Southeast Corner

Southeast Corner

Palouse Scenic Byway

Length: 208 miles, SR-27

Driving Time: 4-5 hours

Local Planning Resources: palousescenicbyway.org

LEWIS & CLARK TRAIL

Length: 572 miles, US-12

Driving Time: 12 hours, Clarkston to Long Beach

Local Planning Resource: pullmanchamber.com

At A Glance

1 Steptoe Butte

The quartzite rock of the butte is said to be over 400 million years old and offers amazing views of the Palouse region of southeast Washington.

2 Pullman

Pullman is a vibrant city with unique restaurants, shops, galleries and boutiques. Also home of Washington State University. Go Cougs!

3 Palouse Falls State Park

Enjoy the dramatic view of Washington's official waterfall. Surrounded by an arid desert landscape, the water plummets 198-feet to the pool below.

4 Historic Dayton Depot

Originally built in 1881, it is the oldest passenger train station in WA. The Depot has been beautifully restored and is now a museum with revolving exhibits featured in the upstairs gallery.

5 Patit Creek Campsite

Over 80 life size steel sculptures representing how the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery made camp along their route in the 1800s.

6 Walla Walla

Downtown Walla Walla has many outdoor public art installments as well as boutiques, galleries and wine tasting rooms.

Plan to make the parched and picturesque southeast corner of Washington your next great getaway. The rolling wheat hills of the Palouse are a photographer’s dream and a visitor’s delight. Magnificent buttes give way to panoramic views and the horizon seems to go on forever.

You might see a hawk circling above or hear the buoyant, flutelike melody of a western meadowlark ringing out across a field. There’s a feeling of remoteness here with long abandoned barns and rural farm roads with very little traffic.

Wheat and grapes love the fertile soils. Come taste some of the nation’s finest wine and explore this spectacularly scenic region.

Walla Walla Wine

The Walla Walla Valley’s rich farming history now includes more than 3,000 acres of prime vineyards and more than 120 wineries. There are five main winery and tasting room areas to visit, so plan to spend at least a day or two here.

Walk down the Main Street of Walla Walla and drink in its small town charm. Check out the historic grandeur of the Marcus Whitman Hotel. You might want to map out your winery tours in the hotel’s cozy Vineyard Lounge and make this your home base.

Barns Of The Palouse

Picturesque barns dot the Palouse hills landscape. Some stand as ancient witnesses to the first settlers. They beckon us to stop and ponder the past and the beauty of these rolling hills.

Within 4 blocks of downtown Walla Walla you can walk to a large concentration of tasting rooms. And it’s no surprise that there are fine restaurants to complement the local wine. Enjoy Spring Release Weekend in May, and Holiday Barrel Tasting in December to celebrate newly released wines.

Hiking and Cycling

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Blue Mountains on Walla Walla’s doorstep provide numerous locations and trails to hike, cycle and soak in the sun and scenic beauty.

Palouse Scenic Byway

The 208-mile Palouse Scenic Byway combines extraordinary scenery with charming small towns. The Palouse is an artist’s dream. Its beauty lies in the unique layering of the gently rolling hills with the changing colors and light. Thousands of acres of wheat fields turn from lush shades of spring green to yellow to autumn gold and brown with the seasons.

Pullman for Small Town Charm

Make Pullman your hub for exploring the Palouse. This is a vibrant college town where you can enjoy local craft beer and wine, dine on menus created with local foods and maybe even take in a live show at one of the local theaters.

Swing by the WSU Creamery to take home a round of its famous Cougar Gold Cheddar and allow time to tour the Grizzly Bear Research Center.

Plan to see and taste (a free sample) from the world's largest bowl of lentil chili at the National Lentil Festival in August. This popular food fest includes the legendary lentil cook-off, entertainment, a parade, and the Tour de Lentil Bike Ride.

You’ll experience a sense of nostalgia for an older, small-town America along this byway. Enjoy antiquing and a delicious lunch at a local bakery. Snap a photo of the iconic Dahmen Barn wagon wheel fence or Codger Pole in Colfax. Stroll down memory lane at the vintage Texaco Station in Rosalia.

Steptoe Butte State Park

Don’t miss driving up the circular route to the top of this 3,612 foot butte to enjoy unparalleled views of the Palouse. Shoot a panorama of the 200-mile view of the rolling sculpted landscape, to share with family and friends!

Palouse Falls State Park

The park offers a dramatic view of Washington's 'official' waterfall. If you visit at sunset, watching the light and shadows change along the canyon walls is a memorable experience. Linger a little longer and enjoy the relaxing sound of "Aput Aput," (meaning "Falling Water") the Palouse Indian name for the falls.