When most people think of Washington’s top attractions, places like Mount Rainier, Snoqualmie Falls, the Olympic Peninsula, and Palouse Falls might come to mind. But the Evergreen State is also full of hidden gems, including a few that rank among the best in the country. If you’ve never heard of the Twin Sisters Rock, you’re not alone — but you should definitely check it out when it’s officially safe to do so.
Bumpy Potatoe / alltrails.com
The Twin Sisters is a pair of massive matching basalt columns located near the town of Touchet in Southeast Washington.
Crystal Phillips / alltrails.com Considering it’s a bit out of the way for most Washingtonians, it stays under the radar.
According to Native American legend, a jealous god created these columns.
Yaz Obara / alltrails.com The pillars were once two of three wives who married the trickster god Coyote. The women had been trying to catch fish, but Coyote kept thwarting their efforts. He finally agreed to let them eat some fish as long as they married him. They agreed, but Coyote soon grew bored with his wives. He turned one of them into a cave, and the other two into the Twin Sisters rock formation.
The scientific explanation behind the pillars, while not as exciting and dramatic, is a lot more pleasant.
Yuri Zhuk / alltrails.com They actually formed as a result of erosion from flooding that happened between 12,000 and 15,000 years ago.
To reach the formation, all you need to do is climb about half a mile up a hill.
Bumpy Potatoe / alltrails.com Once you get to the top, prepare to be amazed by the views of this underrated, rugged part of our state.
While you’re more than welcome to hike up to the Twin Sisters, people are forbidden from climbing the rocks.
Crystal R. / alltrails.com Rest assured, this is definitely a wise rule.
The short trail to the pillars features lush desert vegetation and geological formations.
Elizabeth Rose / alltrails.com It really is a beautiful hike and a spectacular sight.
Eastern Washington has a unique beauty, and the Twin Sisters monument captures it perfectly.
Bumpy Potatoe / alltrails.com
Crystal Phillips / alltrails.com
Considering it’s a bit out of the way for most Washingtonians, it stays under the radar.
Yaz Obara / alltrails.com
The pillars were once two of three wives who married the trickster god Coyote. The women had been trying to catch fish, but Coyote kept thwarting their efforts. He finally agreed to let them eat some fish as long as they married him. They agreed, but Coyote soon grew bored with his wives. He turned one of them into a cave, and the other two into the Twin Sisters rock formation.
Yuri Zhuk / alltrails.com
They actually formed as a result of erosion from flooding that happened between 12,000 and 15,000 years ago.
Once you get to the top, prepare to be amazed by the views of this underrated, rugged part of our state.
Crystal R. / alltrails.com
Rest assured, this is definitely a wise rule.
Elizabeth Rose / alltrails.com
It really is a beautiful hike and a spectacular sight.
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Address: 2471 US-730, Touchet, WA 99360 US-730, Touchet, WA 99360, USA
