Steptoe Butte State Park

STEPTOE BUTTE STATE PARK soars 3,612 feet into the sky. Driving to the top of Steptoe is like seeing the landscape from an airplane! Day use only; picnic tables and restrooms available.

12 miles north of Colfax, WA.

From Colfax, drive north on US 195 for 6 miles.

At state highway 23 turn east (away from 23) on Scholz road. (aka state highway 271?)

Bear left (north) on Hume Road (toward Oakesdale)

Turn left (west) on Steptoe Butte State Park rd

(follow signs to Oakesdale and Steptoe Butte)

http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Steptoe%20Butte&subject=maps

panoramic view .. "exciting" drive

At the base of the park entrance, there are restrooms and several day camping areas that you can enjoy a picnic or a few outdoor games before making the trek up to the top of the Butte. Winding around the butte all the way to the top is a thin road that is passable (just barely) with two large cars. It's a little nerve-racking for people who aren't great with heights (like me), but can be quite a thrilling drive for people that like great scenery. To put it simply, you are driving on the side of a cliff all the way to the top, and when you get there, you are going to be quite revved up to enjoy the views. Even before you are out of the car, you realize how great the views of the region are. They say that you can see more than 200 miles in distance with the naked eye, and I don't find that to be an exaggeration, as it seems like you can see forever. On a clear day, it is beyond amazing, and truly makes you glad that you took the time to make the drive to the top.