PNW DAY 4-5 | Mt. Rainier National Park

Previous blog posts: Oregon Coast  |  Columbia River Gorge

Paradise. Can you imagine what it will be like? I'm sure our limited thoughts can only slightly compare to what true Paradise will be like as believers get to spend eternity with our Savior in Paradise. But graciously God has given us here on earth small glimpses of what Paradise will look like. I love to see the glory of God shown throughout nature and His creation. To me, there's just something very humbling and astonishing about a huge majestic mountain scene that testifies the power of God. I can say Mt. Rainier in the state of Washington has that impact.

Standing at 14,410 feet, Mt. Rainier is the 5th largest mountain in the contiguous United States. On the south side of this mostly glaciated volcanic peak, sitting nestled on a slope of wildflower meadows is the area called "Paradise". And it is rightfully named so. During wildflower season (July and August), Mt. Rainier National Park, particularly the Paradise section of the park, has said to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. This is also one of the most snowiest places on earth as they receive 643 inches of snow average per each year.

We had the privilege to spend 2 days in Paradise as we lodged in the historic Paradise Inn Lodge. I really love how the National Parks systems do their historic lodges. I highly recommend the Paradise Inn Lodge if you ever get the chance at staying there. Built in 1916, this historic wooden lodge is in a hub spot for plenty of hiking trails and wildflower meadows. However, don't think you'll need air condition if you plan to stay there, as each room comes without air condition. With it being one of the most snowy places on earth, who needs air condition? But during the warmer seasons you're perfectly fine "roughing it" with the windows open as you get to sleep with the fresh crisp air coming off the snow capped peak of Rainier.

PNW DAY 4  |  The Drive to Paradise and the Skyline Trail

After our night in Hood River, Oregon, we made our second longest drive of the trip as we drove north into Washington on the scenic HWY 141 through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The drive was about 3 and a half hours long to get to Paradise, but we stopped by a few scenic locations around Mt. Adams along the way. Unfortunately though, there was a wildfire going on near Mt. Adams so our scenic visibility wasn't the greatest. I was still able to get a beautiful morning shot of a waterfall and a gorgeous shot of Mt. Adams reflecting on a lake in the morning haze.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest Gifford Pinchot National Forest Gifford Pinchot National Forest Gifford Pinchot National Forest Gifford Pinchot National Forest Mt. Adams

As we got closer to the last leg of our 3 and half hour drive, you began to see the majestic white peak of Mt. Rainier in the distance of our road. This was a marvelous scene to see as I have always wanted to see a snow capped mountain. My adrenaline was racing as we drove closer and closer to photo distance from Mt. Rainier as I was anxious to capture it's beauty. Finally we entered the National Park gates and made our very scenic ascent to Paradise. Our first destination along the way to the Lodge was the impossible-to-pass Reflection Lakes. It would be hard for someone to want to continue driving on without wanting to stop at this gorgeous location with Mt. Rainier reflecting in the pristine mountain lake. 

Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Mt. Rainier Mt. Rainier The Road to Paradise

After already some breathtaking views, we made our way to Paradise where we checked into the lodge. The rest of the afternoon we spend hiking on the 5.5 mile long Skyline Trail. This amazing trail takes you through multiple wildflower meadows with excellent views of Mt. Rainier that are hard to beat. Unfortunately, the wildflower season had unexpectedly peaked early this year so we were not fortunate to witness the abundance of color that would normally be present during this time. However, it was still a gorgeous place! Our hike took us all the way up to the 6,800 feet Panorama Point with excellent upclose views of glaciers on Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Adams and Mt. St Helens to the south off in the distance. With the warmer temperatures, it created multiple ice melt waterfalls all over Mt. Rainier, which reminded me of the fantasy like views of Yosemite National Park's valley. Enjoy the scenes as we hike the spectacular Skyline Trail on Mt. Rainier.

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After hiking the amazing Skyline Trail, here are some of the views at sunset from the Paradise Inn Lodge.

