Garfield WashingtonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Garfield, Washington.
1. Bishops Orchard
U-PICK APPLE ADVENTURE
Bishops Orchard is a family-friendly U-Pick apple orchard located in the rural community of Garfield in the Palouse region. Visitors can enjoy picking their own apples during the fall season, making it an ideal autumn activity. The orchard offers a fun experience for families amidst the picturesque Palouse landscape.
2. Steptoe Butte State Park
PANORAMIC PALOUSE VIEWS
Steptoe Butte State Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling Palouse hills from its 3,612-foot summit. The park is particularly popular with photographers who capture the changing patterns of the agricultural landscape throughout the seasons. Visitors can drive to the top of this quartzite island jutting out of the Palouse hills for unparalleled vistas.
3. McCroskey State Park
SCENIC MOUNTAIN RECREATION
McCroskey State Park spans over 5,000 acres of forests and prairie along the edge of Steptoe Canyon. The park features the 9-mile Skyline Drive which provides spectacular views of the Palouse region and beyond. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding in this natural setting.
4. Perkins House
HISTORIC VICTORIAN MANSION
Perkins House is a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion built in 1886, showcasing the architectural elegance of that era. The house serves as a history museum with period furnishings and artifacts that tell the story of early pioneers in the Palouse region. Guided tours provide insights into the lifestyle of the Perkins family and the development of Whitman County.
5. Merry Cellars
LOCAL PALOUSE WINERY
Merry Cellars is a boutique winery producing hand-crafted wines from select vineyards in the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley AVAs. The tasting room offers visitors the opportunity to sample a variety of award-winning wines in a relaxed atmosphere. The winery frequently hosts events including live music, food pairings, and seasonal celebrations.
6. Port of Garfield Boat Launch
SNAKE RIVER RECREATION HUB
The Port of Garfield operates a boat launch at Central Ferry along the Snake River, providing water access for recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, water sports, swimming, fishing, and camping along the riverfront area. The site features sandbars perfect for relaxation and offers spectacular views of the river landscape.
7. The Last Resort
BLUE MOUNTAINS FAMILY PARK
The Last Resort is a family-owned park nestled in the beautiful Tucannon Valley of Washington's Blue Mountains. Located minutes away from the Wooten Wildlife Area and Umatilla National Forest, it serves as an excellent base for outdoor adventures. Visitors have access to thousands of acres of public land for hiking, fishing, hunting, bird watching, and wildlife viewing.
8. Umatilla National Forest
WILDERNESS ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Umatilla National Forest encompasses over 1.4 million acres of diverse landscapes in the Blue Mountains of Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon. The forest offers extensive recreational opportunities including hiking on numerous trails, camping in developed or primitive sites, and seasonal activities such as mushroom and huckleberry picking. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe diverse species while outdoor adventurers can explore the Tucannon-Wenaha Wilderness area within the forest boundaries.
9. Lower Granite Dam
ENGINEERING MARVEL VIEWPOINT
Lower Granite Dam is an impressive hydroelectric and navigation dam on the Snake River with a visitor center offering educational exhibits about the dam's operations and local ecosystem. The site includes viewing areas where visitors can watch boats pass through the lock system and possibly spot migrating salmon. Recreational facilities near the dam include picnic areas, fishing spots, and boat launches.
10. Pataha Flour Mills
HISTORIC GRAIN PROCESSING
Pataha Flour Mills is a historic flour mill that operated from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century, processing wheat from the surrounding Palouse region. The restored building now serves as a museum showcasing original milling equipment and artifacts that tell the story of the area's agricultural heritage. Visitors can learn about the grain processing techniques that were vital to the region's economy and development.
11. Palouse Falls State Park
SPECTACULAR NATURAL WATERFALL
Palouse Falls State Park features a stunning 198-foot waterfall that was designated as Washington State's official waterfall in 2014. Visitors can view the falls from several overlooks and hiking trails that provide different perspectives of this natural wonder. The dramatic landscape was carved by ice age floods, creating a unique geological formation that attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts year-round.
12. Garfield Community Center
LOCAL GATHERING PLACE
Garfield Community Center serves as the social hub of the small town, hosting various events throughout the year including community meals, holiday celebrations, and local gatherings. The center provides residents and visitors alike with a venue for experiencing authentic small-town culture and hospitality. Its historic building reflects the architectural character of the Palouse region while providing modern amenities for community functions.
13. Kamiak Butte County Park
DIVERSE ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE
Kamiak Butte County Park rises nearly 1,000 feet above the surrounding Palouse hills, offering hiking trails through diverse ecological zones from pine forest to prairie. The park is designated as a National Natural Landmark due to its unique plant communities that include over 170 species of plants and 122 species of birds. Visitors can enjoy picnic facilities, camping options, and spectacular views of the rolling Palouse landscape from the summit ridge trail.
14. Colfax Golf Club
SCENIC PALOUSE GOLFING
Colfax Golf Club offers an 18-hole course nestled among the rolling hills of the Palouse region, providing a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The well-maintained fairways and greens are complemented by spectacular views of the surrounding wheat fields and countryside. The club features a pro shop, practice facilities, and a clubhouse restaurant serving quality food and beverages.
15. Whelan Grange
HISTORIC RURAL LANDMARK
Whelan Grange is a historic Grange hall that has served the rural farming community near Garfield for generations, hosting agricultural meetings, community events, and social gatherings. The building stands as a testament to the cooperative spirit of the Palouse farming community and its agricultural heritage. Visitors can appreciate the simple, functional architecture typical of rural community buildings in the early 20th century.