Locations in Oregon or on the way to Grand Teton NP?

[bastian_bauwens1]

<p>Hi all,<br>

I am currently sitting in Redmond, OR, because a trip to Jasper/Banff in the Canadian Rockies has not materialized due to rainy weather up there (was hesitant to go just to see overcast skies). So I was wondering: Can you recommend any locations that I should check out for landscape photography, either here in Oregon or on the way to Grand Teton NP (will be going there in about ten days), e.g., in Idaho. A detour is ok, as long as it's not 1,000 miles. ;-)</p>

<p>I have already covered: Columbia River Gorge, Crater Lake, Proxy Falls, Painted Hills, Smith Rock.</p>

<p>Any tips for how to spend the next ten days are greatly appreciated. Especially if you have ideas for where to stop along the way to Jackson, WY - I am completely blank in that area.</p>

<p>Thanks and cheers,<br>

Bastian</p>

[ShunCheung]

<p>The entire Oregon coast is quite nice; e.g. Cannon Beach is very well known. Please check about how foggy it currently is at various locations, though.</p>

[leicaglow]

<p>It's not <em>that </em>rainy here<g>. I would head toward the Cascade mountains. There is always a lot to shoot there. You could head to Sisters, and there are great landscapes. That's about 25 minutes West of you. There is lots to photograph in Central Oregon, but it's so spread out that you really have to pick a place and drive to it. There is Malheur (via Burns to the East) that has spectacular wildlife and beautiful lake beds. That would kind of be on your way to the Tetons. Any of the mountains (Steen, etc.) are gorgeous, in the NE corner of the state.</p>

[john_demott]

<p>You could easily spend ten days enjoying and shooting the scenery in eastern and central Oregon--Blue Mountains, Ochocos, Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap area, Hells Canyon, former gold mining areas near Baker City, Steens Mountain and Malheur Wildlife Refuge, etc. etc. All of those are within a few hours drive from Redmond--you could make a driving tour of a number of those places. Closer to Redmond, you could go to the Century Drive area west and south of Bend and take any number of wonderful hikes to mountain lakes in the Three Sisters area or hike along the Deschutes River which is also quite scenic. William Sullivan has some excellent hiking tour guides for Central and Eastern Oregon that should be readily available in the Redmond area.</p>

<p><img src="http://jdemott.smugmug.com/Local/Oregon-East-of-the-Cascades/lake/583690770_4gMqg-M-1.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="398" /><br>

Sparks Lake with South Sister and Broken Top in the distance (approx. 25 miles southwest of Bend)</p>

<p> </p>

[steve_wagner1]

<p>That is a bummer. Banff does look socked in. Since it sounds like you're willing to drive, you could<br /> <br /> 1. Spend a couple days on the Cascade Lakes highway. World class scenery</p>

<p>2. Go down to the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake Refuges, the largest wetlands in the Western US and one of the most important and spectacular places in the world for Birds. <a href="http://www.brettcolephotography.com/galleries/klamath.html">PHOTOS</a></p>

<p>3. Hit Lava Beds while you're in the Klamath</p>

<p>4. Fort Rock in the desert</p>

<p>5. Silver Falls is Oregon's largest state park and a paradise for photography. - <a href="http://brettcole.photoshelter.com/gallery-list">PHOTOS</a></p>

<p>6. If you were willing to drive to Banff you go up to Garibaldi in BC, which is incredibly beautiful, though not as grand as the Canadian Rockies, or drive down to the redwoods. Granted these are both West</p>

[david_henderson]

<p>Given your opportunity I wouldn't hesitate to spend the time on the Oregon Coast. This is one of the worlds most photogenic coastlines. Inland Oregon is not one of the world's greatest landscapes, and it seems to me that you've seen the best bits.</p>

<p>On the coast, the sections from Brookings to Gold Beach in the South, the area around Bandon, the area around Yachats have a great deal to offer, and whilst further north you tend yto find larger communities that doesn't mean that there are no more remote little beaches readily accessible. </p><div></div>

