Winter in the Coquihalla Canyon
Icicles in the Othello Tunnels
Mt. Cheam in the winter
Mt. Cheam in the winter
The Othello Tunnels in the winter
The Othello Tunnels in winter
Star Trails near Pitt Lake
Golden Ears and Gold Creek
Alouette Lake in Golden Ears Park
Golden Ears mountains from the Pitt Meadows farmland
Golden Ears Park trail in the fall
Golden Ears from the Pitt Lake area
Golden Ears towering over Gold Creek
Sunburst through the forest in Golden Ears Prk
Upper Falls in Golden Ears Park
Upper Falls in Golden Ears Park
Foggy morning at Golden Ears
Foggy morning at Golden Ears
Foggy morning at Golden Ears
Intense sunrise colors
Intense sunrise colors
Golden Ears reflected near Pitt Lake
Alouette Lake in Golden Ears Park
Nightscape at Mt. Baker
Mt. Baker from the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail
Mt. Baker from the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail
Morning silhouette of Mt. Baker
Mt. Shuksan from Artist Point
Mt. Shuksan reflected in Picture Lake
Pink sky behind Mt. Shiksan
Mt. Shuksan from the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail
Reflection of Mt. Shuksan
Star Trails and Mt Shuksan reflected in Picture Lake
Sunset at Mt. Shuksan
Evening light at Mt. Shuksan
Mt Baker from the Cypress Overlook
Star Trails over Mt. Hood
Mt. Hood alpenglow
Mt. Hood from the gardens of the Timberline Lodge
Mt. Hood and a gnarled tree
Mt. Hood with some wildflowers
Last light on Mt. Hood
Blue Hour at Mt. Hood
Mt. Hood from Panorama Point
Mt. Jefferson from the Timberline Lodge
Mt. Jefferson from the Timberline Lodge
The arch of the Milky Way from Lassen Volcanic National Park
Sunrise at Manzanita Lake with Mt. Lassen
Star Trails over Mt. Lassen and a frozen Lake Helen
Reflection of Mt. Lassen in Manzanita Lake
Top of Koosah Falls
Top of Koosah Falls
Koosah Falls
Koosah Falls
Koosah Falls
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falss
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls
The bridge at Latourell Falls
Wahkeena Falls
Wahkeena Falls
Seagull enjoying a drink at Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach
Trickle of water at Indian Beach, Oregon
Stormy evening at Ecola Beach State Park
Cave at Hug Point, Oregon
Small waterfall at Hug Point, Oregon
Sunset at Cannon Beach
Sunset at Cannon Beach
Sunset at Cannon Beach
Sunset at Cannon Beach
Sunset at Cannon Beach
Sunrise at Ecola Beach State Park
Sunrise at Ecola Beach State Park
Sunrise at Ecola Beach State Park
Sunrise at Haystock Rock, Cannon Beach
Sunrise at Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach
Sunrise at Haystock Rock, Cannon Beach
Sunrise at Haystock Rock, Cannon Beach
Sunset at Haystock Rock, Cannon Beach
Sunset at Haystock Rock, Cannon Beach
Sunset at Haystock Rock, Cannon Beach
Sunset at Haystock Rock, Cannon Beach
Sunrise at Haystock Rock, Cannon Beach
Sunrise at Haystock Rock, Cannon Beach
Abandoned car at the Dalles Mountain Ranch
Watercolor skies over the Dalles Mountain Ranch
Wildflowers and old fence, Dalles Mountain Ranch

Stunning vista at the Tom McCall Preserve

Purple lupines and storm clouds at the Tom McCall Preserve

Purple Lupine at the Tom McCall Preserve
Christine Falls in Mt Rainier National Park
Comet Falls in Mt Rainier National Park
Comet Falls in Mt Rainier National Park
Comet Falls in Mt Rainier National Park
Comet Falls in Mt Rainier National Park
Comet Falls Trail in Mt Rainier National Park
Comet Falls Trail in Mt Rainier National Park
Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel on the Skyline Trail on Mt. Rainier, posed against Mt. Adams
Mt Adams from the Skyline Trail in Mt Rainier National Park
Mt St Helens from the Skyline Trail in Mt Rainier National Park
Myrtle Falls in Mt Rainier National Park
Narada Falls in Mt Rainier National Park
Narada Falls in Mt Rainier National Park
Narada Falls in Mt Rainier National Park
National Park Inn in Longmire, in Mt Rainier National Park
Looking up at Mt. Rainier from the Skyline Trail
Looking up at Mt. Rainier from the Skyline Trail
Looking up at Mt. Rainier from the Skyline Trail
Looking up at Mt. Rainier from the Skyline Trail
Looking up at Mt. Rainier from the Skyline Trail
Looking up at Mt. Rainier from the Skyline Trail
