Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · PNWNP

This a good month to visit?

Discussion

9 replies
Posted by Paul Marcellini on May 2, 2011 at 3:59 PM
Was gonna do a FL road trip but a few things keep me around Miami longer and I have to be back before June so was thinking of just flying out your way for a week or so. I love the lushness, may do some coastal, but want some waterfalls and forest. Hoh or Columbia River Gorge I guess.....this a good month for that?

Appreciate it! oh and any insider tips on camping, staying cheap would be appreciated...I will do my research, but always appreciate the extra info a local may have!
Posted by Marylynne Diggs on May 2, 2011 at 7:58 PM
This is a good month for rainforests, waterfalls, and coastal shots. The skies are occasionally dramatic, and the waterfalls have lots of water flowing. The peaks are all still fully snowcapped, which makes for nice vistas, but all the high alpine wildflower meadows will be under snow until early July at the earliest. Woodland flowers and the Columbia River Gorge flowers should be nice later this month, although things are late here this year, so that's just a guess.

Posted by Paul Marcellini on May 3, 2011 at 3:31 PM
Thanks Marylynne!
Posted by Ryan DesJardins on May 3, 2011 at 7:43 PM
Ditto what Marylynne said, now that we are starting to see some more sun there are some great opportunities...although there are nice opportunities on the cloudy days too, but you'll get plenty of green. The trees are starting to get good leaves that are fresh and very green. Wildflowers are starting to pop out. I'd say go for it!
Posted by Scott Smorra on May 3, 2011 at 9:28 PM
I agree with what Ryan and Marylynne have written. May is a great time for the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls. The greens and wildflowers near the waterfalls usually peak in May. The month of May can also be a good time for the coast, since there usually isn't as much fog as later in the summer.
Posted by Erik Lundh on May 3, 2011 at 10:57 PM
Don't forget the Balsamroot in the Hood River area and the Dalles Mt. road.
Posted by Paul Marcellini on May 4, 2011 at 9:20 AM
Alrighty, looks like I should be there around the 11th to the 23rd...so much to shoot out by you guys..thanks!
Posted by Mark Metternich on May 9, 2011 at 12:31 AM
Late May is perfect for the Gorge bro! :toast:
Posted by John Williams on May 9, 2011 at 12:35 AM
Perfect timing for the gorge, as noted. I will be out of country during that time, sorry I am going to miss it.
Posted by Scott Miller on May 10, 2011 at 12:13 AM
This part of the country is so pretty, I can't think of many times NOT to come. Well I guess maybe the dead of winter might be a bit too rainy for some. :) The gorge is great now, and the wildflowers are off to a late start this year, so there will be plenty around when you get here.