Palouse Falls timing questions

I'm heading out to the Wallowas next weekend for the Wolf Rendezvous, and I plan to take my time getting there and go via Palouse Falls with a stay overnight somewhere, probably in Clarkston.

I'm eager for advice on a couple of things:
1. Lighting conditions in a.m., mid-day, evening, or sunset for Palouse Falls --which is worst, better, best for the most even lighting given the orientation of the bowl, falls, and access via the park. Looking on google earth, it seems like sunrise would be shooting into the sun and late afternoon to 7 p..m might be good.

2. Lodging somewhere closer to the falls (Connell??) instead of Clarkston especially if dusk or dawn is preferable.

I live in the area and have been to the falls several times. The best time to shoot the falls in our (other local photogs as well) is evening as the sun is going down. The shape of the bowl makes for rather dark shooting on the walls adjacent to the main falls. There is overnight camping available in the park. there is a small parking lot area where a camper or two can park, a tent area where 8-10 tents can be pitched, and restrooms. Don't remember the water situation. Check to see if you can find a hotel in Washtucna as it is very close by (relatively speaking). you will want a very wide angle lens such as a 16mm on full frame to take in the falls, river, and gorge walls. Ritzville is only 40-50 minutes from the falls and has accommodations. Also you may want to follow the river up stream from the falls to the upper falls/rapids and shoot there as well. I like getting shots that others overlook. I have never seen any images of the upper portion except my own. If you want a couple of samples I can post them here with you approval.

Thanks, Dean. This is very helpful. I think I will plan to camp, unless the sites are all taken. Just checked and the sites are not reservable. I have. 7d with 10-20mm, so I figured that would be the combo of choice. Feel free to post samples...I can always use inspiration.

I would agree with everything Dean says. The campground is small, but it's not real popular to I don't think you'll have a problem getting a spot. The glory shot that Dean describes is taken from a steep cliff - from the campground follow the obvious path to your left as you're facing the falls. Watch your step, both at the rim and along the trail for critters with rattles on their tails.

From the viewpoint right at the campground you're looking straight at the falls. The waterfall is in shade early in the morning, and then light gets very contrasty with the dark basalt lava cliff walls. At dawn and dusk, a long exposure from here will show the swirling eddy in the pool at the base of the falls.

Have fun out there!

Thanks, Greg. This is very helpful. Plenty of rattlers around our Prineville house, so I know where to look (when it's light, anyway!!)

This year.

This year.

2 yrs ago.

Lovely,Dean. Thanks for sharing. I ended up staying in Clarkston instead and didn't get evening or morning shots. I plan to return in the spring when water volumes are larger and camp for a night.