Palouse Falls hiking areas closed

PALOUSE FALLS – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously on Jan. 27 to permanently close areas known to be dangerous in Palouse Falls State Park. The decision comes after four deaths occurred in the park since 2016.

"This closure includes access to rock formation referred to as Castle Rock, the top of the main falls, access to the plunge pool and surrounding canyon walls," Parks Planner Laura Moxham said. "It also incorporates the existing signed area which some people have used to get down to the plunge pool."

Moxham said the parks commission also designated port...