Fun Along the Columbia River Gorge

Crown Point Sunset: Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS

I’m just getting around to processing my images from last weekend’s trip to the Columbia River Gorge.  Yes, it was wet and overcast, but that made for excellent waterfall photography.  Also, one evening we were blessed with an awesome sunset (opening image).  Spring is a wonderful time to visit the Gorge, as the greens are vibrant and the cascades are absolutely gushing! You’ll also avoid the crowds of summer and the cold of winter.  Fall is another great time to visit, as the deciduous trees change to brilliant shades of yellow.  I try to make at least one trip in the spring and one in the fall to this area each year.  Every time I visit, I discover a new composition or different perspective on the same subjects. It’s like reading my favorite books over and over again.  If you haven’t visited this magical place, now is the perfect time, and if you have been there before, why not go back!

Sunset Reflected on Vista House (This is the same sunset as in the opening image): Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Red Rider: Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II

We started out at Troutdate, OR and drove the tortuous historic Columbia River Highway, as it followed the twists and turns of the Columbia River.  We stopped at almost every waterfall along the way, but the standouts were Latourell, Wahkeena, Multnomah, and Horsetail Falls.  After Horsetail Falls, we hopped on I-84, and head a few miles east to exit 40, where we parked our car and went on a beautiful hike to my absolute favorite waterfall of the area, Wahclella Falls.  Wahclella Falls is in Tanner Creek, next to the Bonneville Dam on the south side of I-84. The trailhead is located at the end of the parking lot. There are a few other paths right off the freeway, but the one you want is hidden back a few hundred feet. Several types of parking passes are honored here, including the Federal NW Forest Pass. If you don’t have a pass you can pay a $5.00 day use fee at the trailhead. We spent two days in the Gorge before heading back to Seattle. I hope you enjoy the images!

Latourell Falls: Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Path to Paradise: Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Wahkeena Falls: Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Forest Wildflowers: Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Wahclella Falls: Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Wahclella and Wildflowers: Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II

16 Comments
  • Ray Still
    June 4, 2010

    Mahesh

    Very nice some great comps here a place I have to get to. FYI Sol Duc is running awesome right now was out there with Tim and Martin yesterday

    Ray Still

    • Mahesh
      June 4, 2010

      Ray, how ya doin’ bud! Actually I visited Sol Duc last weekend also. I agree…the normally terrific 3 headed waterfall is an unbelievable 4 headed fall now!

  • Conrad Tan
    June 4, 2010

    Outstanding work as always Mahesh! Your images ROCK!

    • Mahesh
      June 4, 2010

      Conrad, thanks man! We really missed you up here…well that’s not totally correct. We felt like you were right with us the whole time, especially given all the text messaging between you and Ant. LOL! Seriously though…you have to come in the late summer for wildflowers at Rainier. It’s gonna be a blast!

  • Po Wu
    June 4, 2010

    Wow…that looks like a stained glass window reflecting that sunset.

    • Mahesh
      June 4, 2010

      Po, thanks for stopping by, bud! I had the same thought about the window reflection when I photographed it. Glad you saw it too.

  • Linda Lin
    June 4, 2010

    *Gorgeous*

    • Mahesh
      June 4, 2010

      Linda, thanks much! Glad you enjoyed the shots.

  • Victor Mellado
    June 4, 2010

    I cant wait to make it out to the northwest…great shots bud!

    • Mahesh
      June 5, 2010

      Victor, thanks for the comment, man! Let me know when you’re here…we should go shooting together.

  • Khun Hans
    June 5, 2010

    Brilliant shot of the falls and water. Comes sure with overcasting/rainy whether. Like your website very much because of the style and particularly because of the Info button at every photo.
    Hans

    • Mahesh
      June 5, 2010

      Khun, thanks for the kind words. I’m glad you like the layout of my website. It took me a while to decide on how best to present my photos and share my knowledge. This is what I finally decided upon.

  • Beverly Wood
    June 5, 2010

    Way to go, Mahesh

    • Mahesh
      June 5, 2010

      Bev, thank you! It’s always wonderful to hear from you.

  • Bev Wood
    June 7, 2010

    Mahesh, you are an artist!
    Beautiful images.

    • Mahesh
      June 8, 2010

      Bev, thank you! I appreciate your kind comments.

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