When you stand at the top of Palouse River Canyon, you might feel like you’re on top of the world. But believe it or not, it has a depth of about 1,000 feet, as opposed to the Grand Canyon’s 6,000 feet. So that’s why, despite its pretty massive size, it’s known as Washington’s little Grand Canyon. If you have yet to explore Palouse Falls State Park, you should add it to your to-do list when it’s safe to do so.

Palouse Falls State Park is located in Eastern Washington near the tiny town of Washtucna.

Ed Suominen / Flickr The state park was founded in 1951 after several generous donors donated the land.

The cliffs and canyon were carved by an enormous flood that happened between 15,000 and 30,000 years ago when the Missoula Ice Dam broke apart.

Ed Suominen / Flickr The Missoula Floods also impacted a lot of other geographical wonders in Washington, including the Columbia River, which altered the course of the river and helped to rearrange the landscape of the surrounding area.

Visiting this area feels like going back in time, and it’s especially pleasant on a warm summer day.

Glenn Boudreaux / Flickr If you go on a weekday morning, you might even enjoy some quiet solitude.

The state park is most famous for its waterfall, Palouse Falls, for which it is named.

Michael Matti / Flickr Palouse Falls was officially declared Washington’s official state waterfall in 2014 thanks to a group of students at Washtucna Elementary School.

Palouse River Canyon lies a bit south of the falls. It’s impossible to miss.

David Brodbeck / Flickr The best way to explore it is by hiking the two mile Palouse Falls Trail.

The Palouse River Canyon isn’t Washington’s only canyon, but it certainly offers the most rugged beauty.

Keith Ewing / Flickr

Palouse Falls is typically open all year. Hopefully, it won’t be long before we’re enjoying it in person once again.

seattleforge / Flickr In the meantime, these stunning photos are the next best thing.

Have you ever been to Palouse Falls? We’re thinking every Washingtonian could use these stunning views right about now.

Ed Suominen / Flickr

The state park was founded in 1951 after several generous donors donated the land.

The Missoula Floods also impacted a lot of other geographical wonders in Washington, including the Columbia River, which altered the course of the river and helped to rearrange the landscape of the surrounding area.

Glenn Boudreaux / Flickr

If you go on a weekday morning, you might even enjoy some quiet solitude.

Michael Matti / Flickr

Palouse Falls was officially declared Washington’s official state waterfall in 2014 thanks to a group of students at Washtucna Elementary School.

David Brodbeck / Flickr

The best way to explore it is by hiking the two mile Palouse Falls Trail.

Keith Ewing / Flickr

seattleforge / Flickr

In the meantime, these stunning photos are the next best thing.

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Address: Palouse Falls State Park, Palouse Falls Rd, LaCrosse, WA 99143, USA