Lower Gorge Trail

Lower Gorge Trail descends steeply from the canyon rim to the floor of the Palouse River canyon, offering an entirely different perspective on the dramatic basalt landscape carved by the ancient Missoula Floods. While most visitors experience Palouse Falls only from the overlook above, this challenging trail rewards adventurous hikers with an immersive journey into the heart of the gorge, where the scale of the geological forces becomes fully apparent. The descent follows a rough, unmaintained path along the canyon wall, requiring careful footing on loose basalt scree and steep dirt slopes. At canyon bottom, the Palouse River flows through a series of rapids and pools below the falls, and the columnar basalt walls tower hundreds of feet overhead on both sides. The view back up toward the falls from the canyon floor is dramatically different from the overlook experience, showing the full height of the waterfall against the basalt rim above. Rock scrambling may be required in some sections. Strong spring flows make the lower canyon particularly impressive during March and April when snowmelt swells the river. Summer heat can make this south-facing canyon uncomfortably warm, so early morning starts are recommended in July and August. This trail is for experienced hikers comfortable with route-finding and scrambling. Do not attempt when the canyon walls are wet.