Steptoe Battlefield: Overview
Park overview:
Steptoe Battlefield is a four-acre, day-use park in Rosalia. This is the site on May 17, 1858, where Lt. Col. E.J. Steptoe led 159 American soldiers in a running fight with a large band of Spokane, Palouse and Coeur D'Alene Native Americans. The American soldiers beat off a series of attacks until night halted the battle. With ammunition almost gone and facing disaster, Lt. Col. Steptoe and his men retreated with their wounded and under the cover of darkness to Fort Walla Walla.Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends' group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page.
Park hours/updates:
Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk
Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk
The park is open year round.
Agency information:
Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.
The Discover Pass now can be used on either of two vehicles!Annual pass: $30
One-day pass: $10
(Transaction and dealer fees may apply)
A Discover Pass is required for motor-vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Exemptions: Your purchase of the Discover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, the Discover Pass is not required if you are camping or renting overnight accommodations, for the duration of your stay at that state park. For additional exemptions and more information, please visit the Discover Pass website.
Park Features
The park features a monument with interpretive signs in memory of the battle between a band of Palouse, Spokane and Coeur D'Alene Native Americans and 159 American soldiers.
History
A 25-foot granite memorial erected by Esther Reed Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution in 1914 marks the authentic site of Steptoe Battlefield. This battle, the last defeat of the U.S. Army by Native Americans was fought in May 1858 with Lt. Col. Steptoe in command.Interpretive opportunities
Interpretive panels are featured at the park.Services/Supplies
| Available in the area | |
| • Auto repair • Airport • Camping • Diesel • Fishing/hunting • Gasoline • Gifts • Groceries • Pay phone • Postal service • Propane • Swimming |
Bank or cash machine also are available nearby.
Activities
| Trails | Water Activities | Other |
| • Interpretive Activities • Wildlife Viewing | ||
Events
Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free. The Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park on ten designated free days in 2013.
The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:
Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 11 – Veteran's Day weekend
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:
Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 11 – Veteran's Day weekend
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Find other events at Washington State Parks
Wildlife
| Mammals | Birds | Fish & Sea Life |
| • Badgers • Bobcats • Chipmunks • Coyotes • Deer or Elk • Marmots • Moose • Rabbits • Raccoons | • Chukars • Crows or Ravens • Doves or Pigeons • Ducks • Geese • Grouse • Gulls • Hawks • Herons • Hummingbirds • Jays • Ospreys • Owls • Pheasants • Quail • Turkeys • Woodpeckers • Wrens |
Environmental Features
| Physical Features | Plant Life | ||
| • Ponderosa Pine • Maple • Berries • Carnivorous Plants • Moss or Lichens • Thistle |
