Restrooms are available at the base of the butte. Inhalt
- A visit to Steptoe Butte State Park in Washington offers breathtaking natural beauty and sweeping vistas.
- A narrow paved road winds around the butte, leading to a parking area at the summit.
- From its summit, visitors can enjoy spectacular vistas of the rolling farmlands and unique coulees that make up the Palouse region.2.
- See all other general park rules
- Whether you’re chasing mountain views or city vibes, we’ve got you covered.
Interpretive opportunities
In 1946, Virgil McCroskey donated 120 acres (49 ha) of land to form the park, which was later increased to over 150 acres (61 ha). The rock that forms the butte is over 400 million years old, in contrast with the 15–7 million year old Columbia River Basalts that underlie the rest of the Palouse. One sign shares the history of the Cashup Hotel, which once stood atop the butte. Interpretive signs provide information on the site’s natural history and surrounding mountain ranges. Steptoe Butte is a thimble-shaped, 3,612-foot tall quartzite butte in southeast Washington.
Hit the Road with the Right Ride
A visit to Steptoe Butte State Park in Washington offers breathtaking natural beauty and sweeping vistas. This road features several viewpoints along the way, allowing visitors to experience the breathtaking scenery from different angles.2. The park was initially closed following a flood in late February 2025, and crews then began the road work last spring, leading to several delays in getting the butte back open to the public. The iconic Washington landmark will welcome visitors again this Sunday. Experienced paragliders and hang gliders can enjoy an uncommon view of the park.
Paragliding and hang gliding
This 1,144-acre (463 ha) area, designated in 1965, includes land in state and county ownership. Steptoe Butte is a quartzite island jutting out of the silty loess of the Palouse hills in Whitman County, Washington, in the northwest United States. Learn about seasonal closures and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page. Colors seem to shift and change in the light. It stands out against soft hills of green and mauve, an occasional barn dotting the landscape. Groups coming in buses, please schedule with the park.
Activities
Call the park for conditions. During winter, the road is not maintained. See all other general park rules We recently completed repaving work on the road to improve your experience, access and safety.
We hope you enjoy your visit! Recent weather events have impacted or closed several parks, Sno-Parks and trails. Download the Google Maps version to get every spot grouped into handy, ready-to-use lists, perfect for on-the-go navigation. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or zipping around town, the right car makes all the difference.
- It stands as a prominent landmark in the otherwise gently rolling Palouse region.2.
- The park was initially closed following a flood in late February 2025, and crews then began the road work last spring, leading to several delays in getting the butte back open to the public.
- Listen to the Audio Guide for insider tips, fascinating facts, and stories that enrich your journey.
- This road features several viewpoints along the way, allowing visitors to experience the breathtaking scenery from different angles.2.
- Wildlife enthusiasts can spot and observe these animals in their natural habitat.3.
- Groups coming in buses, please schedule with the park.
- Interpretive signs provide information on the site’s natural history and surrounding mountain ranges.
From its summit, visitors can enjoy spectacular vistas of the rolling farmlands and unique coulees that make up the Palouse region.2. A Washington state park that features the iconic Steptoe Butte, a 3,612-foot landmark in eastern Washington offering panoramic views of the surrounding region. Steptoe Butte State Park, located in the state of Washington, offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views, unique geological features, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Atop the butte, the natural eye has 200 miles to view Idaho and Oregon as well as surrounding mountains, including the Blue and Bitterroot mountains. The road work project involved repaving the winding road that leads visitors up to the top of Steptoe Butte.
Listen to the Audio Guide for insider tips, fascinating facts, and stories that enrich your journey. Steptoe Butte has historical significance as it served as a lookout https://www.monster-win.org/el/ point during the Nez Perce War in 1877, witnessing the movement of both the Nez Perce tribe and the U.S. The park is named after Colonel Edward J. Steptoe, a U.S. Popular activities include sight-seeing, paragliding, hang gliding, kite and model airplane flying, and photography. The owners planned to protect their 437 acres (177 ha) of land from development, eventually donating it to the state. “Cashup” Davis stood atop the butte from 1888 to 1908, burning down in 1911.
Please “know before you go!” Check park alerts, road conditions and weather reports before visiting. Whether you’re chasing mountain views or city vibes, we’ve got you covered. Full-day guided bus tour from Seattle to Mt. Rainier National Park featuring scenic waterfalls, alpine meadows, and historic visitor centers. Steptoe Butte State Park is a must-visit for anyone seeking awe-inspiring scenery and a unique perspective on Washington’s landscape. The park is also known for its scenic drives and hiking opportunities, making it a popular destination for photography and outdoor exploration. This period offers the opportunity to witness the wildflower displays, enjoy pleasant weather, and capture the stunning landscapes when they are at their most vibrant.
Park features
It stands as a prominent landmark in the otherwise gently rolling Palouse region.2. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot and observe these animals in their natural habitat.3. Officials in Olympia, the state capital, have confirmed that the repairs are now complete and the park will reopen to the public this Sunday. The yearlong closure has disrupted tourism and recreation in the region, and the reopening will be a welcome return of this popular outdoor destination. Steptoe Butte State Park in Colfax, Washington will reopen this Sunday after being closed for over a year primarily for a repaving project on the road leading to the summit. The east,south and west portions of the butte were purchased in 2016 by two couples Kent and Elaine Bassett, and Ray and Joan Folwell.
Steptoe Butte is an iconic natural landmark in eastern Washington, offering stunning 360-degree views from its 3,612-foot summit. A narrow paved road winds around the butte, leading to a parking area at the summit. Steptoe Butte has become an archetype, as isolated protrusions of bedrock, such as summits of hills or mountains, in lava flows have come to be called “steptoes”.