Steptoe Butte

Steptoe Butte stands about 19 km (12 miles) north of Colfax and rises 1,101 m (3,612 feet), roughly 300 m (1,000 feet) above the wheat hills of the Palouse. The butte is made of quartzite more than 400 million years old: an island of ancient rock poking out of the region's younger basalts. Such rock islands are known as “steptoes” after it. The butte is named for Lt. Col. Edward Steptoe. A hotel stood on the summit from 1888 until it burned down in 1911. It has been a state park since 1946, and in 1965 it was designated a National Natural Landmark together with Kamiak Butte.

A paved road leads up to the summit, where there are picnic areas. After a closure of about a year due to flood damage, it reopened with fresh paving in February 2026 (as of October 2026); a Discover Pass is required for parking. On clear days you can see 110 to 160 km (70 to 100 miles); Mount Spokane lies about 110 km (70 miles) to the north. The butte is popular with photographers, paragliders and model-aircraft flyers. Early or late in the day offers the best light.