Best Time to Visit Palouse Falls and ThatNWBus

I’ve been fortunate to visit Palouse Falls on several occasions over the last 12 years.  If I had to pick the best time to visit Palouse Falls Washington, I would say spring.  When visiting Palouse Falls, don’t forget to visit That Northwest Bus, aka ThatNWBus. Read this guide for other tips in visiting Palouse Falls.

What is Palouse Falls?

Palouse Falls is the official state waterfall of Washington State.  Up until 10 years ago, it was a remote state park outpost but due to Instagram and state promotions (cover of visitor’s guides and naming it the official waterfall in 2014), Palouse Falls State Park is growing in popularity.

Palouse Falls Location

Palouse Falls is in the southeast part of Washington State.  The weather east of the Cascade Mountain range is typically sunny (they proudly advertise 300+ days of sun) but have extreme temperatures – both hot and cold.

Best Time to Visit Palouse Falls – the seasons.

• Winter can be blustery cold. But, this also means the spray of the falls will freeze and present a fantastic winter view.  I haven’t visited at this time, but hope to this coming winter.
• Spring is arguably the best time to visit Palouse Falls. The weather is mild, and the falls are at their highest volume.  The surrounding basalt canyon is turning green with plant life.  The grasslands around the falls bloom with wildflowers.
• Summer has clear blue skies, and still some wildflowers, but it can be very hot – it’s not uncommon to have temperatures higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, at feels 5 degrees hotter than that due to humidity.
• Fall is another great mild time to visit, but it’s generally drier during the fall. There are sometimes fire warnings in the area due to dry conditions.

Other Things to Know about Palouse Falls

• The viewpoint of the falls are very close to the parking lot, very little hiking required
• On summer weekends, there’s now a snack truck serving hot dogs and Hawaiian Ice.
• There have been a few Palouse Falls deaths in the previous years, and there are warning signs all over the place. These deaths occur from people hiking on the cliffs around the falls and swimming.  Both of these activities are discouraged by park signs and staff.
• Entry to the state park is $10 per day or $30 for an annual state Discovery Pass. If staff is on hand, they sell these passes, but cash only.  If you’re thinking about purchasing an annual pass, it’s $5 cheaper here than buying if from one of the authorized pass dealers like Walmart or Fred Meyer.
• Cool fact: in 2009, someone ran a kayak over the falls to be the highest kayak drop over a waterfall.
• The waterfall is surrounded by a Basalt canyon.

Check out Palouse River Canyon

It’s possible to do an 8-mile hike along the Palouse River Canyon.  But be prepared – there are falling dangers all along this trail and it’s not for the faint-hearted.

 Don’t forget to visit ThatNWBus

Until early 2018, there was a deserted school bus near Palouse Falls, In 2018, it was moved to the Northeast corner of the intersection of Highways 26 and 261 on the north end of Washtucna, WA.  Until recently, you could still see the original school bus yellow paint, but now it’s been completely spray painted inside and out.  It’s an instagrammer’s dream – don’t forget you hashtag – #thatnwbus!

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 Best Time to Visit Palouse Falls – Lodging Near Palouse Falls and Where to Stay

The area around Palouse Falls is very remote.  The closest town with any selection of hotels is the charming town of Dayton, WA which is located 45 minutes south of Palouse Falls.  Dayton is a great stopping point if you’re on your way to the wine regions of Walla Walla.   Stay at the excellent Weinhard Hotel in downtown Dayton (Check Rates and Availability).

If you’re tent camping, it’s possible to spend the night at Palouse Falls for a camping fee of only $10.  However, if tent camping, you MUST sleep in a tent.  Anyone caught sleeping in a vehicle is subject to a huge fine.  Alternatively, there are a bunch of free campsites along the Snake River north of Starbuck, WA.

Do you agree that Spring is the best time to visit Palouse Falls?  Leave your comments below…

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