Everyone is concerned about the recent wildfires which ravaged parts of the Columbia River Gorge. We live about 30 miles from the Gorge. The fires are finally out due the return of the rainy season. On March 6th we had a beautiful spring day here in the Northwest. I set about to see first hand where conditions stand in the Gorge. First stop was a climb to the top of 850' Beacon Rock on the Washington side directly across from the hardest hit areas. The photo below is from the summit of Beacon Rock, looking across the Columbia River at the hardest hit of the Oregon side. The normally lush green hills are gone. Copy the link below for an aerial video of the burn area:
https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2018/01/19/columbia-river-gorge-hiking-trails-burned-eagle-creek-fire/1050071001/
I then crossed over to the Oregon side where the Historic Columbia River Highway was completely closed, as were all trails leading to the many waterfalls. I stopped at the trailhead for McCord Creek and Elowah Falls. Officials were placed there and throughout to ensure everyone abides by the ban. At Multnomah Falls the fire came within a few hundred feet of the lodge and viewing area. The lodge was open but the viewing area was closed off. The immediate trees were spared but outside the immediate area, fire damage was severe. Forest Service personnel said crews were hard at work to make the area safe but it may be months before the trails open. Now, in June, the viewing area at Multnomah Falls is open. Almost all other trails on the Oregon side remain closed.
https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2018/01/19/columbia-river-gorge-hiking-trails-burned-eagle-creek-fire/1050071001/
I then crossed over to the Oregon side where the Historic Columbia River Highway was completely closed, as were all trails leading to the many waterfalls. I stopped at the trailhead for McCord Creek and Elowah Falls. Officials were placed there and throughout to ensure everyone abides by the ban. At Multnomah Falls the fire came within a few hundred feet of the lodge and viewing area. The lodge was open but the viewing area was closed off. The immediate trees were spared but outside the immediate area, fire damage was severe. Forest Service personnel said crews were hard at work to make the area safe but it may be months before the trails open. Now, in June, the viewing area at Multnomah Falls is open. Almost all other trails on the Oregon side remain closed.
2017 and 2018 was a return to Kauai. A highlight in 2018 was a helicopter trip on which I caught two nice photos of the North Coast. Few images were added as weather in both years were not optimum.
In August 2017, I traveled to Central Oregon to photograph the great solar eclipse from inside the "Totality Zone". We were surrounded by numerous forest fires but fortunately changing winds gave beautiful clear sky for the eclipse. The next day visibility dropped to less than a quarter mile.
In April, 2018, we joined a group to Japan to view the Cherry blossoms. We arrived just as the trees came into blossom. People by the thousands come out to view and picnic in the many parks under the cherry trees.
2017 and 2018 was a return to Kauai. A highlight in 2018 was a helicopter trip on which I caught two nice photos of the North Coast. Few images were added as weather in both years were not optimum.
In August 2017, I traveled to Central Oregon to photograph the great solar eclipse from inside the "Totality Zone". We were surrounded by numerous forest fires but fortunately changing winds gave beautiful clear sky for the eclipse. The next day visibility dropped to less than a quarter mile.
In April, 2018, we joined a group to Japan to view the Cherry blossoms. We arrived just as the trees came into blossom. People by the thousands come out to view and picnic in the many parks under the cherry trees.
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In the summer of 2016 I made a few short trips up the Columbia River Gorge and to Mt Hood mostly to scout out locations to return to for fall foliage opportunities. Upon return from our Japan trip, I followed up on my plan. Now, with so many quality images of the Gorge, I have created its own gallery on the website.
2015 was a relatively quiet year. In Winter of 2015 and 2016 we made a short visit our favorite Hawaiian Island of Kauai. This is annual winter “trek” to seek some sunshine! We love our Northwest and have no plans to leave permanently.
My 2014 “photo adventure" was a third rafting trip down the Colorado River through the magnificent Grand Canyon. I have to say this is the trip of a lifetime and I have been lucky enough to be invited for a third time. On this last trip, I sought more, the details that one can miss the first times through. Since one is on a moving raft, often going through rapids, one does not have the normal opportunity to go back the next day for the best light or a different angle to make the photograph.
(see the 8 minute U-tube video of 2016 trip by rafter/photographer Barbara Naden below:)