Two of my sons an I decided to go to Palouse Falls to enjoy the spectacular view.
Click here for directions, a map and more details on this hike
I was thinking it would be fun to do some swimming too. 
Click this link to find Palouse Falls Hike directions and details
We arrived, to my chagrin, to the new day use fee of $10 to help make up for our government’s ineptitude at managing our hard earned tax dollars. We deposited our payment and went out to the viewing point.
A fairly low flow at this time of year but still spectacular as the water plunges 198 feet to the pool below.
Palouse Falls
We headed to higher ground from the viewpoint. It was getting hot so we knew to watch for rattlesnakes.
What was really a joy was seeing all the sunflowers as we hiked. They are all over! 
We also saw some beautiful blue-bell looking flowers 
and lavender mini-daisy type flowers along the dirt trail.
Please Help with the Identity of this flower!
If you know the identity of any of these flowers, please let me know so I can pass the information along.
As we walked along the north rim of the upper Palouse River area above the falls, we saw the beautiful river and upper falls below.
We headed down the steep bank to the railroad track bed and came across some beautiful, fragile-looking yellow flowers along the tracks.
Identity of this Yellow Beauty?
I’ve never seen this variety before but they are vibrant in color.
The boys took the steep trail down, I opted for the less-steep diagonal trail.
As we got to the river, my son was quick to point out the hydraulic action on the basalt beneath our feet. Years of high, rushing water and swirling rocks smoothed the basalt and made small bowls and features.
We hiked out to the big falls and took our mandatory picture at the “Fingers”.
At the top of the Falls with the "Fingers" in the background
We looked over the landscape and pinpointed a good swimming hole. 
The water was refreshing but not too cold, a great way to relax and play. We were far enough above the big falls that we felt safe. As we were swimming, I looked up and saw two great blue herons in majestic flight.
Great Blue Heron in Flight
The one in this picture looks like it had a chunk (or maybe just some missing feathers) from its right wing.
We had fun in the water. It was a quiet weekday so we only saw four other people. 
My sons also spotted some golden eagles nesting on the cliffs above the river.
It was a great time at Palouse Falls!
Paul, great post. How far above the falls did you find that wonderful swimming hole?
It’s just on the back side of the falls, a small canyon with a few swimming holes, fun! Have you been to Palouse falls before? What is your favorite hike in our area?