It stands as an ancient island of rock above the younger Palouse hills, which is where the geologic term steptoe comes from. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for vehicle parking at Steptoe Butte State Park. It is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset, photography, and taking in the vast Palouse landscape below. A narrow paved road spirals all the way to the summit, so you can reach the panoramic viewpoint by car. Steptoe Butte State Park is a 168 acre heritage site in the Palouse, built around a thimble shaped quartzite butte that rises to 3,612 feet above the wheat country of Whitman County.
Note that the road to the summit is not maintained in the winter. χατζηστεργιου In approximately 7.2 miles, take a right as indicated by the small green “Steptoe Butte” road sign. The quartzite butte, which once marked the original border of the North American Continent, contains some of the most ancient rock in the Pacific Northwest.
Hang gliders, photographers and naturalists rejoice – Colfax’s Steptoe Butte officially reopened in late February sporting 4 miles of freshly repaved road winding through the largest Palouse prairie remnants. Steptoe Butte is a formation of granite pushed up from the bedrock vertically and has become a viewpoint where one can see the extreme beauty the rolling hills of the Palouse for over a hundred miles. We used to go out there on our bikes and then when we would have family over from out of town we would drive to the top and take pictures. Interpretive signs provide information on the butte and surrounding mountain ranges. The park is home to various owl species including Great Horned Owls and Short-eared Owls. From the top of the butte, the eye can see 200 miles.
Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site has history, geology, wide-open views and a fascinating history. The Washington State Parks Directory covers all 146 state parks across Washington — from saltwater shores and mountain meadows to ancient lava tubes and desert canyons. Required for parking at all Washington State Parks.
Facilities & Amenities
During winter, the road is not maintained. Fires allowed in all designated fire pits and grills.
- Experienced paragliders and hang gliders can enjoy an uncommon view of the park.
- Established through the generous 1946 donation by conservationist Virgil McCroskey and enhanced by recent acquisitions that protect surrounding slopes, Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site serves visitors seeking both spectacular vistas and geological education.
- Atop the butte, the natural eye has 200 miles to view Idaho and Oregon as well as surrounding mountains, including the Blue and Bitterroot mountains.
- Parking and picnic tables are at the summit, but no toilets.
This 1,144-acre (463 ha) area, designated in 1965, includes land in state and county ownership. Parking and picnic tables are at the summit, but no toilets. In around 0.7 mile, take a slight right over the railroad tracks to get onto Hume Rd, following another sign for Steptoe Butte State Park. In about half a mile, continue left on WA-27 South, following the sign for Steptoe Butte State Park. App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead. The top of the butte has magnificent views from above the Palouse Hills, and you can learn more about the area’s unique geology from interpretive panels at the summit.
“Definitely bring a picnic to be able to enjoy there at the bottom,” Fronk advises prospective visitors. A sign interpreting the history of the Cashup Hotel, which once stood on top of the butte, is also featured in the park. A narrow paved road winds around the butte, leading to a parking area at the summit. Steptoe Butte has become an archetype, as isolated protrusions of bedrock, such as summits of hills or mountains, in lava flows have come to be called "steptoes".
Map & visitor guide
Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site delivers an unmatched combination of spectacular 200-mile vistas, ancient geological wonder, and fascinating human history, making it an essential destination for understanding both the natural heritage and scenic beauty of the Palouse region. Winter visitors should drive carefully on the summit road as entrance areas may be covered with snow and ice, requiring extra caution during adverse weather conditions. Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site preserves one of the Pacific Northwest’s most remarkable geological formations, where ancient quartzite bedrock creates a dramatic island jutting from the silty loess of Palouse hills as a living example of geological processes spanning hundreds of millions of years. Atop the butte, the natural eye has 200 miles to view Idaho and Oregon as well as surrounding mountains, including the Blue and Bitterroot mountains. “You drive up to the summit and – really, you go there for the view from the very top.
Fans of geology, history and, of course, nature can enjoy this 168-acre day-use park. The pass covers day use parking at the summit and picnic areas. Visitors come for the drive to the summit, the sweeping views, picnicking, and photography rather than to camp overnight. A spiral road climbs to the summit, where the view stretches up to 200 miles into Idaho and Oregon.
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