STEPTOE BUTTE STATE PARK
Steptoe Butte State Park is a 150-acre, 3,612-foot-tall natural monument. Thimble-shaped, the quartzite butte looms in bald grandeur over the prevailing flat lands. The park is famous for its stark, dramatic beauty and the panoramic view it provides of surrounding farmlands, the Blue Mountains, and other neighboring ranges and peaks. From the top of the butte, the eye can see 200 miles.
Native Americans called the butte "the power mountain." It was believed that a journey to the butte bestowed a gift of power from the mountain's guardian spirit.
The butte's present name honors Colonel Edward Steptoe, who gave years of service maintaining peace in the region. His men were killed in a conflict, which he tried to prevent, with Native Americans.
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the
Discover Pass web page.
The park has no camping.
Steptoe Butte State Park is
The park offers seven unsheltered picnic tables and four braziers for cooking, all available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interpretive signs provide information on the butte and surrounding mountain ranges. A sign interpreting the history of the Cashup Hotel, which once stood on top of the butte, is also featured in the park.
Birdwatchers can spot species like the Horned Lark, Western Meadowlark and American Kestrel. Raptors such as Red-tailed Hawks are also common sights. During migration season, Swainson's Hawks become prevalent. The park is home to various owl species including Great Horned Owls and Short-eared Owls.
Located 12 miles north of Colfax, Wash., near the state's eastern border in Whitman County.
From U.S. 195:Six miles north of Colfax, turn east on Scholz Rd. Follow signs to Oakesdale and Steptoe Butte.
In the winter, please drive carefully on the road to the park. The entrance may be covered with snow and ice.