Where do you go to escape the grey in the winter?

Hello,

I starting to plan a trip with my family to the PNW for next year. While I hear Sept. is a great time to visit, I may need to step up our travel plans a little earlier in the year.

So I was wondering if we come out in say April or May to Portland, where can we go if we are fogged/rained/clouded in and want to potentially see some blue sky?

Also I am considering a move out there long term. So I guess I am wondering where one might go to shoot when grey is the predominant color for months on end? I really don't mind the clouds and rain. I actually like that weather. But I would want to see some variety on occasion and don't mind driving to get to it.

I was thinking some of the mountain areas such as Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood, Mt. Baker, etc... might offer a different/varied weather pattern. I don't mind snow with some blue sky mixed in between which is similar to Colorado winters.

Then there are places like Brookings, Crater Lake, Bend and Boise Id. It seems like there are a lot of places which might provide a different climate and 'sky' when one really wants to find some variety.

I guess I am wondering what options are available for those willing to drive (besides So. Calif where I have lived).

Thanks for any help and any ideas you can provide,

Derek

Derek, here's some info for you. Portland gets just over 40 inches of rain each year. Rainier and Hood on the other hand, get about 100 inches of total moisture. The coast gets 60-80. So the West is pretty wet overall with the wettest areas being coast and mountains. The east is a whole different story. Bend sees less than 20 inches and the driest regions of SE Oregon see less than 10. We have an incredibly varied state, with the East being far drier - in the 'rainshadow' of the Cascade range. The East side is the place to be when it's raining and you need a break from it. The Painted Hills might be a nice choice (one of several) just 4 hours or so from Portland.

Usually the driest time are the last 2 weeks in July and the first 2 weeks in August. Not science just turns out that way 90% of the time.

Derek,

There's always somewhere to take photos if you're willing to drive a few hours. I've been amazed at the variety since moving here five years ago.

For the specific months you mentioned, I would consider catching the spring blooms at Dalles Mountain Road (one of my all time favorite locations) in April, and Dog Mountian in May.

John W. Williams

Cool,

That is some very helpful info guys! You have confirmed what I have observed in viewing your great images - year around!

It seems like on other (non-photography) forums there are people who complain about the PNW's continual grey in the winter months. But from the way I see it, if one is willing to do some driving a variety of climates can be experienced within several hours.

The thing that seems the coolest is that *many* coastal and mtn. grand scenics are available within a few hours in various directions. Boy, do I miss the coast. I have to admit I envy you guys sometimes. I know no area is perfect. But the PNW has a lot to offer the nature photographer. So I am working toward the long term goal of getting my family out there, as long as I can convince them.

Thanks again,

- Derek

But more importantly, that continual grey is perfect for all those great waterfall, stream and forest photos that you see posted here! Pick a heavily overcast weekday in May, and you'll be tripping over photographers from all over the world on trails in the Gorge. There are plenty of clear days throughout the year, so for me, it's really about shooting what's most presentable on a given day. The main attraction here are the variety of locales within range of Portland, so that you can pick and choose based on weather.

Right now, it's crispy hot and dry, and I'd LOVE to have some of that cool, gray overcast that typifies April or May in Portland -- I certainly don't live here for the sun!

Tom

Great perspective Tom!

Although I enjoy sun some of the time, here in Colorado Springs at 6000' + I find it overly intense and bright. I actually look forward to cloudy days more often than sunny ones.

For grand scenics I obviously would like to see the scene. I guess that is where the clear day or break in the clouds really produces those masterpieces I see on this forum. Like the one Marc A. recently posted with the wildflowers, fog and mtns. in the background.

Thanks for the tips on waterfalls during cloudly days. I think part of it for me is convincing my family there is plenty to do even when the sun is not out. You have given me great food for thought in that regard.

- Derek

May is one of my favorite months in the PNW. Lots of sunny days in the 70's and plenty of weather to provide dramatic skies for the camera.