Near Washtucna in Franklin County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Overwhelming Proof for an "Outrageous" Theory

Photographed by Duane Hall, August 28, 2010

1. Overwhelming Proof for an "Outrageous" Theory Marker

Inscription. Geologist J Harlen Bretz spent decades meticulously documenting evidence to support his theory that massive Ice Age floods carved the Channeled Scabland of eastern Washington. But the geologic community only ridiculed and scorned his work ... until they saw the evidence themselves.

James Gilluly, one of Bretz’s most vocal critics, visited Palouse Falls and said, “How could anyone have been so wrong?”

(Left Photo Caption)
J Harlen Bretz sparked one of the biggest debates in geologic history when he proposed his Ice Age floods theory in 1923.

(Right Satellite Image Caption)
Modern satellite photography would have helped Bretz illustrate his Ice Age floods theory. The Channelized Scabland of eastern Washington can easily be seen from space.

Erected by Washington State Parks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Parks & Recreational Areas • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.

Location. 46° 39.773′ N, 118° 13.654′ W. Marker is near Washtucna, Washington, in Franklin County. It can be reached from Palouse Falls Road 2.4

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miles west of Washington Highway 261. Marker is located in Palouse Falls State Park at the end of Palouse Falls Road; a entrance fee may be required. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washtucna WA 99371, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Washington’s Columbia Basin. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Setting the Stage (here, next to this marker); Small Town, Big Voice (here, next to this marker); Stealing a Stream (within shouting distance of this marker); Explore Massive Floodscapes! (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); In the Path of Cataclysmic Floods (about 300 feet away); M - R Military Road (approx. 4.7 miles away); Paving The Way West (approx. 5.8 miles away); Washtucna Sheriff's Office/Jail -- Outhouse (approx. 7.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washtucna.

Also see . . .
1. J Harlen Bretz and the Great Scabland Debate.

Palouse Falls image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, August 28, 2010

2. Palouse Falls

As viewed from scenic trail in Palouse Falls State Park

A 2004 article by Sean D. Pitman, M.D. (Submitted on May 6, 2015.)

2. Palouse Falls - Wikipedia entry. This article also has links to Wikipedia entries on the Columbia River Basalt Group, the Channeled Scablands, and the Missoula Floods. (Submitted on May 6, 2015.)

Palouse River Canyon South of Palouse Falls image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, August 28, 2010

3. Palouse River Canyon South of Palouse Falls

As viewed from scenic trail in Palouse Falls State Park

Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 622 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 6, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.

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