of grain.
Touring the Palouse with camera in hand.
PUNCTUATED BY ANCIENT rock formations, roaming wildlife, and reminders of days gone by, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is deeper than the Grand Canyon, and nearly as remote.
Water, 200 vertical feet of it, shoots down a sheer rock face andcrash-lands in a fury of splashes. This is breathtaking Palouse Falls,made all the more dramatic by the fact that its tucked away in thishilly agricultural region.
Although best known for waves of grain, the Palouse has fostered other edible delights, too, including baked goods, fine cheeses, and even lentil ice cream.
THERES NO CONTEST when it comes to the depths of Hells Canyons black-and-buff walls.
Tucked in the heart of the rolling Palouse hills is Pullman, home to nearly 30,000 residents; Washington State University; a 4,500-pound bronze cougar; and, once a year, a very large bowl of chili.
Find Out More
Please visit our Tourism Partners
Ritzville Chamber of Commerce
509-659-1936
Clarkston Chamber of Commerce
800-933-2128
Dayton Chamber of Commerce
800-882-6299
Hells Canyon Visitor Association
877-774-7248
Pomeroy Chamber of Commerce
877-353-0118
Pullman & the Palouse
800-365-6948