The Portland Metro Photographic News

Click here for complete details on the Oregon Coast website.

The Astoria Column was erected in 1926 at an elevation of 600 feet atop Coxcomb Hill, the location of the first permanent American Settlement west of the Rockies. It has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1974, and was refurbished in 1995. This impressive Oregon Coast historical monument is the only one of its kind in the world!

The column displays 14 scenes commemorating important events in the history of Astoria in chronological order. The mural scrolls around the 125-foot-high structure in an upward spiral direction, with the earliest scene at the base of the column. An interior 164-step spiral staircase leads to the top of a viewing platform with spectacular views.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Click HERE for Google map location.

Nine miles of wide, walkable beach invite visitors to Cannon Beach. The scenic beauty of the seastacks offshore and headlands onshore make your stroll down the sand particularly memorable. Fly a kite, watch the sea creatures in the tidepools, or take pictures of famous Haystack Rock. Relaxing on the beach is part of the Cannon Beach experience.

The arts are emphasized in the town of Cannon Beach, and some of the best crafts, shopping and galleries on the coast are located here. The city is planned for strolling, and many visitors take advantage of this to visit the quaint bookstores, shops and bistros. Strict planning regulations have helped Cannon Beach keep its earth toned, rustic look.

Cannon Beach was named after a cannon that was discovered on the beach. In 1846, the U.S. Navy schooner Shark was wrecked while trying to leave the Columbia River. A large piece of the schooner's deck with a cannon and capstan attached washed up on the beach, and the town's name is based on this event

Haystack Rock, at 235 feet high, is the third largest coastal monolith in the world. Haystack Rock is protected as part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and is a designated National Wilderness Area. This 235 foot tall basalt monolith is located on the scenic Cannon Beach on the northern Oregon coast. The area below the rock is referred to as a Marine Garden. The boundaries of this area are between the extreme high tide line and extreme low tide line within a 300 yard radius from the base of Haystack Rock. That's the length of three football fields! The tidepools in the Marine Garden are dynamic areas rich with marine life such as sea stars, anemones, crabs, algae and many others. Collecting is strictly prohibited and it is crucial to be aware and use extreme caution while walking in these areas. The marine life in and around the Marine Garden is very vulnerable to human disturbance, and research shows that in a small area everything can be killed with just 200 steps an hour. So please be careful and try to walk only on bare rock. Barnacles are animals too!

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Cedar Creek Grist Mill, Washington, Clark County

The Scenery alone around the Cedar Creek Grist Mill makes it worth the trip.

It's like driving into the past. Heavily wooded and a beautiful stream doing the same thing today as it did over a hundred years ago. The soothing sounds of the rushing water may allow the visitors time for reflection of those times. The south side of the creek has four picnic tables to those fortunate enough to lay claim and allow a great view of the stream, the mill and the covered bridge.

The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is a working museum, showing visitors the inside workings of a grist mill of that time period. A covered bridge spanning Cedar Creek was completed in 1994 and continues to draw visitors from all over the United States. Many businesses and individuals have donated materials and cash to the project and are still needed for ongoing restoration. Volunteers work the mill, answer questions about the old style milling process and welcome visitors from around the globe.

The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is fun for the entire family and very accessible from Interstate 5. Driving directions.

Columbia River Gorge - Oregon/Washington

For over 31,000 years, the Columbia River Gorge has supported flourishing civilizations. Evidence of the Folsom and Marmes people, who crossed the Great Continental Divide from Asia, were found in archaeological digs. Excavations at Five Mile Rapids, a few miles east of The Dalles, show humans have occupied this ideal salmon fishing site for more than 10,000 years.

The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. It's 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, with the north canyon walls in Washington State and the south canyon walls in Oregon State.

Experience everything photographic in just one 80 mile excursion -- towering and lush evergreen forests, dozens of waterfalls, high cliffs and high desert.

Click here for more information and directions to the Gorge sites.

