It’s hard to decide what the most beautiful place in Washington is, considering it’s a state full of natural beauty. From our looming snow-capped mountains to our stunning waterfalls and temperate rainforest, there’s truly something for everyone here. But recently, The Active Times listed the Palouse region as the most visually stunning spot in the Evergreen State. And while every Washingtonian is entitled to have their own favorite place, we can see why the Palouse was the clear winner.
The Palouse region sits in the southeast part of the state, and it’s a little piece of paradise.
GPA Photo Archive / Flickr It’s characterized by its gentle rolling hills covered with wheat fields.
The Palouse is one of the Seven Wonders of Washington State, and it’s definitely the most serene and pastoral.
Jim Choate / Flickr When you’re here, you can’t help but breathe deeply and relax.
This region also has a pretty interesting history. During the last several ice ages, glaciers advancing from Canada ground up the bedrock as they passed over it, creating a fine rock dust known as glacier flour.
Chris Weber / Flickr That glacier flour washed out from the glaciers and accumulated in Glacial Lake Missoula. When the Missoula Flood happened, it created some lakes that eventually dried up, leaving behind monumental quantities of silt. Then, strong winds blew in the silt and dust to where it settled out into the hills we see today.
This area is primarily a farming community, growing an enormous amount of wheat and barley.
Malcolm Carlaw / Flickr Recently, more vineyards have appeared in the southern part of the Palouse near Walla Walla.
In the spring, the wheat and barley fields are a beautiful lush green color…
Jim Choate / Flickr
… but in the summer, they turn to brown when the crops are ready for harvest.
David Kent / Flickr But there’s never a bad time to be here. It’s always gorgeous.
The Palouse is extremely underrated, but those of us who call Washington home know how lucky we are to have it.
Michael Moore / Flickr The next time you find yourself in Eastern Washington, come take a drive down these country roads and see it for yourself.
When was the last time you visited the Palouse?
GPA Photo Archive / Flickr
It’s characterized by its gentle rolling hills covered with wheat fields.
Jim Choate / Flickr
When you’re here, you can’t help but breathe deeply and relax.
Chris Weber / Flickr
That glacier flour washed out from the glaciers and accumulated in Glacial Lake Missoula. When the Missoula Flood happened, it created some lakes that eventually dried up, leaving behind monumental quantities of silt. Then, strong winds blew in the silt and dust to where it settled out into the hills we see today.
Malcolm Carlaw / Flickr
Recently, more vineyards have appeared in the southern part of the Palouse near Walla Walla.
David Kent / Flickr
But there’s never a bad time to be here. It’s always gorgeous.
Michael Moore / Flickr
The next time you find yourself in Eastern Washington, come take a drive down these country roads and see it for yourself.
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Address: Palouse, WA 99161, USA
