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Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site

Eastern Washington > Palouse and Blue Mountains
 47.0323, -117.2967 Map & Directions
Highest Point
3,612 feet
Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site has history, geology, wide-open views and a fascinating history. Photo by MICHAEL PETERS. Full-size image
  • Mountain views
  • Wildlife
  • Summits
  • Good for kids

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Fans of geology, history and, of course, nature can enjoy this 168-acre day-use park. The top of the butte has magnificent views from above the Palouse Hills, and you can learn more about the area’s unique geology from interpretive panels at the summit. Continue reading

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Hiking Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site

Fans of geology, history and, of course, nature can enjoy this 168-acre day-use park. The quartzite butte, which once marked the original border of the North American Continent, contains some of the most ancient rock in the Pacific Northwest.

Steptoe has historically been used as a wagon road and once housed a hotel site and even an observatory. The top of the butte has magnificent views from above the Palouse Hills, and you can learn more about the area’s unique geology from interpretive panels at the summit.

Hike Description Written by
Claudia Lopez, WTA Community

Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.0323, -117.2967 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

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WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From US-195 S, take the exit to get onto WA-271 South towards Rosalia and Oakesdale and turn left onto WA-271 S. Continue on WA-271 S for approximately 9.5 miles, then continue slightly right onto WA-27 S towards Oakesdale/1st St.

In about half a mile, continue left on WA-27 South, following the sign for Steptoe Butte State Park. In around 0.7 mile, take a slight right over the railroad tracks to get onto Hume Rd, following another sign for Steptoe Butte State Park. In approximately 7.2 miles, take a right as indicated by the small green “Steptoe Butte” road sign. Continue on this road to reach Steptoe Butte State Park.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Eastern Washington > Palouse and Blue Mountains

Washington State Parks

Guidebooks & Maps

Washington State Parks: a Complete Recreation Guide 3rd Ed. (Mueller and Mueller - Mountaineers Books

Washington State Parks PDF Map: https://bit.ly/2GSVxf0

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Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site

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