Those craving wide-open spaces, rolling fields, and charming small towns will love southeast Washington State and the photogenic landscapes of the Palouse. Spanning Washington’s Wine Country and Eastern regions, this far corner of the state is a hidden gem and an excellent road trip destination.
Easily accessible from Walla Walla, Spokane, Oregon, and Idaho, here are a few things to do in southeast Washington.
Things to do in Southeast Washington
Drive the Palouse Scenic Byway
This part of the state is home to part of the sprawling Palouse, a geographic region that spans southeast Washington, north-central Idaho, and parts of northeast Oregon. The region is known for its rolling hills and wheat fields, which change colors from lush greens to golden yellows during harvest, creating a gorgeous patchwork that draws professional and avid photographers alike. Driving the Palouse Scenic Byway is a great way to get out and explore the area.
Visit a Butte
Steptoe Butte (3,612 feet tall) and Kamiak Butte (3,641) tower over the surrounding farmland, offering sweeping views. On a clear day, you can see into both Idaho and Oregon from Steptoe Butte, and there are plenty of picnic spots for a mid-day break. About 35 minutes away, Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site is a National Natural Landmark home to more than five miles of hiking trails, covered by dense forest.
Get Cheesy in Pullman
Dairy cows are hard at work on the Washington State University campus, where the campus creamery churns out Cougar Gold Cheese: delectable, sharp white cheddar sold in 30-ounce yellow-striped cans. The campus is also home to museums and the WSU Bear Center, a grizzly bear research, education, and conservation center. From April to October, bears are visible from a viewing area in the parking lot.
Also See: Pullman Travel Guide
Explore art in Uniontown
Drive down to the Dahmen Barn, a cozy restored space in Uniontown that now houses artists’ studios. Poke your head in for some inspiration, and keep your eye out for a unique item to take home, from pottery and paintings to prints.
Tour Hells Canyon
Take a ride down Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge, in a high-powered jet boat with one of many area outfitters. Tours run from a half day to a full day and start from Clarkston. Venture to see ancient petroglyphs and historical points of interest, or gawk at the area wildlife.
Visit the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains and Umatilla National Forest run from southeast Washington down into northern Oregon. Head out on a hike like Sawtooth Trail during the warmer months, or go skiing and snowboarding at Bluewood during the winter. The ski area is known for excellent powder and tree skiing. Those looking to get into the backcountry can even join a guided snowmobile tour.
Featured image credit: Terryfic3D – iStock.com