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PNW DAY 5  |  Sunrise area of Mt. Rainier National Park

On our second day in Mt. Rainier National Park, we planned to go to the section of the National Park that is said to have the most scenic drive and views of Mt. Rainier. The area is called "Sunrise" as it is a perfect location for the sunrise, however we did not plan to get up there that early as it was about a 1 and half hour drive from Paradise. But we did plan to watch the sunset at Sunrise!

Our day 2 in Mt. Rainier didn't provide as beautiful skies as our first day. Due to the numerous wildfires throughout the state of Washington, we experienced a hazy day in the park. Again, this did not affect the pure beauty that this place has no matter what.

On the way to Sunrise, we did the Grove of the Patriarchs trail which took us through an old growth forest of some of the oldest and largest trees in the park. Below is the suspension bridge over a beautiful turquoise river we had to cross. Then we also made another stop for a morning view of the Reflection Lakes. Following that up, we stopped at the beautiful Tipsoo Lake for an outstanding view of an alpine lake and the dramatic mountain scene.

Then finally once we reached Sunrise, we spent the rest of the day enjoying the beautiful scenery and trails this side of the National Park had to offer. We did the roughly 4 mile trail from the parking lot to Dege Peak which stood at 7,006 feet offering breathtaking panoramic views. Then we witnessed the sunset along Emmons Vista to wrap up our time at Mt. Rainier National Park.

For it's pure beauty and majestic views, this National Park will always be one of my favorites. I hope to return again someday.

Grove of the Patriarchs Bridge Grove of the Patriarchs Bridge Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier Tipsoo Lake, Mt. Rainier Tipsoo Lake, Mt. Rainier Tipsoo Lake, Mt. Rainier Tipsoo Lake, Mt. Rainier Tipsoo Lake, Mt. Rainier Tipsoo Lake, Mt. Rainier Tipsoo Lake, Mt. Rainier Tipsoo Lake, Mt. Rainier Tipsoo Lake, Mt. Rainier Mt. Rainier National Park Mt. Rainier National Park Mt. Rainier National Park Mt. Rainier National Park Mt. Rainier National Park Mt. Rainier National Park Mt. Rainier National Park Mt. Rainier National Park Mt. Rainier National Park Mt. Rainier National Park Mt. Rainier National Park Mt. Rainier National Park Mt. Rainier Sunset Mt. Rainier Sunset Mt. Rainier Sunset Mt. Rainier Sunset Mt. Rainier Sunset Mt. Rainier Sunset

Stay tuned as Day 6 of our Pacific Northwest adventure takes an unplanned visit to Mt. Baker National Forest where I captured some of my favorite photos of the entire trip!

God bless,

PNW DAY 3 | Columbia River Gorge

Previous blog posts: Oregon Coast

If you love waterfalls, you're in for a treat with this blog post. If you love visiting waterfalls, I highly recommend the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon!

Forming most of the border between Oregon and Washington, "the big river", Columbia River, snakes its way to the Pacific Ocean west towards Astoria. The famous Columbia River is the passage that allowed the well known explorers, Lewis and Clark, to finally reach the Pacific Ocean for the first time. Just a short drive from Portland, Oregon you quickly see how the river winds its way in-between mountains on both sides of the river forming the Columbia River Gorge. A great place to see this is from the dramatic Crown Point Vista House which overlooks high up on the Oregon mountains (this is where we watched the sunset on Day 2).

It's an absolutely scenic drive traveling along the Historic Columbia River Highway as there are literally dozens of waterfalls to see either off the side of the road or a small walking distance...and even more once you hit the hiking trails through the damp forest. Growing up in the Carolinas, I'm a regular visitor to the "Land of Waterfalls" of Transylvania County in North Carolina. But after spending a whole day exploring the Columbia River Gorge, I was left wondering if I've ever seen so many waterfalls that close together in the same day.