Ecola State Park, Oregon

One of Ecola State Park's first attractions was a beached whale. In 1806, Capt. William Clark and twelve members of the Corps of Discovery climbed over rocky headlands and fought their way through thick shrubs and trees to get to the whale in what is now Ecola State Park. Today, a paved road from Cannon Beach makes your trek to the park much easier. Winding your way through towering Sitka spruce, you suddenly emerge upon a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Be sure to have your camera ready.

Ecola State Park offers year-round recreation for all types of modern day explorers. Stop for a picnic to feed your hungry adventurers before taking to the many miles of trails. At Indian Beach you can begin your own expedition on The Clatsop Loop Trail, a new interpretive trail that gives you the chance to walk in the footsteps of Capt. Clark and his men.

There's more to the park than this rich history. Surfers ride the waves at Indian Beach and tide pools await your discovery. Keep a watchful eye open for the many species of wildlife and birds that call Ecola home. Spot migrating gray whales during winter and spring. And after a long day of exploration, stop for an overnight rest on Tillamook Head in the park's new primitive cabins (cabins are small and very primitive), a 1.5 mile hike from the Indian Beach trailhead.

Click here for Google Maps location.

Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon

Photos by Winston Rockwell (click for website)

Fort Stevens was a coastal defense fort and saw active service from the Civil War to the end of World War II.

Fort Stevens State Park, in addition to excellent camping and RV facilities, has many interesting artifacts from its fort days which continue to intrigue visitors.

Examples are the reconstruction of the Civil War earthworks - still in progress: Battery Russell, the gun battery in the line of fire from a Japanese submarine during World War II, and the nearby Pacific Rim Peace Memorial: Battery Mishler, a one of a kind battery and the underground command post for the Columbia River forts.

Goose Lake & Campground, at Trout Lake, Washington

Goose Lake and Campground

Elevation: 3,200 Feet
Handicapped Accessible: No
Length of Stay: 14 Days
Maximum RV Size: 18 Feet
Number of Sites: 37
Reservation Contact: Yes
Reservation Status: Accepted
Reservation: Yes
Season: Mid-May - Mid-September

Directions

From Trout Lake, Travel west on State Highway 141 to the forest boundary where 141 becomes Primary Forest Route 24. Take 24 west to Secondary Forest Route 60 past Dry Creek to the campground.

Location Information
Travelling at least five miles of gravel road is required to reach the campground. There are many walk in campsites, only a few even have fair parking. There are several campsites off the main road, which are not part of the campground. They have room for small RVs and trail access to the lake. The Northwest Forest Pass is required for day use. Goose Lake is a popular spot for fishing with several campsites off the main road which are not part of the campground. These campsites have room for small RVs and trail access to the lake.

Facilities include tables, water, RV parking, bathrooms, fire rings, and a boat ramp.

Heceta Head Lighthouse and State Scenic Viewpoint, Oregon

Heceta Head State Park (which includes Devils Elbow State Park) is located in a cove at the mouth of Cape Creek. There are picnic tables sheltered from the wind and a great view of the ocean. A short trail leads to the historic Heceta Head lighthouse and lighthouse keeper's house. A recently-completed trail gives you a spectacular view of the coast north to Cape Perpetua.

Heceta Head trail is part of a 7-mile network. Trails of varying difficulty feature beach and wildlife viewing areas. Wildlife refuge islands offer views of puffins, cormorants, gulls, and other bird nesting areas. Sea lions and whales can be seen from the beach and cliff-top lighthouse.

On the west side of 1,000-foot-high Heceta Head, 205 feet above the ocean, the lighthouse is one of the most photographed on the coast. The light at the top of its 56-foot tower was illuminated in 1894; the automated beacon, seen 21 miles from land, is rated as the strongest light on the Oregon coast. The historic assistant lighthouse keeper's house (Heceta House; built 1893) offers bed and breakfast rentals and facilities for group events; call (541) 547-3696 for info.

