Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
Palouse Falls State Park Palouse Falls State Park was originally donated to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (State Parks) in the 1940’s and 1950’s and designated a State Park in 1951. The 105-acre park’s unique geology, which includes incredibly steep cliffs and stunning waterfalls, led to its being named Washington’s state waterfall in 2014. The park has great significance for many Native American tribes. Currently the park offers three developed viewpoints, picnicking and limited primitive camping with a vault toilet. With its designation as the state waterfall, park visitation increased tremendously – over four times compared to before this time. Park resources are suffering as a result, as is the safety of the visiting public. The park is experiencing degrading habitat, scarring of the landscape, public safety concerns with visitors coming unprepared for the backcountry, the arid shrub-steppe environment, overcrowded viewpoints, social trails, trespass, and graffiti etc. The following three alternatives each have different thematic emphases based off input received from interested stakeholders, tribal governments, legislative inquiries, and the public. The intent is to show the array of what is possible at this park and then, with feedback, integrate elements of each into a final preliminary recommendation of what the long-term boundary and land classification should look like at Palouse Falls State Park. In each of the alternatives below the underlying intent of State Parks is to manage the park responsibility by providing opportunities for public recreation while being sensitive to the natural environment and protecting the cultural and geologic resources of the site. While the Heritage Area Theme proposes a more outspoken approach for the cultural history of the site, all three themes are expected to include cultural interpretive opportunities, recognizing the significance of this area to Native American tribes.
Palouse Falls State Park Public Access Theme
Description Primary Features Land Classification & Long-Term Boundary (LTB) This thematic approach or - Eliminate camping; promote Lyons - Recreation is used to designate concept focuses on Ferry for full-service recreation the existing developed area of enhancing existing amenities the park and for future recreation opportunities development areas west of the - Convert existing camping into day- within the park at RR – allowing for flush toilets, use appropriate levels and irrigation, and more extensive intensities that facilitate safe - Improve existing parking and facility development and sensitive public access develop new overflow parking area - Resource Recreation is used to while protecting natural and on west side of railroad designate areas just outside the cultural resources. - Develop trail plan for designated developed footprint of the park – The park experience in this walking routes including a trail to allowing for trail development, theme would be very similar the upper falls and one route along interpretive displays/signage,
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches to what the experience is the bluff leading to several scenic picnicking, and scenic overlook like today. The day use area viewpoints facilities offers a shady and cool - Develop a restoration plan to - Areas further outside the haven for picnics and rest. identify trails to be decommissioned existing developed footprint are Visitors can experience the and prioritize restoration efforts classified as Natural, inspiration and beauty of the within the park which supports landscape falls by having the restoration opportunity to access 3 - Maintain irrigation in day-use area - Some existing lands located to developed viewpoints within - Manage access to the upper falls the west and north would be the park, walk along a trail through permit system or staff classified for surplus/ exchange designated bluff trail with or volunteer-led tours additional viewpoints and the - Recreation LTB is used - Actively enforce access restrictions opportunity to experience to provide additional parking at the south end of the park the upper falls with a new opportunities, restrooms and including the canyon trail designated trail. A new visitor center visitor center orients - Develop a low profile visitor center newcomers with interpretive to orient visitors, provide and educational displays. interpretive information about significant geologic, archaeologic, ad historic resources of the site, and how to safely access and protect the area (location to be determined along the county access road or in the upper parking lot within the park) - Coordinate with the railroad to secure legal access for upper falls trail ***If the viewshed along the county road is threatened in the future, additional lands may be included in the long-term boundary by future Commission action ***A visitor/welcome center location to be determined along the county road
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
Palouse Falls State Park Scenic Overlook Theme
Description Primary Features Land Classification & LTB This thematic approach or - Limit public access to - In this alternative, most of the concept focuses on the park developed footprint, which existing park property is classified becoming a scenic overlook-only will include designated as Natural Area. This includes the park, with limited active walkways, three scenic butte, upper falls, Palouse Falls recreation. Visitors will be invited viewpoints and day-use area; itself, the east side of the canyon to experience the impressive and a viewshed analysis was and the southern portion of the park significant geologic resources at performed in GIS from the south of the developed footprint. three prime viewpoints. The three designated existing - The Resource Recreation land visitor experience will be viewpoints within the classification is proposed for the designed to foster respect and developed footprint of the existing developed areas where include design features that park. viewpoints, vault toilets and parking inspire contemplation. - Eliminate camping; promote will be located along with the new To protect resources and the Lyons Ferry for full-service parking area on the other side of the user experience, public access amenities railroad. will be controlled, based on an - Assess carrying capacity and - To preserve the viewshed, property evaluation of the number of implement permit or east, south and west have been people who can safely be on site registration system for identified for including in the long- while protecting the sensitivity of controlled access term boundary of the park and the landscape. Access will be classified Natural Area LTB limited to designated walkways - Develop and implement a which provide interpretive comprehensive restoration - A talking point for consideration is information about the area’s plan which prioritizes natural extending the long-term park history and significance. areas outside the designated boundary to include Little Palouse walkway system; improve Falls (Helen Falls) and Gildersleeve In this theme, the park is existing irrigation system for Falls to the north and the canyon restored to the natural shrub- restoration purposes connecting them to the park, with steppe habitat, which offers the same level of another opportunity for - Actively enforce access protection provided by the Natural interpretation and education. restrictions at north and Area designation south ends of the park