In this blog post, I'm going to let the pictures (and videos!) take you in, as you will literally get to see all of the waterfalls in the order that we saw them on Day 3. Starting off the morning in awe, we beat the crowds to one of the most photographed and beautiful waterfalls in the United States -- Multnomah Falls. Then we trekked our way through one of the most unique and technical waterfall hikes I've ever done -- through Oneonta Gorge to see Oneonta Falls. Then following those seemingly unbeatable opening acts, we saw Wiesendanger Falls, Fairy Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Latourell Falls, and the beautiful Wahclella Falls. 

Multnomah FallsThe beautiful 620 feet waterfall of the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon Multnomah FallsThe beautiful 620 feet waterfall of the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon Multnomah FallsThe beautiful 620 feet waterfall of the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon Multnomah FallsThe beautiful 620 feet waterfall of the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon Multnomah FallsThe beautiful 620 feet waterfall of the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon Multnomah FallsRobbie and I in awe of Multnomah Fall with no one else around! Great way to start the morning! Multnomah FallsThe view from Multnomah Falls from the walking bridge

The Adventure to Oneonta Falls

Oh, did I mention Oneonta Gorge was one of my favorite hikes to a waterfall I've ever been on? Disclaimer: It's only for the adventurous at heart and those willing to get wet in the ice cold waters of the Columbia River Gorge. But this was "the shot" I was looking for as a photographer my whole trip. So I was anxiously awaiting the opportunity to hike this amazing "trail" into the gorge. But first, to get inside the photographic green canyon walls and see the dreamlike Oneonta Falls pouring out of the rock wall, you must climb over "The Log Jam". It deserves its own name because I've never seen such a mountain of ancient logs piled up blocking a path. And we had to climb over it before starting the short walk through the crack in the mountain and river bed to the epic reward! To begin, I want you to watch my GoPro video (below) to get a virtual view of how we got into this amazing gorge. Then scroll through my photos as we approach the waterfall.

Oneonta GorgeThe beautiful Oneonta Gorge is a crack in the mountain with green rock walls and a small river bed. Picture perfect. Oneonta GorgeThe beautiful Oneonta Gorge is a crack in the mountain with green rock walls and a small river bed. Picture perfect. Oneonta GorgeThe beautiful Oneonta Gorge is a crack in the mountain with green rock walls and a small river bed. Picture perfect. Oneonta GorgeThe beautiful Oneonta Gorge is a crack in the mountain with green rock walls and a small river bed. Picture perfect. Oneonta GorgeThe beautiful Oneonta Gorge is a crack in the mountain with green rock walls and a small river bed. Picture perfect. Oneonta GorgeApproaching the gorgeous Oneonta Falls Oneonta GorgeApproaching the gorgeous Oneonta Falls Oneonta FallsApproaching the gorgeous Oneonta Falls Oneonta FallsInside the Oneonta Gorge in the Columbia River Gorge Oneonta FallsInside the Oneonta Gorge in the Columbia River Gorge Oneonta FallsInside the Oneonta Gorge in the Columbia River Gorge Oneonta FallsInside the Oneonta Gorge in the Columbia River Gorge Oneonta FallsInside the Oneonta Gorge in the Columbia River Gorge Oneonta FallsInside the Oneonta Gorge in the Columbia River Gorge Oneonta Falls Oneonta Falls Oneonta Falls Oneonta FallsInside the Oneonta Gorge in the Columbia River Gorge Oneonta FallsInside the Oneonta Gorge in the Columbia River Gorge Oneonta FallsInside the Oneonta Gorge in the Columbia River Gorge Oneonta GorgeInside the Oneonta Gorge in the Columbia River Gorge Oneonta GorgeApproaching Oneonta Falls Oneonta GorgeApproaching Oneonta Falls Oneonta GorgeApproaching Oneonta Falls Oneonta Gorge Oneonta Gorge Robbie in the Oneonta Gorge Robbie at Oneonta Falls Robbie in the Oneonta Gorge Amazed by the Oneonta Gorge Oneonta Falls Oneonta Falls Oneonta Falls Oneonta Falls Oneonta Falls Epic trip to the Oneonta Gorge

More Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls

Enjoy the rest of my photos from the waterfalls and scenes in the Columbia River Gorge!

