Garfield, Washington
Garfield is situated in the Palouse Hills surrounded by the awe-inspiring scenery of ever-changing wheat fields. This quaint town presents an idyllic quality of life which is a refreshing change from the fast-paced hustle and bustle of this modern world.
Garfield has a compact downtown with established local businesses including a grocery / variety store, a tavern, coffee and food shop, a custom wrap meat market, beauty/barber shop, attorney office, farm implement manufacturing facility, building contractor, agriculture supplier and several home-based businesses. These businesses provide a nice mix of service offerings, but many opportunities await those seeking to find an optimal location for their home, business, or hobbies.
Colfax is the county seat of Whitman County, Washington, United States.[5] The population was 2,805 at the 2010 census. The population is estimated at 2,911 per the State of Washington Office of Financial Management in 2018 making Colfax the second largest city in Whitman County behind Pullman. It is situated amidst wheat-covered hills in a valley at the confluence of the north and south forks of the Palouse River. U.S. Route 195, which forms the town's main street, intersects with State Route 26 at the north end of town; in the past, Colfax also lay at the junction of three major railway lines. It was named after Schuyler Colfax, the vice president from 1869-73.
Colfax in 2007, looking southeast
History
Intersection of Canyon and Main Street, ca. 1938
Palouse Indians were the first known human inhabitants of the Colfax area. White settlers arrived in the summer of 1870, and soon built a sawmill. A flour mill and other businesses followed, and Colfax soon grew into a prosperous town. Originally, pioneer citizen James Perkins called the settlement "Belleville" in honor of his girlfriend; when he found a new love, he changed the town's name to Colfax,[6] for vice president Schuyler Colfax.[7][8]
Colfax was officially incorporated on November 29, 1873. In 1889-90, the town vied with several other finalists to become the site of a new state agricultural college, present-day Washington State University. The honor ultimately fell to nearby Pullman, fifteen miles (25 km) southeast.
The early history of Colfax was marred by prominent lynchings in 1894 and 1898.[7] The city incurred significant flooding in 1910 in early March.[9][10]
Until passed by Pullman at the 1930 census, Colfax was the largest city in the county.
Steptoe Butte State Park
High above the Palouse Hills on the eastern edge of Washington, Steptoe Butte offers views of a unique landscape. The quartzite bluff stands out against soft hills of green and mauve, an occasional barn dotting the landscape. Colors seem to shift and change in the light.
The butte contains some of the oldest rock in the Pacific Northwest, and it marks the border of the original North American Continent.
Steptoe has, over time, been a wagon road, a hotel site and an observatory location. In addition to inspiring vistas, the 3,612-foot summit displays several interpretive panels that pay homage to its distinctive geology. This day-use park is a must-visit on a leisurely drive through eastern Washington.
PARK FEATURES
Steptoe Butte is a 168-acre day-use park. Camping options for an eastern Washington road trip include Riverside, Field Springs and Lewis & Clark Trail state parks, all less than two hours away.
Discover Pass: A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.