Best Waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest Photo Workshop & Photo Tour
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Best Waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest

Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Book Trip
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Best Waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest

Lodge-Based Photo Workshop

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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]

Single Supplement: +$550.00
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   Deposit: $2,000.00
Start/End

Portland, OR / Portland, OR

Length

6 Days/5 Nights

Fitness Level

Level 2 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 7 Guests

Highlights
  • 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.

If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:

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!

What's Included
  • 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

What's Not Included
  • 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.

Details
  • Final Balance Due 0 days prior to Trip Start​​​​​​​ 
  • Trip Insurance Optional - but highly recommended​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 

 Trip Itinerary 

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!

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.

Physical Requirements 

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HERE’S THE DEAL

We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!

We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve
made on the site – we guarantee it!

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS

"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2025

CONTACT US

Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS

"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director

CONTACT US

Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2025
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