Kahlotus, Washington — Wheat Country Near the Edge of the Table

Kahlotus sits where southeastern Washington's agricultural plateau begins breaking apart toward the Snake River.

Around town, wheat fields spread across broad dry ground. A short distance away, the land drops into coulees and basalt canyons. Railroads and grain farming gave Kahlotus its economic role, and the town incorporated in 1907 as a service point for surrounding farms.

Toward the lower Palouse River and Palouse Falls, water cuts through basalt on its way to the Snake, producing a landscape dramatically different from the plateau above.

One moment the country is measured in acres and grain bins. A short drive later, the useful unit is canyon depth.