Columbia River Gorge Wiesendanger FallsThis waterfall is on a trail that goes up above Multnomah Falls Wiesendanger FallsThis waterfall is on a trail that goes up above Multnomah Falls Wiesendanger FallsThis waterfall is on a trail that goes up above Multnomah Falls Wiesendanger FallsThis waterfall is on a trail that goes up above Multnomah Falls Wiesendanger FallsThis waterfall is on a trail that goes up above Multnomah Falls Wiesendanger FallsThis waterfall is on a trail that goes up above Multnomah Falls Wiesendanger FallsThis waterfall is on a trail that goes up above Multnomah Falls Wiesendanger FallsThis waterfall is on a trail that goes up above Multnomah Falls Wiesendanger FallsThis waterfall is on a trail that goes up above Multnomah Falls Wiesendanger FallsThis waterfall is on a trail that goes up above Multnomah Falls Wiesendanger Falls Hiking in the Columbia River Gorge Hiking in the Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge Fairy Falls Fairy Falls Fairy Falls Fairy Falls Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge Columbia River Gorge Wahkeena Falls Wahkeena Falls Wahkeena Falls Wahkeena Falls Latourell Falls Wahclella Falls Wahclella Falls Wahclella Falls Wahclella Falls Wahclella Falls Wahclella Falls Wahclella Falls Wahclella Falls Wahclella Falls Wahclella Falls Wahclella Falls Wahclella Falls Hood River, OR Hood River, OR

Hood River, OR

The last shots were from the sunset at Hood River, Oregon which was our sleeping destination that night. We watched the sunset from the Panorama Point Park which overlooks Mt. Hood in the distance. Unfortunately we had hazy skies due to the wildfires and couldn't see Mt. Hood off in the distance. But it was still a gorgeous sunset.

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." ~Psalm 23:2-3

There's nothing more refreshing than a day filled with beautiful waterfalls and a refreshing sunset. With that, I'll leave you with a music video I made from this day in the Columbia River Gorge. Be blessed!

Pacific Northwest Road Trip 2015

This summer I was blessed to be able to go on yet another grand adventure out west with my great travel buddy, Robbie. The past three summers have been absolutely incredible as I have had the opportunities to travel and photograph some of the most amazing scenes of the American west - a photographer's dream. I have always been inspired by photography of America's great natural wonders and our magnificent National Parks! But only until I've been able to experience and stand in awe among them, have I really been able to be astonished and moved by witnessing these scenes. My God is an awesome God. How can someone stand in awe of so much beauty and not be captivated and drawn toward its Creator? It's my joy to be able to take you on another one of my adventures -- through the lens of my camera and the stories from The Pacific Northwest!

Like my last trip blogs, I will be breaking the posts down in sections. This summer we logged more miles than our previous trips as we drove 2,150 miles! You might think, "wow that's a lot of driving and not a lot of seeing!" Nope. Don't worry, I was up at sunrise and taking photos at every sunset! We had a very detailed itinerary. Plus, the driving is the fun part to me, getting to drive across beautiful places I've never seen while praising Him with songs. It's rewarding once we reach our destination! And we made sure to fit in as much places to see as possible. To give you an idea of our trip, I've created a rough map of our basic route on Google Maps.

Our flight to Portland, Oregon took us over some familiar sites from above as we flew over the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Death Valley, Lake Mono, and Yosemite...all places I can say I've seen from the ground too.

Desert Mountains from Above

Mono Lake from AboveI visited this lake two summers ago!

Yosemite from AboveThis is the upper parts of Yosemite National Park around Tioga Pass

Golden Hills from Above Oakland from Above

PNW DAY 1 | Astoria, Oregon

Our trip started as we landed in Portland, Oregon on Friday around 1:00 PM PST. We had the rest of that afternoon and our Day 2 to explore as much of the Northern Oregon Coast as we could! So we hit the road due west like hamsters in our rental "Hamster Car", the small box-like Kia Soul.

