Nature and Wildlife Opportunities in Oregon and Washington

I'm once again looking into grad schools and found some interested Environmental Education Master's programs at Southern Oregon University in Ashland and Western Washington University in Bellingham. Can anyone tell me about these areas and what type of opportunities exist nearby for nature and wildlife photography and outdoor recreation? I'm interested in all types of nature photography including landscapes, birds, wildlife, macro, marine, and adventure recreation. Any insider info on the quality and cost of living in those towns, typical weather, etc. would also be appreciated. Thanks!

Kari Post
www.karipost.com

Both areas are beautiful with many outdoor activities with in a very short distance. My 2 sons went to Western (one is there now). Bellingham is right on Pueget Sound. There are numerous lakes within 15 minutes, plus Mt Baker is a short drive. North Cascades National Park is also a short distance. It is a very outdoors oriented place.

I haven't been to Ashland in several years but it is a lovely town. It is more inland but the coast is only a couple hours away. The redwoods are also a couple hours away. Ashland is close to mountains, beautiful lakes and rivers and some great forests.

Hope this helps.

Ashland Oregon is known more for its Shakespeare festival than outdoor opportunities, but the reputation doesn't tell the whole story. In Ashland, you would be a couple of hours from the coast, a couple of hours from the redwoods (as Steve said), and also a couple of hours from Crater Lake NP and the Klamath Wetlands. The southern Oregon Cascades has lots of wild and scenic rivers (Rogue River, Siskiyou River).

One thing to consider would be the type of photography you like to do. Are you interested in bird photography? Ashland would might be better than Bellingham. If you are interested in mountain landscapes, it might be a draw. In Bellingham you would be pretty far from the Oregon coast and cascades, but the North Cascades and British Columbia area would make up for it easily.

Aside from the photography opportunities, make sure you examine the internship, research potential of the programs too ;-)

Personally I would take the variety of the North Cascades over Southern Oregon any day. The Nooksack River (east of Bellingham) and the Skagit River are home to some nice concentrations of Bald Eagles during the months of Dec/Jan/Feb. Very high concentrations are located along the Skagit River near the town of Rockport. In addition to that the Skagit River lowlands become home to seemingly endless populations of geese/swans during the winter as well.

Bellingham is a bigger town than Ashland but still feels kinda small. Winters can be harsher there since cold continental air comes down the Fraiser River in BC and will generate colder temps and higher probably of lowland snow.

Just another $0.02!

Thank you very much for your replies. Western Washington University is currently my first choice. Keep your fingers crossed for me!