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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Portland, OR / Portland, OR
6 Days/5 Nights
Level 2 - What's This?
Up To 7 Guests
Iconic & Hidden Waterfalls: Photograph famous cascades like Multnomah Falls and discover tucked-away gems like Panther Creek Falls, all flowing at peak volume from spring runoff.
Wildflower Blooms & Lush Greenery: Capture vibrant spring colors as meadows and hillsides come alive with wildflowers and fresh foliage in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Golden Hour & Sunset Vistas: Shoot dramatic river views from sweeping overlooks like Crown Point and Dog Mountain during the best light of the day.
Hands-On Photography Guidance: Learn composition, exposure, and creative techniques tailored to waterfall and landscape photography, whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your style.
Celebrate the vibrant renewal of spring in the Columbia River Gorge, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most awe-inspiring landscapes! This six-day photography journey is timed perfectly to capture the Gorge at its most dynamic—when snowmelt swells the waterfalls, wildflowers blanket the hillsides, and the forest bursts to life in every shade of green.
Over the course of four full days, we’ll explore a lush world of cascading water, moss-draped canyons, blooming meadows, and dramatic river vistas. From the iconic plunge of Multnomah Falls to the delicate veils of Panther Creek Falls, this region offers an abundance of photogenic subjects that are especially magical in spring. Rushing creeks, misty trails, and vibrant foliage set the scene for compelling images full of texture and motion.
Mornings will find us chasing early light at serene alpine lakes, where reflections of Mt. Hood shimmer in the calm water, and visiting waterfalls that glow softly in the morning mist. With over 90 waterfalls in the area, each location offers its own unique character—from powerful multi-tiered drops to hidden forest gems. Midday sessions will lead us through winding scenic byways, historic stone bridges, and charming river towns full of Pacific Northwest charm.
As golden hour arrives, we’ll set up at breathtaking viewpoints like Crown Point, Dog Mountain, and Mitchell Point, where the Columbia River winds through rolling hills dotted with spring blossoms. These overlooks provide stunning opportunities for long exposures, atmospheric landscapes, and creative compositions. If the skies are clear, we may even venture out at night to photograph stars above tranquil lakes or illuminated waterfalls under the moonlight.
Throughout the trip, we’ll dive into techniques to improve your photography—whether it’s mastering exposure and composition, experimenting with filters and shutter speeds, or finding fresh perspectives in familiar places. Beginners and seasoned photographers alike will find inspiration in this ever-changing environment.
What makes spring in the Gorge so special is the sense of energy and renewal in the landscape. Morning fog drifting through emerald valleys, soft rain bringing out vibrant colors, and powerful waterfalls crashing into mossy pools all create dramatic scenes perfect for capturing the essence of the season. Whether you’re drawn to wide-open vistas, intimate forest details, or flowing water abstracts, this trip offers the ultimate spring photography playground.
With crisp mountain air, dramatic scenery, and a group of passionate photographers, this adventure will be both inspiring and unforgettable. Each day brings new light, new discoveries, and the opportunity to build a stunning portfolio that reflects the beauty of spring in the Columbia River Gorge. So grab your gear, pack your rain shell, and get ready for a waterfall-filled journey through one of nature’s greatest masterpieces!
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
All lodging during the workshop
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for service staff
Transportation to and from Portland, Oregon
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Arrival) (D)
Arrive in Portland, where we'll transfer to our starting hotel. After checking in, we'll gather at **5pm** for a welcome dinner and orientation. We’ll go over the itinerary, discuss photography techniques, and get to know each other as we prepare for the adventure ahead.
Days 2-5 (B,L,D)
Our home base for the next five nights will be in Hood River. Each day, we’ll chase the best light to capture the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. Mornings will be spent photographing misty waterfalls, mossy forests, and the vibrant spring foliage that transforms the landscape. We’ll also capture reflections of Mt. Hood in the still waters of alpine lakes. As midday arrives, we’ll explore scenic trails, winding roads, and hidden gems, stopping for lunch in charming small towns along the way. In the afternoon, we’ll visit dramatic overlooks and riverbanks dotted with wildflowers, all while seeking out the best compositions. As the day winds down, we’ll set up for golden hour and sunset at some of the region’s most breathtaking viewpoints. If the conditions are right, we’ll also have the opportunity for night photography, capturing starry skies and reflections over tranquil lakes. Each evening will be filled with image reviews, photography discussions, and well-earned meals in Hood River.
Day 6 (B)
We’ll rise early for one last sunrise shoot, taking full advantage of the morning light before returning to the hotel for breakfast and check-out. Afterward, we’ll make our way back to Portland, arriving by noon and wrapping up an unforgettable week of photography, exploration, and spring beauty in the Columbia River Gorge!
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.