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Washington Regions

Steptoe Butte State Park

Parent Category: Eastern Washington

in Attractions

Created: 08 May 2014

Address:	32 miles north of Pullman - U.S. 195 and Hume Rd. Garfield, WA 99130
Acreage:	150 acres
GPS Coordinates:	N 47°1'55.9272", W 117°17'48.822"
Hours:	day-use, year round
Visitor’s Information:	Discover Pass Required

Pictures and the video below will take you on a virtual tour to the top of the Butte! The views from there are breathtaking! Enjoy!

General Information:

Steptoe Butte State Park is a 150-acre park and 3,612-foot-tall beautiful natural monument famous for its’ panoramic views of the surrounding farmlands. Steptoe Butte State Park is located in Whitman County, 12 miles north of Colfax near the Washington-Idaho border.

Steptoe Butte State Park is located in a very picturesque Palouse region. This region is characterized by numerous farmlands, mostly by wheat and canola. Photographers consider this place to be one of the best landscapes in the US. Most of them choose to capture the farmlands’ beauty from Steptoe Butte.

Steptoe Butte is a thousand-foot high area, total elevation of which is 3,612 feet, that rises above the farmlands of Palouse. It should be said that this quartzite island is easy to access; the path that leads on top of the butte is well-maintained and paved. This high island opens great views not only before hikers, but before photographers.

The history tells us that this beautiful silty soil was formed long time ago, during the ice age. This silty soil was blown from the glacial outwash plains. The history and the origin of the word “Palouse” cannot be identified for sure. There are several versions of the meaning. The first theory connects the word “Palouse” with the French word “pelouse”, which means “land with short and thick grass”. Other historians claim that this word is of French origin and it was used to name the tribe that inhabited these territories.

The Palouse is characterized by fairly dry climate. In spring, hikers will enjoy not only the views of the fertile land, but also beautiful wildflowers, such as Balsam Root and Lupine, but most of the year the ground here is empty and unappealing.

Steptoe Butte State Park opens wonderful recreational opportunities. Guests of the park enjoy bird watching, hiking, hang-gliding, picnicking and of course visiting the top of the Butte with its’ gorgeous views.