Now being an 80's kid, I grew up a huge fan of the movie Goonies. I've probably seen the movie over 50 times and can quote many scenes. I can remember all of the adventure scenes on the coast the Goonies got into as they were looking for One-Eyed Willy's treasure. Sure enough, our first destination was the Home of the Goonies -- the foggy Victorian fishing town of Astoria, Oregon. My goal was to see 1) Mickey and the Goonies House, 2) the Flavel House where his dad worked, 3) and the Jail House that the Fratelli's broke out of. Then during Day 2 we would see the classic Goonies Pacific Coast scenes.

We were able to see each of these things on my list, fortunately. However, days before we got there the new owner of the Goonies House recently put up "No Trespassing" signs which has outraged the community and Goonie tourist. We were fortunate to still be able to see the house, as days after we saw it the owner then put up tarps around the house! Its sad to say the Goonedocks have officially been sold to the Country Club. (here's the story) 

​But Astoria was an interesting little maritime town. I would have loved to been able to visit more of it. So here we go! HEY YOU GUYS!

Home of the GooniesAstoria, Oregon

The Goonies HouseThis is as close as we could get to it now. And this is before the owner put up tarps to block visitors views.

The Goonies - Flavel HouseWhere Mickey's Dad worked in the movie Goonies. The Jail HouseThis is the Jail that the Fratelli's broke out of at the beginning of the Goonies. Notice their black Jeep out front! Fratelli's JeepYep, Chunk. Even has the bullet holes in it!

Astoria Column ViewThis is the view of Astoria from Astoria Column Park, which is a park that recognizes the Journey of Lewis & Clark and their first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean via the Columbia River.

PNW DAY 1 | Sunset at Cape Disappointment, Washington

After a long day of flying across the country and then checking out the Goonies sites, we took in the amazing sunset right across the Columbia River in Washington at Cape Disappointment. This was an absolutely gorgeous drive and State Park with a beautiful forest of large coastal evergreens and ferns. Then of course the breathtaking rugged coast and lighthouse made for an amazing first sunset of our trip.

North Head LighthouseCape Disappointment, Washington Coast North Head Lighthouse SunsetCape Disappointment, Washington Coast North Head Lighthouse SunsetCape Disappointment, Washington Coast North Head Lighthouse SunsetCape Disappointment, Washington Coast Cape DisappointmentThe waves at sunset of the Washington Coast Cape DisappointmentPacific Coast Waves Cape DisappointmentPacific Coast Waves

PNW DAY 2 | Oregon Coast: Haystack Rock & Ecola State Park

After sleeping in a small beach town of Seaside, Oregon, we work up and drove south along the Oregon Coast on HWY 101. We were about to be in for a morning treat as our first destination was the classic Oregon Coast view of Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach. This is a scene that you see in magazines, postcards, and even on Microsoft Windows desktop backgrounds! That morning was also the first time in the trip I felt the chill of God's presence as I stood in amazement of this awesome scene.

It was such a peaceful morning as we walked the long stretch of Pacific beach sand leading up to the behemoth of a rock sitting out in the waves of the ocean. With the quiet rushing sounds of the morning waves, you could also hear thousands of birds as they circle the top of the huge rock. The 235 feet monolith rock serves as a bird sanctuary to many species of birds including the cute little birds called puffins. The blue morning sky and the pastel sunlight on the clouds made for a beautiful scene as I was able to capture the moment.

​Also, one of the great natural attractions of the Northwest Pacific Coast is the opportunity to go tide pooling. This is when the low tide creates a new shoreline of rock caves and pools of sea urchins, colorful starfish, and more! Check out my photos from this amazing morning at Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach!

Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Haystack Rock ReflectionHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Cannon Beach Morning Cannon Beach Morning Cannon Beach Morning Cannon Beach Morning Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Haystack Rock Cannon Beach Tide Pooling Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Cannon Beach Robbie in awe of Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon Me in front of Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon In awe of Haystack RockHaystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon In front of Haystack Rock Robbie tide pooling on Cannon Beach Tide Pooling on Cannon Beach Haystack Rock Reflection Haystack Rock Cannon Beach Cannon Beach Cannon Beach Standing in the Pacific Ocean Tide Pooling along Haystack Rock Tide Pooling along Haystack Rock Tide Pooling along Haystack Rock Star FishTide Pooling along Haystack Rock Star FishTide Pooling along Haystack Rock Star FishTide Pooling along Haystack Rock Star FishTide Pooling along Haystack Rock

PNW DAY 2 | Oregon Coast: Ecola State Park

After an amazing morning sunrise at Cannon Beach, we went several miles over to the nearby Ecola State Park. This park offers excellent views of the rocky Oregon Coast with the classic views of Haystack Rock in the distance. This is also the scene of the Goonies Lighthouse Lounge where their adventure all started. If you're a Goonies movie fan, you'll recognize my first photo below.

The rocky coastline is surrounded by a lush spruce forest and huge green ferns. It offered beautiful hiking trails along the coastline and a chance to go out on Indian Beach. Also, in the northern section of the park you get a spectacular view of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse which sits by itself on a lone rock out in the Pacific Ocean.

Hey You Guys!This is the scene from the Goonies when Mickey and the Goonies are searching for One-Eyed Willy's lost treasure along the Oregon Coast. Ecola State ParkOregon Coast Ecola State ParkOregon Coast Ecola State ParkOregon Coast Ecola State ParkOregon Coast Ecola State ParkOregon Coast Ecola State ParkOregon Coast Ecola State ParkCheck out all of the surfers! Tillamook Rock LighthouseEcola State Park, Oregon Coast Tillamook Rock LighthouseEcola State Park, Oregon Coast Ecola State ParkOregon Coast Ecola State ParkOregon Coast Giant SlugThese things were every where out there! Ecola State Park Forest 1 Ecola State Park Forest 2 Ecola State Park Forest 3 Ecola State Park Forest 4 Ecola State Park Forest 5 Ecola State Park Forest 6 Ecola State Park Forest 7 Ecola State ParkTillamook Rock Lighthouse is out in the distance Indian BeachEcola State Park Indian BeachEcola State Park, Oregon Coast Indian BeachEcola State Park, Oregon Coast Indian BeachEcola State Park, Oregon Coast Indian BeachEcola State Park, Oregon Coast Indian BeachEcola State Park, Oregon Coast Indian BeachEcola State Park, Oregon Coast Oregon Coast Hwy 101 Oregon Coast Hwy 101 Oregon Coast Hwy 101 Oregon Coast Hwy 101 Oregon Coast Hwy 101 Indian Beach Huge trees in Ecola State Park What a view of the Oregon Coast What a view of the Oregon Coast

PNW DAY 2 | Sunset at Crown Point and Lodging in Camas Hotel, Washington

After a short day an a half spent on the spectacular Oregon Coast, we had to make our way back toward Portland as we were staying across the Columbia River in Camas, Washington for the night. During our week we got to stay in some unique places and the beautiful and historic Camas Hotel was one of them. Before the day was over though, we made our way to the entrance of the Columbia River Gorge (our Day 3 adventure destination) to take in the sunset at Crown Point. This is an amazing observation point along the Oregon side mountains that carve out the Columbia River Gorge. The view offers excellent scenes of the Columbia River, which Lewis & Clark pioneered and views toward the Portland area.

Crown Point SunsetColumbia River Gorge Crown Point SunsetColumbia River Crown Point SunsetColumbia River Crown Point SunsetColumbia River Camas HotelThis was our stay that night in Camas, Washington

I hope that you enjoy the last scenes of our Day 2 sunset. Stay tuned as Day 3 will be packed full of exploring the lush waterfalls of the famous Columbia River Gorge! Thanks for reading about my Pacific Northwest Adventure! CLICK HERE to view my Oregon Coast photo gallery and order prints