RISE AND SHINE
Hike to the top of Kamiak Butte, at 3,641 feet, for a sunrise, then explore the 5 miles of trails that surround the area.
SMELL THE FLOWERS
Stop by Living in the Garden, a greenhouse and garden center with a promising gift shop that hosts local artists and artisans on summer Saturdays.
JAM OUT
Head to Pullman for a show at the BellTower, a church–turned–music venue that hosts both local and surprisingly big-name indie bands.
GET CHEESY
Dairy cows are hard at work on the Washington State University campus, where the campus creamery churns out Cougar Gold Cheese: delectable, sharp white cheddar sold in 30-ounce yellow-striped cans.
BIKE ACROSS THE BORDER
To work off that cheese, ride walk, jog, run or skate on the scenic Bill Chipman Palouse Trail in Colfax, a paved 8-mile route leading to Moscow, Idaho.
OGLE ART
Drive down to the Dahmen Barn, a cozy restored space in Uniontown that now houses artists’ studios. Poke your head in for some inspiration, and keep your eye out for a unique item to take home—there’s a ton of pottery, paintings and prints to be had.
MEET THE BREWERS
In Clarkston, enjoy a Scottish-style River Rat Red Ale or a smooth Old Man River Oatmeal Stout at Riverport Brewing Co. If the night gets rollicking, head to Hogan’s Place on Sixth Street—Clarkston’s favorite dive bar.
BOAT BACK IN TIME
Take a ride down Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge, in a high-powered jet boat with one of many area outfitters. Tours run from a half day to a full day and start from Clarkston. Venture to see ancient petrogylphs and historical points of interest, or gawk at the area wildlife.
SOAK UP THE SUN
Head north from Hells Gate to unwind on the shores of a teeny bay, where a creek runs into the Snake River at Wawawai Park, about halfway between Clarkston and Pullman.
DINE AND INDULGE
Finish up any day of exploring at Swilly’s, a longtime Pullman institution trusted by locals for steak, seafood and a mean slice of cheesecake.
Learn more about southeast Washington.
—Anne Larkin