Lake Sacajawea and Park

Lake Sacajawea and Park

Photo by Lloyd and Diana Jones

Rain or shine finds the health-conscious walking, jogging and biking the 3.5 miles of trails that wind under landscaped bridges past many species of trees and flowers in bloom, through rhododendron gardens and past the lake’s two spectacular fountains. A more leisurely stroll will allow you to learn about the planets or trees by way of the Planetary Walk or the Frank Willis Arboretum, or enjoy the captivating Japanese Gardens, splendid in any season. Kayaking, fishing, canoeing and picnicking bring out families for a day of fun. Children or those young at heart can enjoy two unique playgrounds, while everyone loves relaxing to Concerts at the Lake on summer evenings and taking in the Go-4th event celebrating the Fourth of July holiday. During the week folks use the park to relax during lunch time, bringing a book or just visiting and watching the activity of children feeding birds, squirrels, and chipmunks. There truly is something for everyone at the lake, so add this gem to your list of things to do in Longview, and come down for a visit. You will see why we call Lake Sacajawea the city’s crown jewel…it always sparkles with activity!

Click HERE for Google Map directions to Lake Sacajawea.

Moulton Falls, Washington

Moulton Falls is a 387 acre park located at the junction of the East Fork of the Lewis River and Big Tree Creek. There are two waterfalls and an incredible arch bridge more than three stories high. There are plenty of picnic tables and restrooms are on site. Areas of interest include: volcanic rock formations from early lava flows, historic Indian meeting grounds, the Murphy Grade, and a swing bridge on Big Tree Creek.

More than two miles of trails meander through the park. Currently in progress is the construction of a 9-mile trail that will eventually link Moulton Falls to Cold Creek Campground, located to the south. Easily accessible, it's a great family day-excursion and photography site.

This park features:

Waterfalls
Picnic areas (uncovered)
Swimming
2.2-mile multi-use trail connecting to Lucia Falls Regional Park
Access to the 7.5-mile Bells Mountain Trail
Restroom
Parking lots
Fishing
Viewpoints

Hours: 7 a.m. to dusk

Directions: Click HERE for MapQuest directions.

Fee: Free

Mount Hood

Click HERE to see additional PMPN Member contributed pictures of Mount Hood.

A constant presence in the Portland area skyline, Mount Hood has become the icon and pride of the entire Columbia River Valley community.

Located twenty miles east of the city of Portland, Oregon, and the northern Willamette River valley, the Mt. Hood National Forest extends south from the strikingly beautiful Columbia River Gorge across more than sixty miles of forested mountains, lakes and streams to Olallie Scenic Area, a high lake basin under the slopes of Mt. Jefferson. The Forest encompasses some 1,067,043 acres.

Our many visitors enjoy fishing, camping, boating and hiking in the summer, hunting in the fall, and skiing and other snow sports in the winter. Berry-picking and mushroom collection are popular, and for many area residents, a trip in December to cut the family's Christmas tree is a long standing tradition.

The Cascade Range Forest Reserve was established in 1893, and divided into several National Forests in 1908, when the northern portion was merged with the Bull Run Reserve (city watershed) and named Oregon National Forest. The name was changed again to Mt. Hood National Forest in 1924.

Some popular destinations that offer rewarding visits are Timberline Lodge, built in 1937 high on Mt. Hood, Lost Lake, Trillium Lake, Timothy Lake, Rock Creek Reservoir and portions of the Old Oregon Trail, including Barlow Road.

There are 189,200 acres of designated wilderness on the Forest. The largest is the Mt. Hood Wilderness, which includes the mountain's peak and upper slopes. Others are Badger Creek, Salmon-Huckleberry, Hatfield, and Bull-of-the-Woods. Olallie Scenic Area is a lightly-roaded lake basin that provides a primitive recreational experience.

Click here for more information and directions.

Mount Rainier, Washington

One of the most visible natural features in Western Washington is Mount Rainier. This is part of the Cascade Mountains. One of the largest Washington mountains at over 14,000 feet, Mt Rainier soars thousands of feet over surrounding peaks, and is visible from hundreds of miles away. The base of Mount Rainier alone spreads over an area of 100 square miles. The scenic area around Rainier has been a National Park since 1899, and covers more than 230,000 acres, making this one of the largest Washington State Parks.