[steve_wagner1]

<blockquote>

<p>Inland Oregon is not one of the world's greatest landscapes, and it seems to me that you've seen the best bits.</p>

</blockquote>

<p><strong>Blasphemy! </strong>Are you from Oregon? How much time have you spent in inland Oregon? No offense but I spent 12 solid years there and this is absolute crazy talk.</p>

[leicaglow]

<p>Yikes! I have to agree with Brett. I've only spent 8 years here and haven't gotten tired of it yet.</p>

[steve_wagner1]

<p>Shakes head in disbelief. Sighs.</p>

[Charles_Webster]

<p>If you are in Redmond, have you visited 2 local sites; Smith Rock State Park and Crooked River Gorge?</p>

<p>Both are close to Redmond and each is worth at least a day.</p>

<p>You can see Smith Rock in my portfolio here http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=587122</p>

<p><Chas></p>

[david_henderson]

<p>I think whats crazy is to compare inland Oregon to the worlds great landscapes , which you can absolutely do for the coast. And it doesn't matter whether I'm from Oregon, or precisely how much time I've spent there, when the answer is "enough". More pertinent maybe is what you've seen and photographed to compare it to. There's at least a dozen areas in N America that I'd rather spend time in than inland Oregon, and countless more outside. Whereas , as I said , Oregon has one of the world's great coastlines for photographers. </p>

[steve_wagner1]

<p>David I've traveled far and wide in more than a decade of international field work in some of the most spectacular places in the world. I've also traveled pretty much every inch of the Oregon Coast inside and out, which is nowhere near as spectacular as say the British Columbia Coast, and I've been to several hundred cities, towns, and natural areas all over Oregon. Sorry mate, you're way off. Better just to own up to speaking without a proper base of experience.</p>

[ShunCheung]

<p>Guys, whether a location is beautiful to photograph or not is merely a matter of opinion. It is common that opinions differ. There is no need to trash other people's opinions.</p>

<p>Photo.net member Marc Adamus is a landscape photographer who lives in Oregon. You can check out his portfolio and his web site to get ideas about where to visit there: <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=1353935">http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=1353935</a></p>

[stemked]

<p>Southern Idaho there is 'Craters of the Moon NP'. It's different, volcanic. I haven't been there this time of year, but it's probably worth a visit if you can be there at the right time.<br>

The bridge across Twin Falls (Idaho) crosses a pretty cool canyon, worth a stop. In fact I enjoyed much of my trip along roads 93 and 28 in Idaho, pretty desolate, dry with nice mountains. I'm not sure it would appeal to everyone, but it was interesting nevertheless.</p>

[mark_ritz]

<p>I second Silver Falls SP. It was almost the highlight of my trip to OR this spring.</p>

[bastian_bauwens1]

<p>Hi all,<br /><br />Thanks for all the responses - I guess I've at least decided to spend the days here in Oregon. I was planning to do this in October originally, but I might just go down to the Southwest then. No problems in finding more spots to go to. :-)<br /><br />Guess I'll go for the following locations now:<br />- Sahalie Falls / McKenzie Highway<br />- Toketee Falls<br />- Crater Lake (though I'll be back mid October, hoping for snow)<br />- Parts of the coast<br />- Lost Lake (on my way to the Tetons)<br />- Hells Canyon (on my way to the Tetons)<br /><br />And on my way back to Seattle in October, I'll make sure to visit:<br />- Portland Japanese Garden<br />- Silver Falls State Park<br />- Crater Lake<br /><br />Any comments welcome on the choices.<br /><br />By the way, I agree that there are more spectacular/well known places than central Oregon - the landscape here is beautiful, but it is not extraordinary or unique, such as Bryce Canyon, for instance. It still is very scenic, just does not have that "wow factor" that makes it easy even for unskilled photographers to get great shots. On the other hand, good lighting and a good photographer can make a great photo out of almost any location, and I am willing to try. For example, I managed to get a nice shot of Punch Bowl Falls - not a unique location, but extremely beautiful. Maybe that's a compromise everyone can agree to. :-)<br /><br /><br />Thanks for all the help and cheers,<br />Bastian</p><div></div>