Along the Skyline Trail in Mt Rainier National Park, looking south towards the Tatoosh Range
Iron Creek Falls
Iron Creek Falls
Frog at Meta Lake
Mt. Adams from Windy Ridge
Mt. Adams from Windy Ridge
Spirit Lake and Mt. Rainier
Climbing into the crater of Mt St Helens
Inside the Mt. St. Helens crater, looking at the rim
Huge rockslide inside the crater of Mt. St. Helens
Mountain Goat on Mt. St. Helens
Mt. St. Helens from Spirit Lake
Mt. St. Helens from Spirit Lake
Wildflowers at the foot of Mt. St. Helens
Wildflowers at the foot of Mt. St. Helens
Wildflowers at the foot of Mt. St. Helens
Small rockslide inside the crater of Mt. St. Helens
Sunrise in a field of alpine wildflowers
Wizard Island and Crater Lake
Wizard Island and Crater Lake
Wizard Island and Crater Lake
Star trails over Wizard Island and Crater Lake
Sunburst through a tree
Wizard Island and Crater Lake
Wizard Island and Crater Lake, looking out towards Mt. Scott
The Crater Lake rim
Wizard Island and Crater Lake panorama
Wizard Island and Crater Lake, with Mt. Scott
Sunrise at Wizard Island and Crater Lake
Sunrise at Wizard Island and Crater Lake
Mt. Thielsen in Southern Oregon
Proxy Falls in Central Oregon
Dead tree on the rim of Crater Lake
The deep blue water of Crater Lake
Morning view of Wizard Island and Llao Rock at Crater Lake
Hiking along the Lightning Springs trail at Crater Lake
Hiking along the Lightning Springs trail at Crater Lake - this area was burned in a wildfire
Hiking along the Lightning Springs trail at Crater Lake
The Phantom Ship in Crater Lake
The Phantom Ship in Crater Lake
The Phantom Ship in Crater Lake
The Phantom Ship in Crater Lake
The Pinnacles at Crater Lake National Park
Plaikni Falls in Crater Lake National Park
Plaikni Falls in Crater Lake National Park
Small waterfall flowing into Crater Lake
Hazy wildfire smoke at Crater Lake National Park
Looking to Wizard Island in Crater Lake through intense wildfire smoke
Standing on the south rim of Crater Lake, looking towards Wizard Island through wildfire smoke
Mossy trees on a trail in Crater Lake National Park
Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel at Crater Lake National Park
Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel at Crater Lake National Park
Twilight at Crater Lake
Dead tree on the rim of Crater Lake
Milky Way over the Crater Lake Lodge
Milky Way over Crater Lake
Mt. Scott at sunset
Looking away from Crater Lake at sunset
Sunset at Crater Lake and Mt. Scott
Three Sisters from the Town of Sisters
Storm brewing over the Three Sisters at MacKenzie Pass
Sunset at the Dee Wright Observatory
Sunset at the Dee Wright Observatory
Sunset at Mt. Washingtom
Sunset at Mt. Washington
Three Sisters from MacKenzie Pass
Three Sisters from MacKenzie Pass
South Sister from Sparks Lake
South Sister from Sparks Lake
Looking up towards the summit of Mt. Shasta from the Clear Creek basecamp
The east side of Mt. Shasta, from highway 97 in California
The east side of Mt. Shasta, from highway 97 in California
Cool lightshow on Mt. Shasta! This is from the Clear Creek basecamp, looking up towards the summit
Cool lightshow on Mt. Shasta during sunset! This is looking towards the summit from the Clear Creek basecamp
Mt. Shasta at blue hour, from Mt. Shasta City
Gorgeous Mt. Shasta
Mt. Shasta from the top of Schonchin Butte in Lava Beds National Monument
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Photographing Landscapes in the Pacific Northwest and Cascadia: Capturing the Beauty of Crater Lake, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, Three Sisters Wilderness, Mt. Shasta, West Coast Sunsets, and WAY more!
The Pacific Northwest is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, featuring majestic mountains, pristine lakes, lush forests, and stunning coastlines. For photography enthusiasts, this region offers a diverse range of natural wonders that are a dream to capture through the lens. Among the notable locations that stand out for their scenic beauty and photographic potential are Crater Lake, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, Three Sisters Wilderness, Mt. Shasta, and the captivating west coast sunsets. In this article, we will delve into the unique qualities of these locations and explore how to make the most of your landscape photography experience.
