description Steptoe Butte Overview
Steptoe Butte is a quartzite landform in Whitman County, Washington, rising to about 3,612 feet above sea level and standing prominently above the surrounding Palouse farmland. It is a monadnock, meaning that its resistant rock remained after erosion lowered the surrounding terrain. Protected as a state park since 1946, it is visited for its summit road, expansive agricultural views, photography, and geological interest.
help Steptoe Butte FAQ
Where is Steptoe Butte located?
Steptoe Butte is a prominent quartzite landform located in Whitman County, Washington. It rises abruptly above the rolling hills of the Palouse region to an elevation of about 3,612 feet.
What type of rock is Steptoe Butte made of?
The peak is primarily made of quartzite, an incredibly hard and erosion-resistant metamorphic rock. Because the surrounding Palouse landscape is made of much softer loess soils, the butte remained standing while the terrain around it eroded away over millions of years.
Why is Steptoe Butte considered a monadnock?
A monadnock is an isolated rock hill or mountain that rises abruptly from a gently leveled plain. Steptoe Butte is a textbook example of a monadnock because its tough quartzite core protected it from the glacial and erosional forces that smoothed out the surrounding Palouse farmland.
Can you drive to the top of Steptoe Butte?
Yes, visitors can drive their personal vehicles up a winding, paved road that switchbacks up the side of the butte. The route leads to an overlook parking area near the summit that offers 360-degree panoramic views of the agricultural Palouse hills.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