[bastian_bauwens1]

<p>Oh, one thing I forgot: How do I actually get to Hells Canyon? A scenic overlook would be nice, but it seems that it's hard to get there and that not all points are accessible in the same way, so any hint would be appreciated. I cannot seem to figure it out. :-)</p>

<p>Cheers,<br>

Bastian</p>

[bj_larsson]

<p>Crater lake is great.<br>

<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2RrwHCfRGNE/Rs0STlZpacI/AAAAAAAABTg/udVdzwm3OUw/s400/DSC_3052.JPG" alt="" /><br>

I also really enjoyed the Lava Fields off Hwy 242 (by Sister).<br>

<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2RrwHCfRGNE/TGsR6LtdXQI/AAAAAAAAPvg/Oieg4QmtTTU/s400/DSC_1196.JPG" alt="" /><br>

The Painted Hills are excellent.</p>

<p>The high alpine lakes off the Cascades lakes Scenic highway are absolutely gorgeous. </p>

<p>I'm from the BC Coast and I enjoy some of the varied areas of OR. :)</p>

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2RrwHCfRGNE/SLBEdYVPnwI/AAAAAAAAGA4/_uNN9ewg_Ac/s400/DSC_3630.JPG<img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2RrwHCfRGNE/SLBEdYVPnwI/AAAAAAAAGA4/_uNN9ewg_Ac/s400/DSC_3630.JPG" alt="" />

[john_demott]

<p>Hell's Canyon is difficult to get to. The best views from the rim of the canyon on the Oregon side that can be reached by car are in the vicinity of Hat Point, reached by driving from LaGrande through Joseph and Imnaha. I haven't been out there in a while; the road used to be <em>very</em> rough but I've heard it is better now (still a gravel forest road I think). There are trails for hiking if you want to see more of the rim. Going through Joseph would give you a chance to see some of the Wallowas. </p>

<p>You can also see Hell's Canyon from the bottom, by jet boat, by raft, or by hiking. For a first time visitor, a day-long jet boat tour from Oxbow, Oregon, would let you see a lot and would provide a fun day (reservations needed). You could see if there are boat tours that run early or late to give more dramatic light. Oxbow is reached by driving from Baker City on I-84 through the town of Halfway. You could combine it with a visit to the rim at Hat Point by driving on forest roads from Oxbow to Imnaha. I drove that way some years ago and recall it as slow going but decent gravel road, with some nice scenery and campgrounds along the way, but the road conditions could have changed.</p>

<p>If you go out that way, make sure you have a good map, good tires with a spare, a full gas tank, and clear directions. Services are few and far between.</p>

<p>By the way, since you say you are planning to travel the McKenzie Highway, you should know that there is a forest fire burning to the north of the highway in the Mount Washington wilderness. The highway was closed for over a week--I think it is open now but there may be fire crews operating along the road with some closed areas and the fire could flare up if there are windy conditions. I was hiking in the vicinity the day the fire first blew up with some high winds--it was quite dramatic to see it grow. By the time I had hiked back to the highway there were aircraft and crews on the ground fighting the fire.<br>

<img src="http://jdemott.smugmug.com/Local/Three-Sisters-2010/IMG2745/982532703_YSDGX-M-1.jpg" alt="" /></p>

[eric_brody]

<p>I live in Oregon, hike almost every week, and I have not even come close to "doing" the Columbia Gorge. I hiked seven miles up Eagle Creek two days ago. I've hiked Eagle Creek probably twenty times with everything from a 4x5 to a point and shoot and still am amazed every time I go there.<br>

