State ends hiking at Palouse Falls

Matthew O. Stephens, Whitman County Gazette | Feb 10, 20220

Roger Harnack | The Gazette count

If a state Parks and Recreation Commission decision to halt hiking at Palouse Falls remains in place, the view from the top of the 189-foot falls won't be accessible to park visitors.

WASHTUCNA – The state Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously Jan. 27 to permanently close areas some hiking areas at Palouse Falls State Park.

"This closure includes access to rock formation referred to as Castle Rock, the top of the main falls, access to the plunge pool and surrounding canyon walls," Parks Planner Laura Moxham said. "It also incorporates the existing signed area which some people have used to get down to the plunge pool."

The closure comes in the wake of four deaths over the last five years.

Moxham said the parks commission also designated portions north and south...