Falling Water in Eastern Washington
The Palouse River thunders over the edge of its 198-foot (60 m) basalt precipice in the channeled scablands of southeastern Washington state. Although an impressive flow, this is actually quite low for this time of year, as it has been a very dry winter and spring.
"The Palouse Falls and surrounding canyons were created when the Missoula Floods overtopped the south valley wall of the ancestral Palouse River, diverting it to the current course to the Snake River by erosion of a new channel. The area is characterized by interconnected and hanging flood-created coulees, cataracts, plunge pools, kolk created potholes, rock benches, buttes and pinnacles typical of scablands. Palouse Falls State Park is located at the falls, protecting this part of the uniquely scenic area." [Wikipedia]
Thanks to the efforts of some local elementary school students, Palouse Falls was declared the official state waterfall by the Washington legislature last year. Good work, kids!
Falling Water in Eastern Washington
The Palouse River thunders over the edge of its 198-foot (60 m) basalt precipice in the channeled scablands of southeastern Washington state. Although an impressive flow, this is actually quite low for this time of year, as it has been a very dry winter and spring.
"The Palouse Falls and surrounding canyons were created when the Missoula Floods overtopped the south valley wall of the ancestral Palouse River, diverting it to the current course to the Snake River by erosion of a new channel. The area is characterized by interconnected and hanging flood-created coulees, cataracts, plunge pools, kolk created potholes, rock benches, buttes and pinnacles typical of scablands. Palouse Falls State Park is located at the falls, protecting this part of the uniquely scenic area." [Wikipedia]
Thanks to the efforts of some local elementary school students, Palouse Falls was declared the official state waterfall by the Washington legislature last year. Good work, kids!