Other towns in the area include Sprague, St. John, and Rosalia, although all are a number of miles away.

[6] About half a mile from the boat launch, the lake's characteristic geography can be seen: high basalt cliff walls on either side with rock pillars and spires protruding from the bottom.

The steep basalt cliffs and stone pinnacles which can rupture a hull and a lack of shoreline, coupled with the wind tunnel effect from the region's notable Palouse winds, have led to many deaths on the lake.

[6][7] In addition to the perils in the lake, its banks are also habitat for rattlesnakes in the spring and summer months.

Representatives of the Palouse-Rock Lake Conservation District are interested in having a dam built for the primary purpose of stabilizing water supply to right-holders below the dam by creating a consistent flow throughout the year.