Palouse River

The Palouse River rises in the forested Hoodoo Mountains of northern Idaho and winds roughly 167 miles southwest through the rolling, fertile loess hills of southeastern Washington’s Palouse region before cutting through basalt canyons and coulees shaped by Ice Age floods to join the Snake River. Its most striking feature is the nearly 200-foot Palouse Falls plunging into a dramatic gorge that defines the area’s rugged character. Recreation centers on peaceful kayaking and paddleboarding along meandering stretches, fishing and birdwatching amid riparian habitats, and exploring overlooks at the falls together with hikes through the surrounding steppe and canyon scenery.