What better way to enjoy the great outdoors than a day drive to the Tucannon Lakes or to Palouse Falls State Park.

On a drive at the end of January, the Tucannon hills were covered in a dusting of snow. A few deer and a huge herd of elk could be seen grazing. Spring Lake was partially covered in ice and a family was out trying their luck at fishing at Blue Lake.

At Rainbow Lake you could see a beautiful reflection of the snowy hillside in the water and it's also a nice place for a walk.

The bridge at Watson Lake was destroyed in the 2020 flood preventing fishermen from access to the lake in 2021. The bridge has been rebuilt and should be stocked with fish for the March 1st opener.

Outside of Waitsburg, on the way to Palouse Fall, two golden eagles were feasting on a coyote carcass, the photo was not for the faint of heart. Palouse Falls State Park, now renamed Palouse Falls State Park Heritage Site, saw many visitors the first weekend in February. The park does not allow camping at the park currently and has closed access to "castle rock" above the falls, the pools below the falls, and trails leading to the falls. Different breeds of birds were flying about the falls, four golden eagles were hunting, and the yellow-bellied marmots came out of their dens to watch the visitors on a sunny day.

Nature is calling! Get outdoors and enjoy the valley.