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I remember years ago stumbling on a picture of these hills that had varying shades and colors. I looked up where this place was and found that it was very far from me but bookmarked it anyways. I was able to finally stop by this place and take this off my bucket list and it was beautiful! There is a restroom at the very bottom before the drive up and also a restroom at the very top. There is also a small parking lot at the very top. There are 360 degree views as far as you can see, and this is a must-see if you're in eastern Washington an hour south of Spokane. Be careful that the road to the top is windy and narrow. There are many potholes throughout the drive and you'll be driving back and forth along the narrow road to avoid them. When you're driving up, I suggest going slow as you're on the right side and there's nothing protecting you from the edge. Also, I'd highly recommend not looking out to the views when driving up (and down) for safety reasons). If you're afraid of heights I'd REALLY recommend not looking out and focusing on the road. Last thing regarding the drive up, during sharp turns you might encounter a car coming down that might not see you so be careful about your speed. It took me about 10 minutes to drive up and about 7 minutes to drive down.
Best season: spring, fall, and before summer (around July 4 when the farm field would be burnt to have too much haze during the summer time). Saw some good winter photos (with snow covered) but the road condition could be a worry. Best light: 1~2 hours before the sunset, sun break during the day with clouds, and sunrise. The Palouse area (Colfax, Pullman, and around) could get rain or cloudy weather during the days, which requires great patient to wait for the right moment and sometimes meant to stay over couple days in the hotel. Other interest: Kamiak Butte, scenic WA-195, and WA-26 (e.g. beautiful Canola flower field, where crossing Zaring Cutoff Rd, in spring).
Finding Steptoe Butte in the middle of Palouse country is like finding an oasis in the desert. Truly one of mother nature's most unusual natural wonders. We were here on a clear day and got a 360 degree view of the Palouse landscape. Seeing the unique shape of this rock formation from a distance explains it's unique name. We read about the history and stories about this natural wonder which make it all the more interesting.
Made the trip out to Eastern WA over this weekend and visited Steptoe Butte. It has a very different look (and obviously the weather) during the winter versus spring/summer. The rolling pastoral landscape is surrounded by the contrast of the snow and ice. Beautiful 360 views of the Palouse area. I was the only one up there in the first couple hours. I had to run into my SUV a few times during the photoshoot to warm up. It was a chilly ~30 degrees in the morning at sunrise.
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! Steptoe Butte State Park is located above the rolling wheat hills of Colfax, WA. My mother heard of this park through a photography friend of hers, so my sister and I planned a road trip to visit this picturesque destination. This is my first "planned" trip I've ever done, and luckily for me Colfax has many beautiful sites to visit that I didn't have to worry so much about planning. The rough drive from Seattle to Colfax is ~5hrs without traffic, but the gorgeous views of farm land make the drive worth it. The best way to visit IMO is to (DAY 1) arrive in Colfax around 3PM, check in at a nearby hotel, grab a bite, drive up to Septoe Butte State Park and photograph the brilliant shadows created by the sunset, grab dinner, sleep early. (DAY 2) set off for Steptoe Butte State Park ~30mins before sunrise, and photograph the fleeting sunrise, eat breakfast, return home. The best time to photograph the beautiful rolling wheat hills is when the sun creates those natural shadows from sunrise or sunset. Different months produce different colors and hues as well! http://pullmanchamber.com/visit-pullman/things-to-do-in-pullman/photography/ (shows the wheat hill changes during different months) I love this park because it's great for an amateur photographer, and it's also a nice relaxing change from the hustle and bustle of city living. There are a bunch of other scenic points and historic barns scattered around Colfax, and the Pullman Chamber of Commerce offers a free map. Maps are downloadable & printable via the internet, or can also be picked up at their office location in Pullman (~20mins on way from Colfax). http://pullmanchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/NEW-Photography-Hot-Spots-on-the-Palouse-Map.pdf (PDF map of scenic spots and historical barns) TIPS: - parking fee is a donation to the park to keep it beautiful (generous $10 per car per day is sufficient) - drive slow on the way up to the top (many turns and potholes) - one stall restroom available at the top of the park (IT'S CLEAN) - mornings are quite chilly, bring a blanket or sweater I highly recommend visiting this park AT LEAST ONCE in your life!