including canyon trail - Limit parking at the viewpoint area to ADA access and potential shuttle pickup/drop- off only
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
- Develop new parking area and access trail on west side of railroad - Provide water and sun protection areas consistent with the more natural landscape theme. Otherwise, facilities will be limited– e.g. vault toilets and, instead of picnic areas, benches or other features for fostering serenity and contemplation - Protect the viewshed by including property in the long-term boundary on the south and north sides of the canyon - Coordinate with tribal entities about interpretive programming
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
Palouse Falls State Park Overlook- Heritage Area Theme
Description Features Land Classification and LTB The intent of this theme is - Coordinate with tribal entities - Under this alternative, a majority to preserve, protect and about interpretive programming; of the existing park site on the interpret the unique and develop a comprehensive east side of the railroad will be significant cultural, and interpretive plan about tribal and classified as Heritage Area historic resources at the cultural history; afford exclusive - Heritage Areas are designed for site, including the tribal use of the park, when preservation, restoration and traditional cultural property needed interpretation of unique or (TCP). - Develop a comprehensive unusual, historical, scientific Similar to the Scenic restoration plan that repairs the and/or cultural features, and Overlook Theme, the damage to the natural landscape traditional cultural properties, Heritage Theme will have a which are of statewide and - Limit public access to designated stronger focus on national significance. walkways, scenic viewpoints, and interpreting the cultural day- use area consistent with the - On the east side of the railroad, history of the site and viewshed analysis; protect land Resource Recreation and Recreati integrating important tribal and views on both sides of the on area classifications allow ADA customs and events Palouse River Canyon, including parking and shuttle pick-up/drop- This theme will be Little Falls (Helen Falls) and off only in the more dedicated to cultural Gildersleeve Falls existing main parking area history and continued use - Eliminate camping - Resource Recreation is proposed of the area as a spiritual west of the railroad for and cultural site. Thus, - Assess carrying capacity and development of a new parking there could be times the implement permit or registration area and access trail to the park is closed to all system for controlled access main park features, to be but tribal use. - Actively enforce access restrictions surrounded by the less Similar to the Scenic at north and south ends of the intensive Natural Overlook Theme, Lyons park including canyon trail to Lyons Area land classification Ferry is a “companion site” Ferry - Natural LTB and Heritage LTB are providing full-service - Limit parking at the viewpoint area recommended for lands on both recreation amenities that to ADA and potential shuttle sides of Palouse Canyon to protect aren’t found here. pickup/drop-off only the land and viewsheds on both - Develop new parking area and sides of the river, ensuring further access trail on west side of railroad protection of cultural lands; a viewshed analysis identifies the areas for protection
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
All Palouse Falls Alternative Themes
- Collaborating with Native American tribes to recognize and interpret the cultural history of the site
- The existing natural and cultural resources will be protected and, where possible and consistent with each theme, restored to natural conditions
- Complete funded health and safety upgrades consistent with the thematic approach
- Continue to provide host site in the day-use area - Develop strategy and funding program for access management and enforcement - Formalize signage, safety improvements and public information about proper use and safety rules (e.g. proper footwear, physical conditioning, and other safety factors) - Improve technology for pay stations, permit system and emergency response - Develop MOA with DNR and WDFW to provide consistent approach to public use, enforcement, and emergency response - Coordinate with adjacent property owners to enforce rules prohibiting illegal access - Work with the Army Corp of Engineers to manage/limit access on the existing canyon trail to Lyons Ferry - Assess operational costs of future land acquisition or management agreements prior to establishing (e.g. weed management and enforcement) these agreements - Afford exclusive tribal use, when needed
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
Lyons Ferry State Park
Lyons Ferry is a 168-acre day-use park with more than 52,000 feet of shoreline at the confluence of the Snake and Palouse rivers. It was named after the Lyons family, who from 1860 to 1968 operated a ferry across the Snake River until it was replaced by a bridge. The park offers active day-use facilities for swimming, boating and picnicking. It is well-landscaped with grass and shade trees, providing a cool oasis in the dry climate of the Palouse. The park and its surrounding environment are highly valued for their significant cultural and natural resources. Balancing public use and protecting these resources is an important part of the planning process. A campground on the Snake River side of the park existed in the past, and as a result of legislative direction and funding, may be rebuilt in the same area, expanding the recreational opportunities here.
