Posted by Kalin Wilson on March 20, 2008 at 5:54 PM
I've got an airline voucher that I have to use by 21 April, so I'm thinking about a nice weekend shooting the Oregon splendor.
I'm thinking about flying into Eugene, both for it's central location and because I have family near there I might be able to shack up with.
I've started researching coastal and inland locations but I'd love to get input from this group.
Of the weekends in April, any reason to prefer one over another (wildflower blooms, etc).
I'd like to find some good sunrise perspectives of Mt Hood and of course, sunset on the coast. Any suggestions for Mt Hood perspectives, probably short hikes only since I plan on covering a lot of ground over a couple of days.
Are there any coastal areas that work well at sunrise?
Any don't-miss coastal or other areas?
The possibilities are endless, thanks for any help narrowing down the choices!
Kalin
Posted by Tom Kloster on March 20, 2008 at 8:13 PM
Hi Kalin,
The main thing to prepare for is rain! April can be very damp, though not all the time (we're getting a reminder of what puts the green in Oregon right now, with a rather soggy spell ensuing). If you're starting from Eugene, there are some great waterfall hikes within a day's drive -- I'd suggest Bryan Swan's Waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest site as a resource, though you'll need to focus on areas that are below about 3,500 feet to guarantee that you won't be hitting snow drifts. One way to use his site is to select "Oregon Coast Range" or "Oregon Cascades", then narrow down by county. Lane County covers a huge territory around Eugene, from the coast to the Cascade crest, for example. There are two particularly notable waterfall hikes in the Coast Range, near Eugene, that I'd recommend: Sweet Creek and Kentucky Creek. Both are in his database. The McKenzie River Highway will take you to some nice waterfall options in the other direction from Eugene, in the Cascades.
For wildflowers, you can use Greg Lief's Oregon Wildflowers site for ideas, but in April, the main show is at very low elevations and not in the Cascades.
For Mount Hood, you'll need good weather, and a low viewpoint trail - both are rare in April! A couple of suggestions are Bald Butte, Hood River Mountain and McCall Point in the Hood River area. If you make it that far, you'll also be here in time for early balsamroot blooms in the eastern Columbia Gorge -- there are a lot of photographers on this site who can give advice on that opportunity, with lots of potential destinations. But McCall Point includes balsamroot fields, and a view of Hood.
The Hood River Valley, proper, is a prime destination in its own right in April, with the chance to catch pear and apple blossoms in the orchards. You'll be here right in the middle of the annual festival - so it will be beautiful, but you'll have a lot of company. Hood River is a solid 3 to 4-hour drive from Eugene (about 170 miles), so might be just beyond your reach.
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by Geoff Shapiro on March 20, 2008 at 8:30 PM
Kalin, you might also think about something just a little bit less wild too. The tulip/daffodil festival occurs from end of March through April. The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is in Woodburn, OR (a bit north of Salem) and provides a great show.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on March 20, 2008 at 8:59 PM
You may also want to consider Crater Lake, Roseburg is only an hour south of Eugene and Crater Lake is only 2 hours from there. From Roseburg the drive along the upper portion of the North Umpqua River is second to none. Along the way you will pass several beautiful waterfalls; clear Creek Falls, Watson Falls, and not to be missed Toketee Falls. You will want to check road conditions for the park, while the southwest entrance to the park is usually open year around, the final couple of miles to the rim may not be plowed.
For the coast, Bandon and the seastacks are always a good stop, as is Sunset Bay.
It would take a lot of driving, but I recommend Table Rock near Medford for flowers. Silver Falls State Park is just spectacular. The best of the coast is Samuel Boardman State Park down Brookings way. The Columbia River Gorge offers a lot and I especially like the Eagle Creek area. Shore Acres Botanical Gardens State Park near Charleston where bad weather is good, is always worth a look. On the coast, if you like to hike, Cape Perpetua is good. If you have a mountain bike, you should take it on the trails at Blacklock Point. Cape Blanco has spectacular views. Yaquina Head is good for nesting seabirds if you have a long lens. In the north, Ecola State Park is probably the best. If you are this far north, you might as well cross the river to Cape Disappointment State Park which has two lighthouses and extensive hiking trails. Wave when you go through Astoria. I might see you.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on March 28, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Thanks everyone!