I agree with the tip from Christy in the mobile app. I only went 1/2 to 3/4 of the way up and it is just supremely beautiful, but as Rachel said you probably get a better view at the top. There are lots of cell towers up there so I had no problem with service or reception (no guarentees though). I didn't get to the top cuz I got scared because it was way steep and I just wasn't feeling at ease that day. Plus I was on a schedule, so I didn't have a lot of time to venture off course. It is windy so keep track of your kids. They do have restrooms at the bottom of the butte and I do believe that it's a Discovery Pass park, but don't quote me on that. It's in the middle of a relatively non-populated area so ...don't tell anyone I said this, but you probably could use the park without having a pass. But honestly though the Discovery Pass does help the parks system so get one anyway, and save yourself the $10 daily fee that most other state parks charge. I would definitely go back here if I was in the area. It may just look like a very large lump of grass but once you start making your way up, it's just........breathtaking (literally from the wind).
5 months ago
So, the Palouse (how they refer to the scenic area near Pullman) is arguably one of the most beautiful places in Washington, if not the United States. The mesmerizing green rolling hills in June attract landscape photographers around the world and there are photography workshops in various areas within the Palouse happening throughout the summer. And to see this vast beauty in one place, Steptoe Butte State Park provides a one-stop, bird-eye view of these rolling hills. My buddy and I would grab our camera gear every year in different months to capture the beautiful Palouse and we would always start with Steptoe Butte. The hours of sunrise and sunset would provide the most dramatic lighting but I really could spend the entire day clicking away in every direction. When I first saw the views on top, I immediately thought of the classic Windows wallpaper. The green colors were saturated to the fullest and I was in a surreal moment of thinking I'm inside a computer wallpaper. I was completely mesmerized by the absolute beauty everywhere I look. Every season provides its own unique colors, ambiance, and photographic opportunity. If you are into photography, you will fall in love with this place and you will come here every year to chase the light. I guarantee it. read more
Second visit; the last time was in 2018. Still excellent - worth a detour. Beautiful 360 degree view of the Palouse from the summit on a clear day. We arrived on an August Sunday at noon, and the summit was deserted other than a departing bicyclist. During our 60 minute picnic stay three more cars arrived. We had a WA State Parks Pass so did not need to pay the single-time fee. (There is a machine at the summit parking lot that accepts payment.) NOTE: go to the very top for the best views. You'll know you are there when (1) there are no more ascending lanes and (2) there is a vault toilet. There is a small picnic area at the base of the butte with picnic tables set among apple trees, with a vault toilet. No running water, but the vault toilets were clean and had hand sanitizer. read more
I remember years ago stumbling on a picture of these hills that had varying shades and colors. I looked up where this place was and found that it was very far from me but bookmarked it anyways. I was able to finally stop by this place and take this off my bucket list and it was beautiful! There is a restroom at the very bottom before the drive up and also a restroom at the very top. There is also a small parking lot at the very top. There are 360 degree views as far as you can see, and this is a must-see if you're in eastern Washington an hour south of Spokane. Be careful that the road to the top is windy and narrow. There are many potholes throughout the drive and you'll be driving back and forth along the narrow road to avoid them. When you're driving up, I suggest going slow as you're on the right side and there's nothing protecting you from the edge. Also, I'd highly recommend not looking out to the views when driving up (and down) for safety reasons). If you're afraid of heights I'd REALLY recommend not looking out and focusing on the road. Last thing regarding the drive up, during sharp turns you might encounter a car coming down that might not see you so be careful about your speed. It took me about 10 minutes to drive up and about 7 minutes to drive down. read more
Best season: spring, fall, and before summer (around July 4 when the farm field would be burnt to have too much haze during the summer time). Saw some good winter photos (with snow covered) but the road condition could be a worry. Best light: 1~2 hours before the sunset, sun break during the day with clouds, and sunrise. The Palouse area (Colfax, Pullman, and around) could get rain or cloudy weather during the days, which requires great patient to wait for the right moment and sometimes meant to stay over couple days in the hotel. Other interest: Kamiak Butte, scenic WA-195, and WA-26 (e.g. beautiful Canola flower field, where crossing Zaring Cutoff Rd, in spring). read more