The following two alternatives have different thematic emphases based on input received from interested stakeholders, tribal governments, legislative inquiries/direction, and the public. The intent is to show the array of what is possible at this park and, then based on feedback, integrate elements into a final preliminary recommendation of what the long-term boundary and land classification should look like at Lyons Ferry State Park.
Heritage Theme Description Features Land Classification and Long-Term Boundary (LTB) This theme expresses a future vision of - Rebuild the old campground - This theme includes the park which is like the status quo. classifying the majority of - Other than the campground, Aside from rebuilding the old the land as Heritage Area lands not currently developed campground and repairs to address with the exception of the will remain in their existing ADA access and shoreline erosion, park boat ramp, adjacent natural state to protect natural improvements will be limited to parking area and and cultural resources including maintenance of existing active restrooms. This area is eliminating social trails and recreation areas. classified Recreation Area restoring the area to the natural to allow these uses The Heritage classification landscape recognizes the historical and cultural - The existing day-use - Restrict campground access to significance of the site to many Native area, campground and campers only American tribes. The park itself is within other active recreation a traditional cultural property. - Continue to provide active areas will be approved Preservation, restoration and recreation on the east side of conditional uses in the interpretation of the site is emphasized the park including day-use, Heritage Area land under this classification. swimming, picnicking and classification. boating as approved conditional uses
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
- No new facilities will be proposed for future development. - No long-term boundary proposals are included in this theme.
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
Lyons Ferry State Park
Recreation Theme Land Classification and Description Features LTB This theme expresses a vision where - Redevelop the old campground; - This alternative the park continues to offer and expand reduce number of sites and classifies all the active recreation and consider new upgrade to current State Park developed active programming to attract visitors. Located standards recreation areas in the just south of Palouse Falls State Park, park as Recreation, as - Provide full hookups and pull- which is the site of the state waterfall well as the expected through sites in addition to tent and limited visitor amenities, Lyons footprint for rebuilding sites Ferry will complement Palouse Falls the campground. with full-service recreation amenities - Improve recreation access along - The remaining areas including overnight accommodations the levy; provide fishing, ADA and are classified as when the campground is complete. water access activities Resource Recreation, Similar to the Heritage theme, the - Actively promote the park including supporting the hand Recreation theme recognizes the water recreation amenities and launch area and historical and cultural significance of the other activities to encourage existing undeveloped site and limits public access to only the visitation areas adjacent to the previously disturbed areas of the park. - Develop new programs and active Recreation While this theme emphasizes active activities for visitor enjoyment Areas. recreation, consideration, and including education and interpretive - The Resource acknowledgement of the resources at activities/events and other Recreation the park will be emphasized. programming classification is - Consider concessions, upgraded compatible with playgrounds, and other new parking, trails and recreation features consistent with interpretive facilities. user desires - No long-term boundary proposals are included in this theme.
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
Lyons Ferry State Park – Both Themes - Limit ground disturbance and minimize impacts in development of any new facilities; where possible, use existing trenching and other areas/facilities where ground disturbance has already occurred - Eliminate existing social trails and other unsanctioned public access outside of the existing developed recreation areas - Address erosion of bulkhead along shoreline trail and consider public safety issues with tie-offs - For the existing restroom bathroom near the boat launch, address septic and ADA issues - Address the power issues at the site including recurring brown-/black-outs that impact the electric water system; put protocols in place to address operational issues with the water system should the systems be impacted by a loss of electricity - Work with stewardship to understand the cause of locust tree deaths and potential restoration to maintain shade - Explore other improvements to prevent public access to sensitive areas in and outside the park to the north (e.g. perimeter fence with vegetation, gates, etc.)
