Where is Palouse Falls State Park, Colfax, Washington?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Palouse Falls State Park is located in Washington, USA. It lies between Spokane and Richland and is situated in the southeastern part of the state. It is famous for Palouse Falls, a spectacular waterfall in a deep canyon.

Palouse Falls State Park Location Map, Colfax, Washington

Top Attractions Inside Palouse Falls State Park

  • Palouse Falls – Stunning 198-foot waterfall and signature park landmark.
  • Overlook Trails – Scenic viewpoints providing panoramic vistas of the falls and canyon.
  • Hiking Trails – Short trails and paths leading to overlooks and natural viewpoints.
  • Picnic Areas – Designated spots for resting, dining, and enjoying the scenery.
  • Photography Spots – Ideal locations to capture the waterfall and surrounding basalt cliffs.
  • Wildlife Observation – Opportunities to spot birds, small mammals, and native flora along trails.
  • Visitor Center – Informational displays on geology, ecology, and the history of the falls.

Palouse Falls State Park Facts

Official NamePalouse Falls State Park
LocationColfax, Whitman County, Washington, USA — Palouse River Canyon, southeastern Washington
Latitude & Longitude46.5987° N, 118.7716° W
Total AreaApprox. 131 acres (≈53 hectares)
Established / OpenedDesignated as Washington State Park in 1951
Managed ByWashington State Parks and Recreation Commission
RegionPalouse Region / Southeastern Washington / Columbia Plateau
AddressPalouse Falls State Park, 10 Palouse Falls Park Road, La Crosse, WA 99143, USA
Zip Code99143
Area Code509
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptWaterfalls, basalt canyon landscapes, hiking, photography, geology, outdoor recreation
Main Sections / AreasPalouse Falls overlook, canyon rim trails, picnic areas, visitor parking, river observation points
Famous AttractionsPalouse Falls (198-foot waterfall), basalt cliffs, river canyon, photography & sunset viewpoints, hiking trails
Annual VisitorsApprox. 50,000–70,000 visitors
Entry Fee TypePaid Vehicle Parking Fee
Ticket Price RangeVehicle day-use fee: ~$8–$10; annual state parks pass available
Ticket OptionsDay-use parking, annual Washington State Parks pass, guided tours (seasonal), hiking access
Best Time to VisitSpring–Fall for waterfalls and hiking; winter can have reduced water flow but fewer crowds
Nearby AirportPullman-Moscow Regional Airport (PUW) – ~40 miles (64 km); Spokane International Airport (GEG) – ~120 miles (193 km)
TransportationCar access via State Route 261, hiking trails, limited parking at overlooks, walking paths, photography spots
Official Websitehttps://parks.state.wa.us/573/Palouse-Falls

Distances from Palouse Falls State Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Almota, WA – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Starbuck, WA – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Washtucna, WA – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Colfax, WA – 95 km (59 mi)
  • Pullman, WA – 130 km (80.8 mi)
  • Lewiston, ID – 145 km (90 mi)
  • Clarkston, WA – 150 km (93.2 mi)
  • Ritzville, WA – 120 km (74.6 mi)
  • Walla Walla, WA – 160 km (99.4 mi)
  • Columbia River – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Snake River – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Central Ferry, WA – 55 km (34.2 mi)
  • Hooper, WA – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Kennewick, WA – 180 km (111.8 mi)
  • Richland, WA – 185 km (115 mi)
  • Wallula, WA – 150 km (93.2 mi)
  • Columbia National Wildlife Refuge – 70 km (43.5 mi)
  • Lewis & Clark Trail – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Pomeroy, WA – 100 km (62.1 mi)
  • Walla Walla Valley – 160 km (99.4 mi)