One of the most stunning remnants of that Ice Age resculpting is the 186-foot-high Palouse Falls. "Sometimes the Palouse Canyon is called the Grand Canyon of Washington state," Stoess said.

Palouse Falls is one of these floods’ last and most magnificent remnants. The powerful 200-foot tall waterfall is impressive in itself, but its surroundings help to add to the magic.

The hike in question is the aptly named Trail of Ten Falls, a moderate loop with an elevation change of around 800 feet. Although I’m far from a hardcore hiker, especially by Oregon standards ...