A couple years ago, at the end of summer, I decided to take a short road trip over to Eastern Washington to visit Palouse Falls State Park*. I had never been (hard to believe since I lived over there for 6 years) but it was calling my name. I decided to make the trip worth it by seeing how many other little hikes I could hit on my way over. I have driven back and forth from the west to east side so many times but had never stopped at some of these popular road side “leg stretchers”.
I made a loop by driving over the beautiful Stevens Pass (HWY 2), through Leavenworth and Wenatchee and caught SR28 to Quincy and Soap Lake. From there, I took a quick jaunt up SR17 to the Lenore Lakes Caves.
From there, I drove back down toward Moses lake and got on I-90 to SR 395 and headed south to Palouse Falls State Park*. Being the end of the summer, the falls were not exactly rushing. BUT, I did have the place mostly to myself.
It was getting late in the day and I opted not to stay at the state park but continue south towards Walla Walla and a KOA on along the way. This has got to be one of the prettiest drives through “amber waves of grain” I have been on. Love old barns? It’s a must do.
The KOA had nice green grass to pitch my tent on and a shower in the morning. I stopped in Walla Walla for breakfast at the Maple Counter Café where I had a delicious omelet.
Then, it was back on the road on SR12 to the Tri-Cities and up to the Columbia to see those wild horses on the hill. What I lovely view of the Columbia!
After a detour eastbound because you can’t go west from here, I crossed the river and stopped at the Gingko Petrified Forest State Park to try out a little “desert” hiking. Thank goodness I had my water bottle, I didn’t realize you could wander for 5+miles here.
Then, it was back on I-90 and heading home. Actually, I didn’t go home but joined a short backpacking trip to Spade Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. So, I guess this was a 5 hike, 3 night trip? Anyway, I hope to do another road trip like this but throw in a couple actual overnights IN Eastern Washington.
Have you visited these popular stops? Do you have others you like to visit to break up that long drive?
*Editor’s note: since my visit to Palouse Falls SP in 2014, they have closed the social trails that go down into the canyon area due to deaths of hikers. Please respect signage and the tribal land the falls are located on.
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