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
Lewis & Clark Trail State Park Lewis and Clark Trail State Park is a 36-acre camping park with 1,333 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Touchet River. Located between Dayton and Waitsburg, in Columbia County, and bisected by Highway 12, State Parks’ two properties provide camping on the north side and day-use on the south side, which also includes interpretive displays, a WPA historic building and group kitchen facility. The park has a peaceful and low-key vibe at both locations. On the camping side, the vegetation is left mostly natural, offering privacy between campsites and, along the Touchet River, winding in and out and providing alternating views and access to the water. The following two alternatives have different thematic emphases based on input received from interested stakeholders, tribal governments, legislative inquiries, and the public. The intent is to show the array of what is possible at this park and, then based on feedback, integrate elements into a final preliminary recommendation of what the long-term boundary and land classification should look like at Lewis and Clark Trail State Park.
Status Quo Theme Description Features Land Classification and LTB This theme continues the current mix of North side of Hwy 12: - This alternative day use and camping opportunities with - Potential relocation of campsite 1 to classifies the entire minor improvements for an improved reduce exposure to entry/highway state park property visitor experience and operational and locate away from the existing as Recreation Area efficiency, and limits investment in new septic area - This classification is amenities and attractions. - Identify an alternate location for compatible with The visitor experience here will continue primitive campsites inundated by camping and other to offer a range of overnight seasonal flooding of the Touchet high intensity uses accommodations that support diverse River such as comfort interests and incomes including teepees, stations, group sites, - Retain the existing trail system primitive camping and RV sites. parking, and along the river and throughout the administrative areas. campground - The existing day use - Improve the restrooms area will also be South side of Hwy 12: classified as - Improve facilities that cater to the Recreation Area highway traveler, with investment including the cleared focused on health and safety issues area east of the primarily and limited investment in entrance road where new attractions
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
- Update and redesign the Lewis and the new shop will be Clark interpretive story with ensure located. consistent interpretive panels and - The main day use displays area will offer similar - Complete the culvert replacement amenities as today, project and monitor flooding issues providing a shady to determine the potential for refuge for primarily future repetitive flooding on the short stays. southwest portion of the area; seek - No long-term interested college group or retired boundary proposals engineer for analysis of are included in this hydrogeologic processes, if theme. applicable - Develop the future shop on the eastern section of the day-use area
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
Lewis & Clark Trail State Park
Improve and Expand Camping and Day-Use Theme Description Features Land Classification LTB This theme expresses a much grander North side of Hwy 12: - The Recreation land vision for Lewis and Clark Trail State - Provide and expand a mix of classification will be Park than what currently exists today. camping including primitive, used to classify high Anticipating the continued increase in teepees, tent sites, group camps, intensity uses such as the state’s population and the high and RV sites that will camping, comfort interest in outdoor recreation of accommodate larger vehicles and stations and Washingtonians and state visitors, this appealing to a broad range of administrative theme includes expanding the park for interests, equipment and income buildings. more camping, day-use and other levels - Resource Recreation amenities, following the western course - Develop and integrate new day- will be used to classify of the Touchet River and developing a use area that offers additional areas of less intensive water access point near the railroad river access, picnicking, development including bridge to the west. playground and other amenities to trails, primitive A variation of this theme could include serve day-use visitors camping and water going under the highway bridge in this access areas located - Expand camping and trail network location and adding significant more along the Touchet to the east, west and potentially land in the park boundary along Hwy 12 River. the south and adjacent to the current day-use - This alternative area on the south side of the highway. - Develop a formal water access includes new property point for fishing and swimming on the west and east - Coordinate with linear trail to expand camping proponents to include day-use and and trails on the north overnight facilities that will be side of Hwy 12. These attractive to trail users including are classified as places to get water, hiker/biker Recreation LTB and campsites and individual and Resource Recreation group picnic areas LTB to accommodate the development described above.
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
- Update and redesign the Lewis & Clark Trail interpretive story - Locate the shop with other administrative facilities on this side of the highway South side of Hwy 12: - Pursue partnership with WSDOT or other entity to transfer management for a state highway rest stop or other use; ensure protection of the WPA historical structure as required
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
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Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, Lewis and Clark Trail State Parks CAMP Stage 2: Alternative Approaches
Lewis & Clark Trail State Park – Both Themes - Coordinate with linear trail proponents to provide facilities that will support trail users - Provide a range of overnight accommodations, from primitive campsites, teepees and tents to RV sites and roofed accommodations such as yurts and/or cabins – to provide options for diverse interests and incomes - In the siting of any new facilities, consider river hydrology and its ability to change course over time; protect investment and continue to provide river access as a key feature of the park
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