As you enter the channelled scablands, you'll see spectacular outcroppings of basalt columns. The ones that line the road have mostly been defaced by WSU student graffiti, but keep an eye out for the ones further from the road.

Lately they've been discovered as an ornamental resource, and some farmers are "mining" them to sell to landscapers.

Most travelers are bent on getting through this area as quickly as possible, but it has its attractions. Be alert for cars passing on blind curves along this stretch, especially on days that there is a lot of student travel on the highway.