Things to Do in Eastern Washington: 15 EPIC Spots

If you think Eastern Washington is all tumbleweeds and farmland, think again. This side of the state is full of dramatic canyon landscapes, quiet desert lakes, quirky towns, and underrated adventures that most people skip.

While the west side gets all the hype (hi Seattle), over here you’ll find sunshine, fewer crowds, and some seriously weird and wonderful scenery.

Whether you’re into hiking, paddling, photography, wine tasting, or just aimless road tripping—this side is full of surprises.

Here are 15 of the best things to do in Eastern Washington, from state parks and scenic overlooks to desert art and cute small towns.

1. Catch a Sunset from Steptoe Butte

Steptoe Butte rises high above the rolling farmland of the Palouse, giving you some of the best panoramic views in all of Washington.

It’s one of the only spots where you can see the full patchwork quilt of the Palouse region in one sweeping vista. Bring your camera, a picnic, or just your eyeballs—it’s that good.

This place is especially magical at sunset when the light hits the hills just right and makes the whole landscape glow.

There’s a paved road that spirals to the top, so it’s easy to access for nearly everyone. Just keep in mind the wind can be strong, so bring a jacket and maybe a hat that won’t fly away.

2. Sip Wine & Explore Downtown Walla Walla

Walla Walla has earned its spot as one of Washington’s premier wine regions, and the downtown area makes the perfect base for tasting and strolling.

You’ll find dozens of tasting rooms within a few walkable blocks, plus cute shops, fantastic restaurants, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to spend an afternoon—or an entire weekend—here.

Even if you’re not a wine person, there’s a lot to love: great coffee, cool boutiques, and nearby outdoor options in the Blue Mountains.

But if you are into wine, don’t miss varietals like Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrive in the region’s dry climate.

READ MORE: TOP 9 Things To Do in Walla Walla, Washington

3. Kayak or Camp at Sun Lakes–Dry Falls State Park

This otherworldly canyon park is like a mini Grand Canyon—except you can swim in it.

Once the site of the biggest waterfall known to have existed, Dry Falls is now a calm, quiet basin filled with lakes, wild rock formations, and tons of space to roam.

You can paddle on Deep Lake, hike around Dry Falls Lake, or chill out at the campgrounds.

The Dry Falls Visitor Center has a killer overlook that’ll help you understand just how massive the Ice Age floods were.

It’s a perfect base for exploring the Coulee Corridor and ideal for travelers who want something scenic but less crowded than Washington’s big national parks.

READ MORE: Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park Guide

4. Stroll Through Spokane’s Riverfront Park

Spokane’s downtown park is easily one of the best urban green spaces in the state.

Built for the 1974 World’s Fair, it’s got waterfalls, bridges, public art, and even a gondola that takes you right over the Spokane River. There’s also a historic carousel, splash pad, amphitheater, and plenty of walking trails to explore.

Grab a coffee from a downtown café and enjoy a chill morning stroll or plan a whole afternoon here with kids or friends.

Riverfront Park blends nature and city life in a really unique way, and it’s a reminder that Spokane deserves way more love than it gets.

READ MORE:
Riverside State Park in Spokane: What You Need to Know!
19 OUTDOORSY Things to Do in Spokane, Washington

5. Tour the Grand Coulee Dam

This massive hydroelectric dam is one of the largest in the world—and whether or not you’re a fan of concrete megastructures, it’s worth a visit.

You can take a guided tour in summer, check out the visitor center exhibits, or stick around at night for the seasonal laser light show that plays right on the dam wall.

It’s a fun detour along the Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway and a great way to break up your road trip. Bonus points if you pair this with a stop at Banks Lake for some paddling or swimming.

6. Hike the Palouse Falls Trail

Palouse Falls is the official waterfall of Washington, and it’s a stunner—especially when surrounded by golden canyon cliffs.

The short hike to the overlook is easy and accessible, but there are also some sketchier trails for those who want to explore further (note: be cautious, people have gotten hurt here).

The area is beautiful year-round, though spring runoff makes the falls extra powerful. There are a few campsites nearby if you want to stay overnight and catch sunrise or sunset. It’s remote, but so worth the drive.

