“It was an absolutely surreal day that I still can’t believe happened.” –James Shimizu
Wild footage out of Eastern Washington as James Shimizu stepped up to one of the biggest navigable waterfalls in the world. Carved more than 13,000 years ago, the Palouse River runs through a narrow cataract and drops away at Palouse Falls into a churning bowl below (measured 186ft at the day of the run). This is absolutely wild.
Palouse Falls, a natural wonder nestled in the heart of eastern Washington State, stands as a testament to the raw beauty sculpted by nature over millennia. Cascading from a height of 198 feet, the falls are a focal point in the unique Palouse region, a landscape characterized by rolling hills, fertile farmland, and dramatic canyons.
The falls are framed by rugged basalt cliffs, creating a breathtaking contrast between the turbulent waters and the stoic rocks. A single plunge creates a mesmerizing spectacle, with mist rising from the base and rainbows often dancing in the sunlight. The relentless force of the Palouse River carved through the basalt, leaving behind a canyon that adds to the falls’ allure.
Beyond its visual appeal, Palouse Falls is deeply rooted in local geology and history. The falls are a product of the cataclysmic floods that swept through the region during the last ice age, known as the Missoula Floods. These colossal events, triggered by the breach of glacial ice dams, shaped the landscape and left behind a legacy of captivating formations, with Palouse Falls being one of the most iconic.
A designated state park surrounds Palouse Falls, providing visitors with the opportunity to witness the natural splendor, hike the surrounding trails, and immerse themselves in the geological narrative of the region. Palouse Falls stands as a living testament to the ceaseless power of nature, inviting all who gaze upon it to appreciate the grandeur and resilience of the Earth’s ever-evolving tapestry.