Don't just "bag" the great scenic shots," (Yosemite Falls, Upper Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley Mittens, Big Sur, etc, etc). Take the time to really explore a place in some depth. If Central Oregon is not spectacular enough, you're either pretty jaded, or have not taken the time to look around. Stop the car, get out somewhere that is not a "viewpoint" and take a hike. Talk to some locals and explore a bit. There are places in Oregon, BC, Washington, Idaho that will curl your hair (unless you're like me and have very little).<br>

Good luck.</p>

[bastian_bauwens1]

<p>Hey Eric,</p>

<p>Good suggestion - being a visitor from Germany with limited time only, I must admit that I am trying to concentrate on the "well-known" locations still. The reason is simple - I won't be able to cover everything anyway, so I might as well try to see the most famous locations that I have known for some time and that I always wanted to see. If I lived here, the picture would be quite different, but as it is now, there are thousands of places to see, and I've "only" got 2 months. You need to prioritize somehow - unfortunately. ;-)</p>

<p>Cheers,<br>

Bastian</p>

[eric_brody]

<p>Hi Bastian,<br>

Do see the famous locations, take "document" photos of them. It's pretty unlikely you'll get a unique photo of these places anyway. If you take the "well known" locations, you'll get the same photos as everyone else. If you concentrate on things unique to where you are at the moment, eg in Central Oregon, you'll get something unique, something no one else likely has. Additionally, your memories of the place, whatever place, will be special to you, even if it's just a rock, or drop of water on a lupine.<br>

Have fun.</p>

[bastian_bauwens1]

<p>Hi Eric,</p>

<p>A bit harsh, I'd say - you can still go to locations that everyone knows (and that everyone goes to) and still get photos that might resemble a unique experience. The attached is from Crater Lake just yesterday morning. I was the only person up there for sunrise. So I think I can call the experience "special to me", but I still went to a location that is well known. Also, I don't agree that "unique" is an objective in its own.</p>

<p>In the end, I think it's the mixture that makes for a good trip. Just running around and taking snapshots isn't something I'd enjoy. I take my time for the places I go to (even if they are well known) to "experience" the atmosphere and wait for the right light. However, I admit that I get bored easily, so after five days of seeing forests, I just need something else. ;-) And I've just had enough waterfalls for now, so I just went to the Oregon coast for a few days.</p>

<p>As said above, memories to me don't necessarily get any better just because they are unique. I don't care what others experience in the same place. If I enjoy the place in which I am, then everything is good. I agree, however, that this means taking some time to explore.</p>

<p>Apart from that, to be honest, I don't think there's anything on this planet that is worth seeing that has not been photographed by someone else already.</p>

<p>Question to you: If you went to Europe for a trip, where would you go? Would you explore tiny towns in Bavaria that no one has ever heard of? Or would you go to London, Paris, Berlin, the Provence and Tuscany?</p>

<p>Cheers,<br>

Bastian</p>

<p>PS: Oregon definitely is beautiful, by the way. :-)</p><div></div>

[eric_brody]

<p>Hi Bastian,<br>

Sorry if I seemed harsh. Your Crater Lake sunrise image is striking. Clearly you are a skilled photographer who wants to capture the beauty of the world around you. You would enjoy reading the editorial introduction to this month's "Lenswork." Lenswork is simply the best current magazine in English about photography, not cameras, not travel, but photography. I am a big fan. In it Brooks Jensen, the editor, discusses how when at a well known location, he starts by getting the "document" or "establishing" images first and then is often struck by another aspect of the location and then hones in and does what he feels is more personal work. Specifically, he mentions a monastery where he became interested in the hands, of the statues, the paintings, he said, "the angel is in the details."<br>

I have not been to Europe for a while, but most people do not travel just to photograph as I like to, they travel to travel and document their journey with photographs. When a photographer I know went to Tuscany, he tended to work on the farmhouses, the hills, the details of the vineyards. He may "document" the outside of the Uffizi, or the Duomo, but that's not the heart of his work.<br>

I suspect we agree more than disagree. Enjoy your travels, have a wonderful Oregon beer, and return home with both happy memories and wonderful images.</p>