3 years ago
Finding Steptoe Butte in the middle of Palouse country is like finding an oasis in the desert. Truly one of mother nature's most unusual natural wonders. We were here on a clear day and got a 360 degree view of the Palouse landscape. Seeing the unique shape of this rock formation from a distance explains it's unique name. We read about the history and stories about this natural wonder which make it all the more interesting. read more
Made the trip out to Eastern WA over this weekend and visited Steptoe Butte. It has a very different look (and obviously the weather) during the winter versus spring/summer. The rolling pastoral landscape is surrounded by the contrast of the snow and ice. Beautiful 360 views of the Palouse area. I was the only one up there in the first couple hours. I had to run into my SUV a few times during the photoshoot to warm up. It was a chilly ~30 degrees in the morning at sunrise. read more
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! Steptoe Butte State Park is located above the rolling wheat hills of Colfax, WA. My mother heard of this park through a photography friend of hers, so my sister and I planned a road trip to visit this picturesque destination. This is my first "planned" trip I've ever done, and luckily for me Colfax has many beautiful sites to visit that I didn't have to worry so much about planning. The rough drive from Seattle to Colfax is ~5hrs without traffic, but the gorgeous views of farm land make the drive worth it. The best way to visit IMO is to (DAY 1) arrive in Colfax around 3PM, check in at a nearby hotel, grab a bite, drive up to Septoe Butte State Park and photograph the brilliant shadows created by the sunset, grab dinner, sleep early. (DAY 2) set off for Steptoe Butte State Park ~30mins before sunrise, and photograph the fleeting sunrise, eat breakfast, return home. The best time to photograph the beautiful rolling wheat hills is when the sun creates those natural shadows from sunrise or sunset. Different months produce different colors and hues as well! http://pullmanchamber.com/visit-pullman/things-to-do-in-pullman/photography/ (shows the wheat hill changes during different months) I love this park because it's great for an amateur photographer, and it's also a nice relaxing change from the hustle and bustle of city living. There are a bunch of other scenic points and historic barns scattered around Colfax, and the Pullman Chamber of Commerce offers a free map. Maps are downloadable & printable via the internet, or can also be picked up at their office location in Pullman (~20mins on way from Colfax). http://pullmanchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/NEW-Photography-Hot-Spots-on-the-Palouse-Map.pdf (PDF map of scenic spots and historical barns) TIPS: - parking fee is a donation to the park to keep it beautiful (generous $10 per car per day is sufficient) - drive slow on the way up to the top (many turns and potholes) - one stall restroom available at the top of the park (IT'S CLEAN) - mornings are quite chilly, bring a blanket or sweater I highly recommend visiting this park AT LEAST ONCE in your life! read more
I agree with the tip from Christy in the mobile app. I only went 1/2 to 3/4 of the way up and it is just supremely beautiful, but as Rachel said you probably get a better view at the top. There are lots of cell towers up there so I had no problem with service or reception (no guarentees though). I didn't get to the top cuz I got scared because it was way steep and I just wasn't feeling at ease that day. Plus I was on a schedule, so I didn't have a lot of time to venture off course. It is windy so keep track of your kids. They do have restrooms at the bottom of the butte and I do believe that it's a Discovery Pass park, but don't quote me on that. It's in the middle of a relatively non-populated area so ...don't tell anyone I said this, but you probably could use the park without having a pass. But honestly though the Discovery Pass does help the parks system so get one anyway, and save yourself the $10 daily fee that most other state parks charge. I would definitely go back here if I was in the area. It may just look like a very large lump of grass but once you start making your way up, it's just........breathtaking (literally from the wind). read more
12 years ago
On picture perfect days, this place is unsurpassed. Bring a picnic, take a drive, eat at the top. There's several viewing points at the summit and a restroom as well. Road is not in the best condition, so take it easy (like you should anyway for this drive!) read more
11 years ago
10 years ago
