The highway begins at a y-intersection with SR 27 in the northern outskirts of Oakesdale north to an interchange with U.S. Route 195 (US 195) southeast of Rosalia.

The highway traverses rolling wheat fields through rural Whitman County, crossing over McCoy and Pine Creeks.

SR 271 terminates at an interchange with US 195 southeast of Rosalia, however the roadway continues into the town as a county-maintained road.

[6] The rail line, originally belonging to the Northern Pacific Railway predates the road, and was in place since at least 1903.

[7] The first roadway to link the two cities first appeared on maps in 1912,[8] and was named the eastern branch of the Inland Empire Highway by 1915.