Northwest Oregon

I'll be taking a week in Oregon in early September, heading from Portland to The Dalles, down to Eugene and then up the coast to Astoria. Any "have to see it - gotta shoot it" advise for me?

Thanks in advance
Whitey

You have your pick of waterfalls between Portland and The Dalles...even with the lower water levels.

Have fun!

Vaughn

You have about a month to do this? There is at least that much stuff to photograph on that route. The Portland Photographic Forum guys should be able to make some great suggestions for that route.

You picked a great time of the year to photograph in those places.

I've been wanting to photograph in the Warm Springs area. Lots of interesting rocks, sage brush and dried trees. I drove through the area in early July and have been wanting to explore.
It's Part of the Indian Reservation there and I'm hoping to find a guide soon.
Its close to the John Day Painted Hills region as well. All neet and great colors. Google warm springs or Painted Hills.You might run into me and another photographer. He's been wanting to go as well.
Willamette Valley has some nice vinyards and wineries to check out as well. Our fall color won't be happening yet but I've noticed some of my trees changing and our clouds have been really nice to photograph.
I run the Portland Photographers Forum. I can post your request amoung them group and see what else they have to offer?
Enjoy Oregon.

Hi Whitey,

You have picked a very good time to be in Oregon. September is one of the better months for the entire state (both inland and the coast).

As mentioned earlier, there are several possibilities on your drive up the Columbia Gorge heading to The Dallas. I won’t mention them here. But when you leave there and head to Eugene, take the back road, Hwy 197 south. On the way be sure and take a side trip Hwy 26 to the Painted Hills unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, you will not be disappointed. Back to Hwy 97 heading south, turn east at Terrebonne and head to Smith Rock State Park, plan for 3 hours exploring. Be sure and take Hwy 242 across the Cascades, it should be open this time of year.

The best-kept secrets in Oregon are the wineries in the Eugene area. Some worth exploring and for taking with you to the coast. Kings Estate has some very nice grounds and Broadley has some very nice Pinot Noir.

From Eugene to the coast, you are in Florence, home to the sand dunes. The crowds will be gone during the week, so you will find some solitude at the many hiking opportunities. Early mornings or late afternoons will provide the shadows and depth needed to take advantage of the contours. Other places of interest might be Heceta Head Lighthouse, Seal Rock State Park, Beverly Beach SP (after a rain), Cape Kiwanda SP, Oswald West SP, Hug Point SP (my favorite), and of course Fort Stevens SP.

Driving north along Hwy 101 to Astoria should be a real treat. There are dozens of parks and waysides to explore, it will depend on how much time you have. Any one of them could be your favorite. The weather on the coast is usually best in the fall, but remember this is Oregon, some people spell it R A I N.

Hope this helps and enjoy your trip. These are just a few ideas, I am sure someone else would have many more areas to share. If in Portland for long, give me a call and we can go to the Japanese Garden to photograph, I am always looking for an excuse to go there.
Patrick

Get down the Oregon coast a little further, to the sand dunes at Florence and Shore Acres SP, in the Gorge be sure to stop at Onita (spelling?) on the scenic highway next to I84

Doyle

Wow! Thanks, folks. It's great to be able to tap the locals for pointers. This should be fun. Now... Which gear to bring....

There is a great article in the Sunday Oregonian travel section on Eastern Oregon travels. Look it up if you can.

Make a stop in Cannon Beach if you can...a pretty good assortment of galleries there. Astoria is cool..never shot there-just passed through.
Near Cannon is Ecola Beach State Park and Indian something or other...across the way. Windy as hell normally..