Visitors to Washington State often don't know that Mt Rainier is actually a dormant volcano. Over 35 miles of ice and snow cover the summit of Mt Rainier Washington, so at any time of year, the mountain glows white or reflects the changing colors of the sunrise or sunset. Rainier is an easy drive from Seattle, being only 68 miles south of the city. You can enter Mount Rainier National Park year round from the southern entrance, whereas the entrance in the north is only accessible based on weather conditions.

While it's great to enjoy the views of the ice-covered summit of Mt Rainier, you can't really explore the mountain fully unless you're an experienced climber. Nonetheless, the towering giants of the old growth forests or colorful wildflower meadows with views of the peak are just as rewarding.

Click Here for Google Maps location.

Mount St. Helens, Washington

Here are Google Maps directions to Mt. Saint Helens.

May 18, 1980 at 8:32 a.m. Mount Saint Helen's spoke to the world with an eruption that tore away the top third of this majestic mountain. Today Mt. Saint Helen's has become one of the most visited destinations in the State of Washington. Although the havoc of May 18th is evident everywhere, it's also a testament to nature's resiliency as life returns to the mountain and valleys. A true photographer's dream location.

Shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of this tall symmetrical mountain collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche. Nearly 230 square miles of forest was blown down or buried beneath volcanic deposits. At the same time a mushroom-shaped column of ash rose thousands of feet skyward and drifted downwind, turning day into night as dark, gray ash fell over eastern Washington and beyond. The eruption lasted 9 hours, but Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape were dramatically changed within moments.

In 1982, the President and Congress created the 110,000-acre National Volcanic Monument for research, recreation, and education. Inside the Monument, the environment is left to respond naturally to the disturbance.

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Just 20 miles east of Portland, the Multnomah Falls is a photographic treasure. At 620 feet tall, the two-step falls is the largest continuous falls in Oregon.

Come on in, the photography is fine. A hiking trail around the falls provides ample photo shooting opportunities and a good workout.

The falls is maintained by the USDA Forest Service and includes excellent facilities, a restaurant and gift shop.

Multnomah Falls offer one of the best places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to study geology exposed by floods. Five flows of Yakima basalt are visible in the fall's cliff face.

The architectural features complementing the falls, Benson Bridge and Multnomah Falls Lodge, are among the many features that make this waterfall special. Benson Bridge, crafted by Italian stone masons, allows visitors to cross the falls between the lower and upper cataracts. In 1914, Simon Benson, a prominent businessman and owner of the falls at that time, erected the stone bridge. Before then, a log bridge was in its place. Benson gave the 300 acre site to the City of Portland. In 1943, final ownership of the site and lodge was transferred to the USDA Forest Service. The Lodge, built in 1925, is on the National Register of Historic Places, and had dormitories and four rooms for overnight stays. Every type of rock found in the Columbia River Gorge is represented in the Lodge.

Multnomah Falls is open year round and presents a different photographic face with every season change.

Here is the Google Maps link for directions to Multnomah Falls.

Panther Creek Falls, Washington

Panther Creek Falls, Skamania County, Washington

both images © hub,2009

This hidden spectacle, not far from Falls Creek Falls, is a segmented wonder at the intersection of Panther and Big Creeks. Meaning it looks like several distinct waterfalls, 50 to 75 feet in height, all pouring into the same basin. Tricky to find but definitely worth the trek. The trail is short and easy leading to an observation deck.

North of Carson, on Wind River Road No. 30, take a right onto the northernmost (or second) entrance to Old State Road. Almost immediately, take a left (north) onto Panther Creek Road No. 65. At 7.4 miles up, there is an unmarked turnout on the right hand side, at the base of a hill covered with medium-sized rocks. Park there and then walk back down the hill about 100 yards to an unmarked gravel path on the other side of the road.

