Steptoe Butte Palouse
A dramatic quartzite butte offering 360-degree views of the iconic rolling Palouse hills, perfect for sunrise and sunset.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light is magical
Steptoe Butte Palouse
Best Time
Golden hour light is magical
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic quartzite butte offering 360-degree views of the iconic rolling Palouse hills, perfect for sunrise and sunset.
"This gem of a place yields amazing views of the surrounding area; the topography of the Palouse is hard to see until you get here."
🚗 Drive Carefully Up
The road to the top has potholes and hairpin turns. Drive slow and be cautious!
🧥 Pack for Wind
It's windy at the summit, even on warm days. Bring a jacket or sweatshirt!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Palouse Views
Summit of Steptoe Butte
Experience breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the rolling Palouse hills and agricultural fields.
Golden Hour Sunsets
Summit of Steptoe Butte
Witness spectacular sunsets painting the golden wheat fields in warm, vibrant hues.
Sunrise Spectacle
Summit of Steptoe Butte
Greet the day with a serene sunrise over the vast, undulating landscape of the Palouse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road to the Summit
Best Views & Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully Up
The road to the top has potholes and hairpin turns. Drive slow and be cautious! +1
🧥 Pack for Wind
It's windy at the summit, even on warm days. Bring a jacket or sweatshirt!
🌄 Sunset Magic
Arrive around 6 PM to enjoy the sunset. It's incredibly peaceful and picturesque.
📸 Capture the Hills
The rolling hills are stunning from the top. Great for photography, especially during golden hour. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully Up
The road to the top has potholes and hairpin turns. Drive slow and be cautious! +1
🧥 Pack for Wind
It's windy at the summit, even on warm days. Bring a jacket or sweatshirt!
🌄 Sunset Magic
Arrive around 6 PM to enjoy the sunset. It's incredibly peaceful and picturesque.
📸 Capture the Hills
The rolling hills are stunning from the top. Great for photography, especially during golden hour.
🎟️ Park Pass Needed
Don't forget your Washington State Parks Discover Pass for entry.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking 360-degree views from Steptoe Butte, calling it a gem of the Palouse. The sunsets and sunrises are particularly highlighted as spectacular. However, many note the rough road conditions and the lack of amenities like restrooms, advising caution and preparedness.
"This is more like a lookout point rather than a state park, as there is no visitor center, no washroom, no campgrounds, no picnic area...
It's a highest spot, so it has best views for the near and far fields. It's also a good place to see the sunset and sunrise.
Due to the bad wild fire smoke during our visit, the air was very smoky, hard to see clearly, but we still took lots beautiful pictures.
The wind was very strong, may blow out the tripod and make it hard to hand held a DSLR camera stabely.
Strongly recommended."
Ken Xu
"What a gem of a place to find in the Palouse that yields amazing views of the surrounding area. The views were stunning. It's hard to see the topography of the area when just driving through, but this view does it! The road is a little rough, so take your time driving up. Bring some camp chairs and enjoy lunch with a view. I can imagine that sunrises and sunsets are spectacular."
Tammy Schur
"Wow, what can I say? It looks like a big hill in the middle of the Palouse. That is, until you start driving up. I'm not afraid of heights, but the hairpin turns are kinda interesting, especially if you have to pass another car. If you drive out to "the butte" you might want to bring a lunch and a jacket. The view is awesome. There was a chilly breeze the day I took my trek. Cool enough for a sweat shirt. Be prepared. There is an overlook area to take in the grandeur of the Palouse. And, looks are really deceiving. I thought, well "butte" you don't look so intimidating! Wait till you get to the top! But here's the challenge. There are a lot of inconspicuous pot holes throughout the asphalt road to the top. Drive slow! You definitely don't want a flat tire half-way up or torn off oil pan, in the middle of nowhere. Also, I almost forgot, a park pass is needed."
Isabella Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Steptoe Butte is located in the Palouse region of Eastern Washington. You can drive directly to the summit via a paved, though sometimes rough, road. It's accessible from nearby towns like Colfax and Pullman.
While the primary way to reach the top is by driving, there are opportunities for hiking in the surrounding Palouse Prairie area. The drive itself offers a scenic ascent.
The most direct route involves driving up the butte itself. Be prepared for a winding road with some potholes. +1
Yes, Pullman, Washington, and Colfax, Washington, are nearby towns that offer accommodations and amenities.
Public transport options are very limited in this rural area. Driving your own vehicle is the most practical way to reach Steptoe Butte.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Washington State Parks Discover Pass is required for entry to Steptoe Butte State Park.
Steptoe Butte is generally open year-round during daylight hours. However, it's always a good idea to check official Washington State Parks information for any seasonal closures or updates.
The cost is covered by the Washington State Parks Discover Pass. Daily passes can be purchased if you don't have an annual pass.
It's best to purchase your Discover Pass in advance online or at an authorized vendor. Availability at the butte itself may be limited.
The Discover Pass covers parking fees at Steptoe Butte State Park.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the rolling hills.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A tripod can be helpful, but be mindful of strong winds.
The summit offers 360-degree views, with numerous spots to frame the Palouse landscape. The overlook area is a popular choice.
Drone usage is subject to Washington State Parks regulations. It's advisable to check their official policy before flying a drone.
The iconic rolling hills, golden wheat fields (in season), and the vast sky are the main photographic draws.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Steptoe Butte is a natural monument with limited amenities. There is no visitor center, restrooms, campgrounds, or picnic areas.
While the views are spectacular, the lack of amenities and the rough road might make it challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Supervise children closely due to the steep drop-offs.
There are no designated picnic areas. Visitors often bring their own chairs and enjoy a meal with a view, but be prepared to pack out all your trash.
Dress in layers as the weather can change quickly, and it's often windy at the summit. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the overlook.
With minimal light pollution, Steptoe Butte can be a good spot for stargazing, especially on clear nights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Artists
+2 Bring a wide-angle lens and a sturdy tripod to capture the expansive vistas and the interplay of light and shadow. Be prepared for wind, which can add a dynamic element to your photos but also requires stability. 🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Pack a picnic to enjoy the views, but remember to pack out everything you bring in. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Steptoe Butte
The Palouse region itself is characterized by its rich loess soil, deposited by winds over thousands of years, creating the iconic rolling hills. Steptoe Butte acts as a natural anchor point, providing a stark contrast to the undulating terrain and offering a geological perspective on the region's formation. Its quartzite core is a testament to the deep history of the land.
Capturing the Palouse: Photography Tips
+2Timing is crucial for the best shots. Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, casting long shadows and bathing the landscape in warm hues.
Experiencing the Palouse Scenic Byway
Driving the byway allows you to truly appreciate the agricultural beauty and the distinct landscape that makes the Palouse famous. It's an area often compared to Tuscany for its picturesque scenery.
Many visitors combine a trip to Steptoe Butte with a drive along the byway to get a more comprehensive feel for this special corner of Washington State. 
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