Washington’s Steptoe Butte State Park is a geological rarity of surrounding plateau pushed up into a high landmass. From here, see far distances with the unaided eye. Stand on the butte of this park and look for very distant towns, some as much as 200 miles (320 kilometers) away.
Rising 3,612 feet (1,101 meters) above the plateau, this higher ground provides an outstanding vantage point to view the Palouse Hills, Blue Mountains and farmlands, with an endless sky above. The park is named after the local military figure Colonel Edward Steptoe from the pioneering era. Study its quartzite rock pushed upward by shifting landmasses when Earth’s geology evolved. Have your camera ready to take panoramic photos.
The park’s 150 acres (60 hectares) are covered with hawthorn brush. Native Americans used this plant for making baskets and preparing medicine. The original residents also regarded the butte as a sacred place where the region’s guardian spirit gave power to those who visited it. Focus on this belief while on the butte and you may understand why they experienced these inspirational feelings.
The remains of a hotel that stood at the top of the butte from 1888 to 1911 are now marked with a descriptive plaque, as well as outdoor displays of the park’s natural history. Stay a few hours if you’re a photo enthusiast and watch the landscape continually change from dawn through dusk when the park closes. Toilets, picnic benches and a cooking area are provided on site. Although camping is not allowed, you can find campsites less than a 2-hour drive away.
Visit Steptoe Butte State Park year-round for incredible mesmerizing vistas with ever-changing scenery and colors. It’s located 52 miles (84 kilometers) south of Spokane and has an entrance fee. Use the ample parking at the top. Bring a jacket, as temperatures can be cool, especially in the early mornings, even in summer.
