Rolling wheat fields, relaxed pastoral settings, and meandering rivers are what you can expect to see when you arrive in the Palouse Region .  Abundant wildlife juxtaposed against university towns brimming with arts, culture, and recreation brings the better of two worlds together.  For the senior traveler, it is a crossroad of sorts – the stunning scenery, many excursions as well as the opportunity to visit many of

                                                                        the Inland Northwest’s historic sites. 

For your first time visit to the Palouse Region, the “Top Ten” list of things to do will include: 

• Palouse Recreation Trail
• Elk Creek Falls
• Palouse Falls
• Appaloosa Museum
• White Pine Scenic Drive
• Fishing Holes (Spring Valley, Moose Creek, Rock Lake, Snake River)
• Steptoe and Kamiak Butt
• WSU Creamery and WSU Bear Program
• Palouse Discovery Science Center
• Palouse Scenic Byway

Situated in Southeastern Washington and North Central Idaho is an area of majesty.  Rolling fields, hills, and forest land that seems to go on forever is this seemingly unusual paradise.  One would think of paradise as turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand, and a Mai Tai in hand; however, this paradise is truly real and worth the visit. 

The word Palouse comes from the name of the major village of the Palouse Indians.  The name is from the Sehaptin word for the village, “palus,” which means “something sticking down in the water.”  The village was located at the confluence of the Palouse and Snake Rivers, and the something down in the water was a large rock.  The cities which lie within the Palouse Region are Pullman, Washington, and Moscow, Idaho.  Other smaller communities surrounding the area are nestled among wheat fields and forestlands.  The air just seems clearer here and the aromas of the countryside bring back gentle memories of simpler days gone by.

The Palouse Scenic Byway is 208 miles of rolling hills in Whitman County.  This historic area provides scenic views, recreation areas, and open space habitat, safely shared by people walking, bicycling, and driving.  The byway’s eleven communities welcome visitors, and work to preserve the Palouse Scenic Byway’s historical and natural heritage.

Things to do in the Palouse Region include:

Golf on the Palouse:  University of Idaho Golf Course -18 hole, par 72 course  complete with pro shop, driving range, club and cart rentals, PGA instruction, and a snack shop.  Opening in late 2008 will be an 18-hole Scottish Links style championship course.  Call 208-885-6171 for reservations. 

Palouse Ridge Golf Club welcomes golfers to experience the course with boasts to be one of the best practice facilities in the state, with two large practice greens and an acre of practice tee and a practice hole.  Call 707-763-0335 for reservations.

Star garnets can be found, and if you are into this type of outdoor fun – many come away with rough garnets for their efforts.  The Star Garnet just happens to be Idaho’s state gem!  Oh, yes, the only other place you’ll find this gem is either in India in its natural state or in a jewelry store!

Moose Creek and Spring Valley Reservoirs are favorite fishing holes for local residents.  These small reservoirs are stocked with trout and bass.  Campsites are available for those who enjoy RV’ing.

While in Moscow, Idaho, visit the Appaloosa Museum which contains exhibits and artifacts, photos, and paintings that trace this distinguished horse breed known for its spotted coat.  At Pullman, Washington you’ll discover the WSU Museum of Art.  The largest fine arts facility throughout the Inland Northwest and operates a program of changing exhibits throughout the year.  This gallery offers traditional and contemporary art forms.  In terms of art, there are numerous live art performances including dinner theaters and dance. 

Why not visit this area of the United States.  Seniors who love the great outdoors, enjoy golf, walking, hiking, cycling, or visiting the quaint communities along a scenic byway, will enjoy these pastoral lands in paradise called the Palouse Region.  Happy Traveling!

(Photos are from the Moscow-Pullman Visitors website and Idaho’s Tourism Board)