Washington Parks & Refuges

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Kamiak Butte County Park

Parent Category: Washington Counties
in Whitman County
Created: 04 July 2017

Photo taken at Kamiak Butte County Park, Whitman County

 Address:   Kamiak Butte County Park
 2002 North Palouse Road,
 Palouse, WA, 99113
 Website:   www.whitmancounty.org/ssi.aspx?ssid=81
 Phone:   Park's Office: (509) 397-6238
 Hours:   7 am – dusk, year round
 Acreage:   298
 Visitor’s Information:   The Park may be closed at the peak of fire season

Pictures below will take you on a virtual tour through a beautiful Kamiak Butte County Park. Enjoy the beauty of our beloved Washington State!

Photo taken at Kamiak Butte County Park, Whitman County

 Description:

Kamiak Butte County Park is a 298-acre “island” in the midst of an incredible ocean of the Palouse Area’s rolling hills. 

Created in 1965, this park became a real haven for the local flora and fauna of these farmlands, hosting more than 130 species of birds (among which Red Cross-bill, Goldencrowned Kinglet, Northern Flickers, Rufous-sided Towhee, owls and many more can be found here), approximately 30 species of mammals and over 170 species of various plants, some of which are considered to be endangered species. 

The name was given to the park in tribute to Chief Kamiakin, the leader of Yakama tribe, who left a mark in the history of Washington State by organizing in the years 1855 – 1858 an uprising, which is more well-known in the history as “Yakima Wars”.

Photo taken at Kamiak Butte County Park, Whitman County

The Park has rich history, geologic significance and amazing views resulted in granting the Kamiak Butte County Park a status of National Natural Landmark. And its location close to the towns of Pullman (approximately 15 miles northward of it) and Palouse (2 miles to the south of it) and Colfax (about 17 miles to the east of it) make Kamiak Butte County Park even more attractive to the visitors, that is why if you are planning to spend a warm sunny weekend day there, you should better start earlier to find a free space in the parking lot.

The 5 miles of hiking trails meandering among the unusually dense for this area forest of evergreen trees (among which are Western Larch, Douglas Fir, and Ponderosa Pine) will provide you with fascinating views of Palouse area and will leave an indelible imprint in your mind and heart.

Photo taken at Kamiak Butte County Park, Whitman County

A 3,5 mile-long Pine Ridge Loop-Trail (which is included into National Trail System and was designated as National Recreation Trail) will take you to the Whitman’s County second highest point (with elevation of 3641 feet), and a smaller and less popular Sunset Trail will offer you a pleasant stroll around the campground, located in the park.

Among the amenities of the park are the following:

• Barbecue Grill (day-use area)

• Fire Pit (day-use area)

• Picnic Tables (day-use area)

• Electrical Service (110-120v)

• Playground

• Restrooms

• 3 small shelters (for 35 people)

• 1 big shelter (for 100 people) 

• Amphitheater

• Water faucet (with drinkable water)

All the shelters can be reserved by contacting the Park’s Office.

Photo taken at Kamiak Butte County Park, Whitman County

Visiting the Kamiak Butte County Park you should remember that it’s gate is locked at dusk and you may stay there only if you are camping at Kamiak Butte County Park Campground.

Also it should be mentioned that during the fire season smoking and making the campfires are forbidden in the park/on the trails. And at the peak of fire season the park can be closed, that is why before planning visiting it in summer it is recommended to contact the park office first. 

 

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://beautifulwashington.com/parks-refuges/273-state-parks/531-kamiak-butte-state-park.html?tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=#sigProId44eac6d04c

These pictures were taken on May 13, 2017

Map:

In order to get directions click on the link below

 

Photo: Roman Khomlyak

Photo Editing: Juliana Voitsikhovska

Information: Svetlana Baranova