Peter Iredale Wreck

The Peter Iredale was a four-masted steel barque sailing vessel that ran ashore October 25, 1906, on the Oregon coast en route to the Columbia River. It was abandoned on Clatsop Spit near Fort Stevens in Warrenton about four miles (6 km) south of the Columbia River channel. Wreckage is still visible, making it a popular tourist attraction as one of the most accessible shipwrecks of the Graveyard of the Pacific.

Over a century since it ran aground, the remains of the Peter Iredale's rusted bow and masts are still visible jutting out of the sand and are a popular tourist attraction. The wreck is contained within Fort Stevens State Park as part of the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks.

Click HERE for Google Map location.

The Pittock Mansion

Copyright, Patrick Campbell

PMPN thanks Patrick Campbell of Portland for suggesting this historic landmark, Pittock Mansion, and these two exceptional photographs. More of Patrick's photography can be seen by clicking HERE.

"Nestled high in the west hills of Portland, the Pittock Mansion soars 1,000 feet above the city's skyline. A centruy old symbol of Portland's dramatic transformation from a small lumber town to a bustling city, it's an architectural wonder." When the Oregon weather cooperates one of the most dramatic and iconic views of the city of Portland with Mount Hood in the background will be on display.
Copyright, Patrick Campbell

Notes Regarding Photography:

Casual handheld snapshots (without flash) are permitted inside and outside of the Mansion. Equipment such as tripods, monopods and lights are not permitted inside the museum during normal operating hours. Professional photo sessions may be arranged inside the Mansion outside normal operating hours; for more information contact 503.823.3624.

Best shooting season: Year round
Terrain: Easy
Family-friendly facilities: some
Cultural events are held at Pittock Mansion - check website for current schedule of events
Hours: See website below for seasonal hours
Location: 3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland, Oregon 97210
Telephone: 503-823-3623
Click here for Pittock Mansion website.
Click here for DIRECTIONS.

Portland Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden

The Five Gardens

The 5.5 acre Portland Japanese Garden is composed of five distinct garden styles. When we enter a Japanese garden, the desired effect is to realize a sense of peace, harmony, and tranquility and to experience the feeling of being a part of nature. In a deep sense, the Japanese garden is a living reflection of the long history and traditional culture of Japan. Influenced by Shinto, Buddhist, and Taoist philosophies, there is always "something more" in these compositions of stone, water, and plants than meets the eye.

Three of the essential elements used to create a Japanese garden are stone, the "bones" of the landscape; water, the life-giving force; and plants, the tapestry of the four seasons. Japanese garden designers feel that good stone composition is one of the most important elements in creating a well-designed garden. Secondary elements include pagodas, stone lanterns, water basins, arbors, and bridges. Japanese gardens are asymmetrical in design and reflect nature in idealized form. Traditionally, human scale is maintained throughout so that one always feels part of the environment, not overpowered by it. As Professor Tono wanted to incorporate native trees in our Garden so that it would blend naturally with its environment, some of the plantings here are on a larger scale.

Location

The Garden is located in the west hills of Portland, Oregon, directly above the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park. The street address is 611 SW Kingston Avenue, Portland, OR 97205.

For our mailing address and other contact information, please see the contact page.

Visitor Hours

The Garden is open to visitors seven days a week year-round, closing only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

In October:

The Garden is open until 4pm
Shuttle from parking lot to gate runs every day
Guided tours three times daily at 10:45am, 1pm, and 2:30pm

Next Month:

The Garden is open until 4pm
Shuttle from parking lot to gate runs on weekends
Guided tours at 1pm on weekends

Summer Season: April 1—September 30

10am-7pm Tuesday–Sunday
Noon-7pm Monday

Winter Season: October 1—March 31

10am-4pm Tuesday–Sunday
Noon-4pm Monday

General Information

(503) 223-1321
info@japanesegarden.com

Portland's Rose Gardens

It's no coincidence Portland is called the Rose City. With a rose-friendly environment, no Portland visit is complete until you have experienced the city's renowned Rose Gardens.

