Photos: Visiting WA's 'Little Grand Canyon' at Palouse Falls State Park | Seattle Refined

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You don't have to drive across state lines to see a glimpse of the famed Grand Canyon - just pack a Discover Pass and head out to Palouse Falls State Park in Washington for an equally amazing vista. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

Washington's official state waterfall can be found just a day trip away, four hours southeast of Seattle, at Palouse Falls State Park.{ } 15 miles from the rural town of Washtucna, much of the drive to the park is packed with serene farmland and gently rolling hills dotted with tractors and square hay bales. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

Eastern Washington terrain is nothing like that of Western Washington at all. In fact, much of the landscape is used for growing state staples like cherries, apples and grapes for all that great Washington wine. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

Head down a one-mile dirt road to access the park's parking lot, but don't be surprised to see rolling tumbleweeds and unique rock stacks like that of the desert landscapes seen in old Western movies. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

The park is busiest in the summer months when the heat can be downright dangerous, and when the ground can often be seen as "moving" with rattlesnakes. But winter is also a great time to visit for a lot less foot traffic and a more secluded scene. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

Google Maps will have no trouble leading you to the "trailhead," but do note the trip requires a very long stretch in a very secluded, remote part of the state. Many roads are labeled as primitive - sans road signs - and it's important to know the way in and back before heading off. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

A small bridge, built in 1947, crosses over a frequented railroad track at the entrance to Palouse Falls State Park. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

Visitors that revel in Ice Age history will appreciate the grand spectacle of Palouse Falls. It's said the canyon was carved into the landscape more than 13,000 years ago during the last Ice Age when the Missoula floods swept across Eastern Washington. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

The park was officially dedicated in 1951, following the contribution of several parcels of land by multiple donors. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)<p></p>

Now the beautiful landscape is a 94-acre Washington state park with a camping area, 11 tent spaces, restrooms and is ADA compliant. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

The park's lower viewpoint provides an eye-level view of the 200-ft falls and can be reached by a set of stairs from the main parking lot. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

Follow a paved path with interpretive signs along the way to the second vantage point to learn the story behind the secluded canyon and its waterfall. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

A gravel parking lot just behind the main park entrance offers the highest viewpoint at the Fryxell Overlook. This view features a shaded bench offering panoramic views of Palouse Falls and Palouse River Canyon below. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

According to locals, its native name, Aput Aput, means “Falling Water" and comes from the Palouse Tribe that once called the area home. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

First-time adventurers to Palouse Falls State Park will be pleasantly surprised by dramatic basalt cliffs, something the grassy plains and hay fields kept a secret on the drive in. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

The falls are supplied by the Palouse River, which runs through narrow basalt columns, over the edge and off the cliff into the large bowl below. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

Stroll along a designated 1.4 mile trail to enjoy this many viewpoints at this beautiful state park. Be respectful of warning signs and temporary fencing put in place by park officials. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)<p></p>

Currently, no camping is permitted at the park due to COVID-19. The park has no potable water and it’s strongly encouraged to bring your own drinking water, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. There’s also no night photography allowed; truth be told, the daytime views are pretty amazing. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)<p></p>

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