Overview
Dayton is a city of 2,400 people (2019) in the Palouse region of eastern Washington. It is the county seat of Columbia County. It has an historic depot, historic courthouse, and Main Street, that are part of a National Historic District.
3 sights · 2 things to do
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Dayton
Lewis and Clark Trail State Park
A 37-acre camping park.
Palouse Falls
A 200 ft waterfall, the largest such feature in Eastern Washington. The park provides a viewpoint a short walk from the parking area, campground, and picnic area.
Bluewood
Ski resort in the Umatilla National Forest
Dayton Historic Depot
Built in 1881, it is the oldest surviving train depot in the state.
Columbia County Fairgrounds
Also has a Horse Race Track.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 87°F; winter lows dip to about 26°F. Cold months (Jan, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Spokane)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ALW Walla Walla Regional Airport, Walla Walla — 21 mi away. Directions
- LWS Lewiston Nez Perce County Airport, Lewiston — 46 mi away. Directions
- GEG Spokane International Airport, Spokane — 92 mi away (major hub). Directions
US Highway 12 (US-12) connects Dayton to Walla Walla and Lewiston, Idaho.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Dayton Historic Depot, Columbia County Fairgrounds, Lewis and Clark Trail State Park
- Afternoon Palouse Falls, Bluewood
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
US Highway 12 (US-12) connects Dayton to Walla Walla and Lewiston, Idaho.
See
Do
Nearby
Pomeroy
City / town · 2 listings · 21 mi away
Walla Walla
City / town · 35 listings · 24 mi away
Milton-Freewater
City / town · 5 listings · 33 mi away
Clarkston
City / town · 8 listings · 45 mi away
Lewiston
City / town · 12 listings · 46 mi away
Pullman
City / town · 33 listings · 48 mi away
Colfax
City / town · 4 listings · 49 mi away
Pasco
City / town · 18 listings · 54 mi away
My experience
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