Tucked between the Japanese Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, the zoo and the rest of Washington Park, the garden contains 10,000 plantings of 550 varieties. From here, in addition to the spectacle of color, you will see the most photographed view of the City of Roses, with Mt. Hood towering in the background.

As you step into the sunken rose garden, you walk through lush paths, sweeping archways and over two acres of traditional rose plantings. A photographer's delight, Peninsula Park's Rose Garden contains nearly 9,000 roses of sixty-five varieties.

Time your visit to experience the Portland Rose Festival. The Portland Rose Festival, a 97-year-old tradition, hosts an estimated two million people each year. Some travel thousands of miles just to experience this month-long civic celebration. This sharing of community pride provides fun and entertainment for spectators of all ages, and generates more than $80 million for the region’s economy and local businesses.

Here is the Google Maps link for directions to Portland's Rose Gardens.

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Photo by Duane & Shirleen Hymas

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex River 'S' Unit is comprised of four National Wildlife Refuges in southwestern Washington State. These Refuges share the common bond of the lower Columbia River. A once wild and dynamic Columbia River scoured the earth and spread rich soils along its edges and into its floodplain. Floodwaters spilled over these bottomlands and nourished the landscape. Left behind was a mosaic of wetlands, riparian forests, sloughs, wet meadows, and meadows, which sustained a diversity of plants, animals, and fish. In turn, humans have thrived on the River's abundance for thousands of years. Today, these habitats and wildlife resources are protected along the lower Columbia River within the boundaries of the Pierce, Franz Lake, Steigerwald Lake, and Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuges.

Ridgefield NWR has a total of 5,150 acres of marshes, grasslands and woodlands. Preservation of the natural Columbia River floodplain is the management objective of the Carty (2-mile self guided hiking trail) Roth and Ridgeport Dairy units. The River 'S' (4.2 mile auto tour route and 1.2 mile seasonal hiking trail) and Bachelor Island units are managed to maximize habitat for waterfowl and other wetland wildlife.

"Late fall through mid-spring the Refuge is home to large flocks of migrating Geese, Tundra Swans, Raptors, Sandhill Cranes (just to name a few.) The wildlife is accustomed to cars driving through so if you are reasonably quiet, you can get stunning photographs of the wildlife from the comfort of your car. If you are not a birder ... Coyotes, Racoons and River Otter can also be photographed here." - Duane & Shirleen Hymas

Location: 1100 S. Hillhurst Road, Ridgefield, WA
Best shooting times: Spring, Fall, Winter
Terrain Difficulty: Easy
Family-friendly facilities: Some

Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

It's an oasis, even amidst the already scenic farmlands, rolling hills and lush forests of the eastern Willamette Valley. Silver Falls State Park literally overflows with a variety of splendid waterfalls, trails, fascinating rock formations and greenery, all situated right in the middle of some beautifully varied landscape.

It's the cool, green, rain-forest-like atmosphere that hits you as you approach this 8,700-acre state park. The foliage becomes denser and the road twists and turns a little tighter, and it isn't long before you are drawn into the more than 21 miles of trails designed for hiking, biking, horse riding and of course, viewing.

Interestingly enough, you wouldn't have thought much about the beauty of this placid place 16 million years ago. Then, enormous lava flows from eruptions as far away as Idaho pushed their way into the Salem area, eventually reaching the sea. Yet it's that kind of volcanic destruction that ultimately created the beauty of the park. As each new lava flow cooled, it gave birth to new rock layers called basalt. These basalt formations were eventually cut into their present-day pathways by the various streams in the area, and then into the 11 waterfalls that are contained within Silver Falls State Park.

Today, the only things flowing through the park are the various creeks and falls, and the myriad of visitors. Here, the Canyon Trail makes a seven-mile loop to each of the 11 falls, while the park also features various viewpoints, campsites, horse rentals, as well as trails designed for biking and equestrian pursuits. You can choose to hike the entire trail (which takes about three hours), or take shortcuts by stopping at any of several parking lots and viewpoints that are near many of the falls.