This time of the year the beauty of the Palouse is on display, stunning views from the butte.

Outstanding, Informative and Entertaining.

That is beautiful geology. It would have looked so cool with nothing but the basaltic lava exposed. And an island of quartz all shining in the sun in the sea of badalt, is a pretty awesome place! Thanks Patrick!

Thanks for sharing about SB! Looks beautiful!

I have been to Steptoe dozens of times over the years with my kids since they were little- hard not to stop when on my way South.

Steptoe Butte was the scene of a standoff between a large war party of Palouse warriors and the Washington Volunteers, back in the "Indian Troubles" in territorial days. Surrounded by the Natives, without water, the Volunteers were hard pressed. Eventually, they were able to sneak away in the night and survive the Battle of Steptoe Butte. Otherwise, they would have suffered the same fate as G.A Custer and the 7th Cavalry at Little Big Horn.

I've been there. A video doesn't do it justice. It doesn't look that big when you're below looking up at it, but when you're on the top looking around, it feels huge!

I love information videos like this. Thank you for sharing!!! Please be safe, and drink plenty of water. 😊

Thank you for this! It is a good way to understand the geology of the magical Palouse region.

Enjoyed the video, been there several times over the years and enjoyed every time.

I live here

very nice, good job thank you

Wow look how GREEN it is! Like a different world when we were there

In case you didn't know where Steptoe Butte is located it is about a 30 mile drive northeast of the town of Dusty.

The black streaks are tiny lichens in the cracks.........granite is not quartzite.......thanks for the video....😊

Interesting, The yellow stone you found (3:04) with cleavage planes and some sparkling might be feldspar. It occurs with granite and quartz. If you find any clear or translucent pieces, you might see some chatoyancy. I have collected a few pieces and made them into nice cabochons. It's not as precious as dome moonstone, but still worth the effort

You spent the entire piece talking about the Geology of Steptoe, but not a word about the historical significance of the Place. Those of us who have lived in the area never even think about the Geological significance, Only the historical. As a cab driver in the Pullman area, I spent many an hour transporting tourists and business people up to Spokane airport. It's about a 75 mile drive and I would always tell the tail of the Battle of Steptoe. Other than the strategic significance of the Butte, I can't recall the Geologic significance ever coming up. Just Sayin'.

Back in the 1800s there was a hotel on the top of Steptoe Butte but it was a failure and then it burnt down in the early 1900s. I would suggest you go back up there on a clear winter day. I went up there once and everything was covered with wind blown horizontal icicles and it looked really cool.

we have a lot of family buried at Steptoe Butte. seeing this pop up makes me think we may be adding someone else pretty soon, I'll have to check in and see who's recently departed.

Well done 👍

The "pit" could have been geological sampling and shooting range? The family used to take one week a year to go drive all around Washington State. I don't really remember all the names of places we went, or that might be the only thing I remember. I'm surprised at how many places we went.

Was there with my parents about 1956, then again with my lady in 2014. The only change are the communication towers, the rest are as it was 58 years or so ago.

Please check Kamiak Butte and Smoot Hill. Are are made of quartzite. Could you find the interface between the quartzite and the GCC. I live in Albion and our lot is full quartzite rocks. Thanks ron

I'd love to see a video that shows where the different geological layers are. Like oceanic levels, basalt levels, etc.

❤

Your wife can really put down some tracks!

Gold bearing rock?

Flip flops ? Someone wants to get bit ….

Which state?