The Treasures of the Palouse

Traveling the back roads of the Palouse is great fun and a great part of the adventure and enjoyment that I find there. On one such drive, I chanced upon this scene. The Manning-Rye covered bridge, which spans the Palouse river. Though it was once used by the railroad, it was long ago purchased from them and is now part of a driveway. Although on private property and marked "No Trespassing", the best view is from the high vantage point of a public road. As far as timing, I've found that the best time to get this view is when the river is quite full in May. Later on in the summer the water levels drop to reveal large unattractive sand/rock bars. If you wish to find this bridge, take Green Hollow Road out of Colfax. After about 6 miles, take a left on Manning Road. You should see the bridge on your left after about 1/2 mile (see map).

By far the biggest man-made attractions of the region are its barns. Whether you're interested in well-maintained traditional barns, dilapidated barns, or round barns, this region is for you.

A unusual round barn may be found along the Old Pullman-Moscow Road (see map):


Another round barn may be found approximately 5 miles west of St. John on Hwy 23.

Many examples of dilapidated barns could be shown as it is not difficult to find them in the Palouse.

This one may be found along the highway between Pullman and Moscow, Idaho, if it is still standing.



While this one was only a couple of miles off of Hwy 26 on (as I recall) Helen Repp Road.



A regional treasure that is all-too-often overlooked is Palouse Falls and Palouse Falls State Park (see map). This magnificent 186-foot falls and the equally impressive canyon into which it flows, is located 17 miles outside Washtucna. The Falls gained notoriety recently when Tyler Bradt paddled his kayak over the falls. In setting this world record, he suffered only a sprained wrist and a broken paddle.



If you find yourself on the Endicott-St John Road, don't be surprised if you chance upon a recreation of an old Texaco service station complete with old cars and bullet holes. Just a Palouse resident's hobby and one which he is proud to show off.

Such treasures are not around every bend but it is just such finds that make the quest worthwhile.