READ MORE: Palouse Falls State Park: Washington’s Official Waterfall

7. Try Craft Beer and Fruit Stands in Yakima

Yakima is the heart of Washington’s hop country, meaning the beer here is about as fresh as it gets.

You’ll find breweries pouring everything from hazy IPAs to crisp lagers, often with a view of the surrounding orchards or mountains. Bale Breaker and Single Hill are two local faves to start with.

Between breweries, hit up one of the many roadside fruit stands for fresh apples, peaches, cherries, or whatever’s in season. The town also has an up-and-coming food scene and some cool murals popping up downtown.

READ MORE: 13 Cool Things To Do in Yakima, Washington

8. Hike to the Lenore Lake Caves

This short, scenic hike takes you through a string of caves formed by ancient lava flows. You’ll scramble a little, walk along the hillside, and get awesome views over Lenore Lake and the surrounding desert.

It’s a super manageable adventure for just about anyone and a great stop along Highway 17 between Soap Lake and Sun Lakes. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water—it’s exposed and can get toasty!

READ MORE: Exploring Lake Lenore and The Caves!

9. Explore the Wild Horses Monument Near Vantage

If you’re driving east on I-90, this is one of those “pull over immediately” spots.

Dozens of steel horses gallop across a ridge above the Columbia River, part of a sculpture called Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies. It’s short but steep hike to reach them, but the views at the top are 100% worth it.

Most people just snap a photo from the rest stop, but getting up close to the horses (and the cliffside views) is a next-level experience. Sunrise and sunset are especially photogenic.

10. Bike or Hike the Columbia Plateau Trail

This long-distance rail trail stretches through the scablands and sagebrush country of Eastern Washington. While the full trail is best tackled in chunks, sections near Ice Harbor Dam or Fish Lake make for great day trips.

Expect solitude, big sky views, and a whole lot of peace and quiet. Just make sure to bring everything you need—some parts are super remote with zero services nearby.

11. Visit the Maryhill Museum of Art

What’s an elegant French chateau doing on a cliff in the middle of nowhere? Good question—but we’re not complaining. This eclectic museum houses everything from Rodin sculptures to Indigenous art to weird royal memorabilia.

The museum is worth a stop on its own, but the nearby Stonehenge replica and Columbia River views make it even better. Pair this with a drive along Highway 14 for a very underrated road trip.

12. Camp and Paddle at Deep Lake

Part of Sun Lakes–Dry Falls, Deep Lake is a quiet, cliff-lined gem perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding. You can launch from the north end and glide past towering basalt walls while watching for fish or birds.

The campground nearby is peaceful, especially on weekdays, and feels far removed from city life. Don’t expect tons of amenities—this is a “bring your own everything” kind of place—but that’s part of its charm.

13. Cruise the Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway

One of the most underrated scenic drives in Washington, this route winds through canyons, past lakes, and alongside weird geological formations carved by Ice Age floods. It’s dotted with cool stops like Dry Falls, Banks Lake, and Grand Coulee Dam.

There’s not a lot of traffic, and the whole route feels like a secret. Great for road trippers, motorcyclists, or anyone who wants wide-open views without the crowds.

14. Explore the Western Vibes of Winthrop

This themed town in the Methow Valley leans hard into its Old West aesthetic, and honestly—it works. Wooden boardwalks, saloons, boutique shops, and good food make it an easy stop for a day or weekend.

It’s also a jumping-off point for outdoor adventures, from summer hiking and biking to winter cross-country skiing. Plus, the drive to get there (especially via Highway 20) is absolutely stunning.

This is the best (and nearest) town to head to after tackling the epic Maple Pass trail!

15. Climb or Paddle Around Steamboat Rock State Park

This striking, flat-topped rock formation juts up out of Banks Lake like something out of Utah—and it’s one of the coolest places to explore in Eastern Washington.

You can hike to the top of Steamboat Rock for sweeping views over the lake and surrounding basalt cliffs, or paddle around its base for a totally different (and more peaceful) perspective.

The park has tons of space for camping, biking, and swimming too, making it a solid home base for adventures in the Grand Coulee area. It’s especially fun in spring and fall when temps are milder and the park’s a bit quieter. And yes, the sunsets here absolutely slap.

We hope this helped you explore the best things to do in Eastern Washington!

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