Columbia River Gorge

[ronaldhanko]

Last week Tuesday I had to speak for the Oregon Orchid Society in Portland (Native Orchids of the Pacific Northwest), and we took some extra time to visit the Columbia River Gorge west of Portland. Without question it is one of the most scenic areas I have ever seen, both for its breath-taking views of the gorge and its spectacular waterfalls. This photo is just one of the many we took over the span of two days - this early in the morning on the 17th from a viewpoint known as Angel's Landing.

[Kelo]

Gorgeous photo! It really helps with great subject matter.

[ronaldhanko]

We never lack for subject matter here in the Pacific Northwest, but we do have to dodge the raindrops.

[ronaldhanko]

[Kelo]

Lord of the Rings'ish!

[sweetjblue]

Spectacular!!

Judi

[ronaldhanko]

Thanks very much, Judi. I hadn't thought of Lord of the Rings, Kelo, but now you've said it, I think it does.

[ronaldhanko]

Just posted a few more pictures in the first part of this thread for those who are interested in this beautiful area.

[greenbean]

Great pictures!

I love the Gorge. If you find yourself in the area again anywhere from late May to early July, there are truly spectacular wildflower displays, including orchids, fritillarias, bear grass, other lily relatives, campanulas, and many others. Even this time of year there are usually quite a few flowers higher up on places like Dog Mountain, particularly with the cool spring and summer this year. Also, the short hike up Beacon Rock is worth it at least for the interesting plants colonizing the ancient volcanic core. And my personal favorite waterfalls in the Gorge, so far, are the Pool of Winds and Oneonta Falls, just fyi.

That geranium is pretty, but you're right about it smothering native plants. Between that stuff and the deer at my house, large areas of our woods are almost nothing but Douglas firs, sword ferns, and geranium.

[flhiker]

I want to hang around you Ron. Since I can't, I really appreciate your photo's.