Nestled in the northwest and including parts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, The Palouse is a picture perfect spot. I had a chance to drive through it several times but didn’t have a chance to stop. Finally I got to make the time to on stop briefly on the scenic byway and get a few photos of this beautiful area. Many people thought that Microsoft’s famous Bliss theme was taken in here and although was actually Napa Valley’s wine country, many people put the Palouse on their must have spot.
Filled with beautiful rolling hills, and fields of wheat and legumes the views look like they come right from a postcard. The wind farms stand serenely and stately calmly waiting for the breeze to get them moving. The Steptoe Butte State Park gives the perfect view. As I decided to make a quick trip up to the top, I was driving and driving, around and around and around up and up and up you go following the windy road. Several times I seriously thought about turning back but with each turn up the hill, I was more vested in getting to the top and besides, if I had turned around, I would have had nothing for my efforts, so I made up my mind, to the top it is no turning back.
Once I got to the top, and got a chance to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking view of the valley, I was so glad that I persisted and made it all of the way to the top, it’s the perfect spot for a picnic with a top of the world view.
The time of the year makes all of the difference in whether you’ll see lush green hills or the neutral colors that come later in the year. I don’t have photos of the green months, but it is certainly beautiful at all times of the year, so if you’re in the area and you see the signs for the Scenic By Pass make it a point to take it, you won’t be disappointed.
Have you been to The Palouse? What did you think?
-Trina