As usual there is far too much to see and do than time. I fly into Eugene the afternoon of the 11th and plan to head to the coast for Sunset. Sunrise on the 12th is a question. I may try to crash your party at Woodson for some tulips, I'm also thinking about a Mt Hood vista or Crater lake. All Depends. Then maybe some waterfalls/forests during the day and back to the coast for sunset. I'll have one last sunrise and some morning before heading back to Eugene to fly out Sunday afternoon.
I appreaciate the tips and help. I hope I can return the favor when ever you head out to Colorado/Utah!
Discussion
6 repliesI'm thinking about flying into Eugene, both for it's central location and because I have family near there I might be able to shack up with.
I've started researching coastal and inland locations but I'd love to get input from this group.
Of the weekends in April, any reason to prefer one over another (wildflower blooms, etc).
I'd like to find some good sunrise perspectives of Mt Hood and of course, sunset on the coast. Any suggestions for Mt Hood perspectives, probably short hikes only since I plan on covering a lot of ground over a couple of days.
Are there any coastal areas that work well at sunrise?
Any don't-miss coastal or other areas?
The possibilities are endless, thanks for any help narrowing down the choices!
Kalin
The main thing to prepare for is rain! April can be very damp, though not all the time (we're getting a reminder of what puts the green in Oregon right now, with a rather soggy spell ensuing). If you're starting from Eugene, there are some great waterfall hikes within a day's drive -- I'd suggest Bryan Swan's Waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest site as a resource, though you'll need to focus on areas that are below about 3,500 feet to guarantee that you won't be hitting snow drifts. One way to use his site is to select "Oregon Coast Range" or "Oregon Cascades", then narrow down by county. Lane County covers a huge territory around Eugene, from the coast to the Cascade crest, for example. There are two particularly notable waterfall hikes in the Coast Range, near Eugene, that I'd recommend: Sweet Creek and Kentucky Creek. Both are in his database. The McKenzie River Highway will take you to some nice waterfall options in the other direction from Eugene, in the Cascades.
For wildflowers, you can use Greg Lief's Oregon Wildflowers site for ideas, but in April, the main show is at very low elevations and not in the Cascades.
For Mount Hood, you'll need good weather, and a low viewpoint trail - both are rare in April! A couple of suggestions are Bald Butte, Hood River Mountain and McCall Point in the Hood River area. If you make it that far, you'll also be here in time for early balsamroot blooms in the eastern Columbia Gorge -- there are a lot of photographers on this site who can give advice on that opportunity, with lots of potential destinations. But McCall Point includes balsamroot fields, and a view of Hood.
The Hood River Valley, proper, is a prime destination in its own right in April, with the chance to catch pear and apple blossoms in the orchards. You'll be here right in the middle of the annual festival - so it will be beautiful, but you'll have a lot of company. Hood River is a solid 3 to 4-hour drive from Eugene (about 170 miles), so might be just beyond your reach.
Enjoy your trip!
For the coast, Bandon and the seastacks are always a good stop, as is Sunset Bay.
Welcome and good luck.
As usual there is far too much to see and do than time. I fly into Eugene the afternoon of the 11th and plan to head to the coast for Sunset. Sunrise on the 12th is a question. I may try to crash your party at Woodson for some tulips, I'm also thinking about a Mt Hood vista or Crater lake. All Depends. Then maybe some waterfalls/forests during the day and back to the coast for sunset. I'll have one last sunrise and some morning before heading back to Eugene to fly out Sunday afternoon.
I appreaciate the tips and help. I hope I can return the favor when ever you head out to Colorado/Utah!
Kalin