Crater Lake, located in southern Oregon, is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest. Known for its crystal-clear blue waters and dramatic surrounding cliffs, Crater Lake offers endless opportunities for capturing awe-inspiring photographs. The lake itself is the result of a volcanic eruption that occurred thousands of years ago, leaving behind a caldera that now holds the deepest lake in the United States. When photographing Crater Lake, it's crucial to pay attention to composition and perspective. The lake's vibrant blue color contrasts beautifully with the surrounding evergreen forests and snow-capped peaks. Exploring the various viewpoints along the rim, such as Rim Village, Watchman Overlook, and Discovery Point, allows you to capture different angles and perspectives of this natural wonder.
Moving northward, we encounter Mt. St. Helens, an active stratovolcano located in Washington state. Known for its catastrophic eruption in 1980, the landscape surrounding Mt. St. Helens underwent significant changes, resulting in a unique environment that offers a captivating subject for photography. One of the most notable features is the horseshoe-shaped crater that was left behind after the eruption. The barren landscape, scattered with remnants of the eruption, provides a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for photography. To capture the essence of Mt. St. Helens, consider exploring the viewpoints along Johnston Ridge Observatory, Windy Ridge, and Loowit Viewpoint. These vantage points offer sweeping views of the volcano and the surrounding landscape, allowing you to capture the scale and grandeur of this natural marvel.
Continuing eastward, we arrive at Mt. Hood, a dormant stratovolcano and the highest peak in Oregon. With its snow-capped summit, dense forests, and alpine meadows, Mt. Hood offers an array of photographic opportunities throughout the year. One of the best times to photograph Mt. Hood is during winter when the mountain is blanketed in snow. The contrast between the white snow, the dark green trees, and the blue skies creates a stunning visual composition. For iconic shots of Mt. Hood, locations such as Trillium Lake, Timberline Lodge, and Cloud Cap Inn provide excellent viewpoints. Additionally, exploring the Columbia River Gorge allows you to incorporate the majestic waterfalls, lush vegetation, and the powerful Columbia River into your photographs.
Venturing into central Oregon, we encounter the Three Sisters Wilderness, named after the three prominent volcanic peaks: North Sister, Middle Sister, and South Sister. This wilderness area encompasses a vast expanse of alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and rugged mountain peaks. The area is a paradise for landscape photographers, offering endless possibilities for capturing the raw beauty of nature. When photographing the Three Sisters, consider exploring the popular viewpoints such as Proxy Falls, Sahalie Falls, and Sparks Lake. These locations provide opportunities to capture the cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, and the towering volcanic peaks against the backdrop of vibrant wildflowers during the summer months.
Heading
further south, we arrive at Mt. Shasta, a majestic stratovolcano located in Northern California. Standing as an isolated peak, Mt. Shasta dominates the surrounding landscape with its snow-capped summit and pristine slopes. This volcanic wonder provides a dramatic subject for landscape photography, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the warm golden light illuminates the mountain and casts long shadows across the landscape. For capturing the beauty of Mt. Shasta, viewpoints such as Lake Siskiyou, Castle Lake, and Bunny Flat offer excellent opportunities to compose your shots and include the surrounding forests, lakes, and wildflowers in your photographs.
Finally, we come to the captivating west coast sunsets, which are a spectacle of colors and textures. The rugged coastline of the Pacific Northwest, characterized by sea stacks, cliffs, and crashing waves, offers an incredible backdrop for sunset photography. Whether you're photographing along the Oregon coast or in Washington's Olympic National Park, make sure to arrive early to scout for potential compositions. Look for interesting foreground elements such as tide pools, rocks, or driftwood to add depth and interest to your images. Experiment with long exposures to capture the motion of the waves or use filters to balance the exposure between the bright sky and the darker foreground. The ever-changing colors and atmospheric conditions during sunset create a magical ambiance that can result in truly memorable photographs.
In conclusion, the Pacific Northwest is a photographer's paradise, with its diverse landscapes and natural wonders. From the serene beauty of Crater Lake to the imposing presence of Mt. St. Helens, the snowy grandeur of Mt. Hood to the wild allure of the Three Sisters Wilderness, and the majestic elegance of Mt. Shasta to the captivating west coast sunsets, each location offers a unique opportunity to capture the essence of this breathtaking region. Whether you're an amateur photographer or a seasoned professional, exploring these destinations will undoubtedly provide you with unforgettable experiences and the chance to create stunning landscape photographs that showcase the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.