Hiking, Camping, & Fishing

BOYER PARK & MARINA, located 30 miles west of Moscow, brings the best of the Snake River to visitors with swimming, boating, and camping.  The 40-acre site has a marina, beach, tent and RV campgrounds, dressing rooms with showers, and laundry facilities.  Nearby, Lower Granite Dam offers fish viewing.  During the spring, see the Kokanee working their way back home to spawn. Call (509) 397-3208.

COUNTY PARKS: Both Latah County (Idaho) and Whitman County (Washington) offer several outstanding County Park facilities.  In Latah County you will find Robinson Park and Virgil Phillips Farm.  Call (208) 883-5709 for information.  In Whitman County discover Kamiak Butte, Klemgard Park, Wawawai Park on the Snake River, and the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail.  Call (509) 397-6238 for information.

ELK CREEK FALLS RECREATION AREA, located 54 miles east of Moscow, has a series of waterfalls that plunge almost 300 feet into a forest canyon.  The trail winds through a forest of pine and cedar trees.  Elk Creek and nearby Elk Creek Reservoir are favorite spots for catching rainbow and brook trout.  Take State Highway 8 to Bovill; follow sign toward Elk River.

THE EMERALD CREEK GARNET AREA is one of only two deposits in the world where brilliant 4 and 6 ray star garnets are found – the other is India!  Maintained by the U.S. Forest Service; open Saturday of Memorial weekend and closes Tuesday after Labor Day.  Permits required.  Located off Highway 3, turn onto Road 447 and proceed southwest 8 miles to the parking area.  For information, call (208) 245-2531 or call the Moscow Chamber at (208) 882-1800 for a guided tour brochure.

IDLER’S REST CONSERVATORY, just northeast of Moscow, offers idyllic woods adjacent to the Palouse farmlands.  You can also cross over the road and hike the trails beyond the creek.  From Moscow, take Mountain View Road north then turn east on Idler’s Rest Road.  Watch for signs.

KAMIAK BUTTE COUNTY PARK rises 3,650 feet and offers shaded picnic areas, campgrounds, and a breathtaking view of the Palouse.  Just 13 miles north of Pullman, WA off State Route 27, the butte has a switchback hiking trail to the crest that overlooks Pullman and Moscow.

LAIRD PARK, located 38 miles north of Moscow, has campsites, a swimming hole, and picnic tables nestled among pine and cedar trees.  Take Highway 95 north to Potlatch, and then turn northeast on State Highway 6 for 15 miles.  Turn east on Forest Service Road 447 for 3 miles and look for signs.

MOOSE CREEK & SPRING VALLEY RESERVOIRS are favorite fishing holes for local residents.  These small reservoirs are stocked with trout and bass.  Boats with electric motors only.  Picnic tables, campsites, docks, and restrooms are available at both sites.  Located east of Moscow off State Highway 8, Spring Valley is just outside Troy and Moose Creek is just before Bovill.

PALOUSE FALLS STATE PARK is a hidden oasis for the visitor.  A drive to the falls takes you off the beaten path to an unbelievable view of the falls that cascade 198 feet into a round salt-rock canyon.  The falls are unique because they emerge from the channeled scablands of southeastern Washington, an arid landscape.  The park features hiking trails, picnic tables, restrooms, 10 sites for overnight camping, and ADA parking.  Located 80 miles west of Pullman, WA, just 15 miles southwest of Washtucna on Highway 261.

HELLS GATE STATE PARK, located 35 minutes south of Moscow, includes 200 developed acres that border the Snake River as the gateway into Hells Canyon, famous for being North America’s deepest gorge.  There is plenty of grassy space for picnicking, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and wildlife viewing.  The park offers 93 RV/tent camp sites, 8 cabins, and a Lewis & Clark center.  Call (208) 799-5015.

HOBO CEDAR GROVE BOTANICAL GARDEN is well worth the hour and a half drive from Moscow!  The area has old growth trees that were just seedlings in 1492, and in 1980 it was designated a National Natural Landmark.  Call (208) 245-2531 for information, or you may contact the Moscow Chamber for detailed driving directions.

STEPTOE BUTTE STATE PARK soars 3,612 feet into the sky.  Driving to the top of Steptoe is like seeing the landscape from an airplane!  Day use only; picnic tables and restrooms available.  Take Highway 195 out of Pullman, WA to Colfax, then State Highway 271 toward Oakesdale.  Look for the sign.