The Palouse Guy

Evening Harvest by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

A busy time of the year is upon us in the Palouse. According to my local sources, wheat harvest has begun in some areas. When the wheat is ready, work is happening seven days a week from dawn to dark. For me, it is an exciting time with the dust, large combines, golden wheat and the exotic patterns that are created as everyone rushes to gather in the bountiful harvest.

Creating Patterns by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

It is interesting to photograph all aspects of the harvest. Visiting small one man operations as well as large scale farming lets you see the full spectrum of this seasonal event. Many opportunities to see the combines at work can be seen as you drive along the highway. It is also a thrill to travel some of the gravel and dirt roads in the region to see the harvest in the back country.

Harvesting the Wheat by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

I usually ask around who is cutting and it seems as though most people are very much aware as to where the harvest is taking place. Another way that I find a field that is being cut is to follow the large trucks that are in the process of hauling the grain to the various elevators in the area.

A Deere at Work by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

I hope you have the time to get involved in this fascinating world of big time productive farming in the Palouse. I know you will come away with wonderful memories and a great collection of images from your experience.

Farm in the Fog by Gary Hamburgh - All Rights Reserved

My favorite place to spend time while visiting in the Palouse is Steptoe Butte. This thimble-shaped quartzite butte with an elevation of 3,612 feet provides a viewpoint to observe the rolling landscape in any direction. I truly enjoy how a different view is provided each time based on the available light and time of year.

I visit the butte each time I am near Colfax because I am always rewarded with the exhilarating feeling of driving the narrow road with its switchbacks to the top. The feeling is that you are on top of the world.

Allow plenty of time to enjoy the changing light either in the early morning or  evening.  This will provide you the opportunity to be a part of the entire experience. Capturing great images is always a bonus but this is still a great adventure even if the light is not perfect.

Take the time to visit this butte and enjoy an incredible “mountaintop” experience.