About Palouse Falls
Palouse Falls is a named waterfall in Franklin County, Washington, located about 26 miles northwest of Dayton. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Palouse Falls 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 46°39′49″ N, 118°13′25″ W (46.66348, -118.22358). Historical sources also record the names Aputaput and Apítapit. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Fryxell Overlook (summit, 0.2 mi), Falls Spring (spring, 0.2 mi), and Indian Spring (spring, 1.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Little Palouse Falls, 5.0 miles to the north.
Popular & picturesque natural wonder & waterfall dropping 200 feet into a winding gorge.
More Photos
2,090 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Palouse Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Palouse Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Palouse Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Palouse Falls holds a 4.7 average from 637 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Palouse Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Fryxell Overlook — summit, 0.2 mi
- Falls Spring — spring, 0.2 mi
- Indian Spring — spring, 1.3 mi
- Railroad Spring — spring, 1.3 mi
- Findley Lake — lake, 1.7 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 46.66348, -118.22358. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Palouse Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Palouse Falls located?
Palouse Falls is in Franklin County, Washington, about 26 miles northwest of Dayton. Its coordinates are 46.66348, -118.22358 (46°39′49″ N, 118°13′25″ W).
What town is closest to Palouse Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Dayton, WA, about 26 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Palouse Falls?
The closest is Little Palouse Falls (5.0 mi north). Others within reach include Towell Falls (26 mi), Rock Creek Falls (38 mi), and Hompegg Falls (40 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Palouse Falls?
Palouse Falls appears on the USGS Palouse Falls 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.