Palouse River makes for a wonderful geological stop on our expedition. The small tributary feeds into the Snake River just about 6 miles south of the famous Palouse Falls. Plunging over 200 feet into the gorge, the waterfall is one of few to be found in eastern Washington. Palouse Falls State Park is home to many species of birds and even yellow-bellied marmots. Many vantage points allow for photo opportunities and the falls are a must-see for anyone interested in the Ice Age floods that created the channeled scablands.
Basalts flows can be found at the mouth of the river where the Palouse runs into the Snake, and if given the chance to venture upstream in a Zodiac the opportunity should not be missed. Just remember to drive through the reeds near the “Marmes Man” archeological site, which is dammed by a small breakwater on the western shore. The main channel seems navigable, but it can be very shallow, so the detour is a must.
