Columbia Gorge and Oregon Coast: Planning a trip for two amateur photogarphers to the Columbia Gorge and the Oregon coast in May. In the Columbia Gorge, we will be mainly looking to...

wrk1234 Loc: Russellville, Arkansas

Planning a trip for two amateur photogarphers to the Columbia Gorge and the Oregon coast in May. In the Columbia Gorge, we will be mainly looking to photograph waterfalls. How many days should we set aside for the Gorge ? The remainder of our ten day trip will be spent photographing the Oregon coast.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

How many waterfalls do you think there are in the Colombia Gorge?

wrk1234 Loc: Russellville, Arkansas

We found a list of waterfalls in the Gorge. The list showed 26 waterfalls. We have a list of 12 we are going to visit with another 6 to 8 possible water falls . We are not into long or strenuous hikes (we are 68 and 70 years old).

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

Given the hiking limitation (yet not knowing which ones you have in mind), likely 2 days. Also worth an extension that time of year to rowena loops and columbia hills for wildflowers. Loop back around mt hood. Waterfall parking will be a beast if done on weekend. Make sure your info sources take into account nasty wildfire in the Gorge about 3-4 years ago. A few trails remain closed.

Consider panther creek falls in washington and silver falls park east of salem.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Multnomah falls is the most famous and is right on the highway, no hiking!

Fayle Loc: Seward, Alaska and Rionegro, Colombia

wrk1234 wrote:

Planning a trip for two amateur photogarphers to the Columbia Gorge and the Oregon coast in May. In the Columbia Gorge, we will be mainly looking to photograph waterfalls. How many days should we set aside for the Gorge ? The remainder of our ten day trip will be spent photographing the Oregon coast.

Will you be camping or staying in lodging along the way? I would recommend at least three days for the CRG. This will allow time to scout out your sites to decide if you want morning or evening light and allow for a weather day.
Nimbushopper mentioned Multnomah Falls. This is the most popular falls in the area. Get there VERY early in the morning as it will be difficult to find a parking space during the day.
Orphoto mentioned Silverfalls State Park. This park is well worth a visit but I would go there mid week as it is crowded on the weekends. If you're camping make reservations as soon as you decide on your dates.
https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=151
Be sure to stop at the Portland Women’s Forum for spectacular views of the gorge.
https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=119

As for the Oregon Coast, Bandon is my favorite place but it is quite a bit south. There are lots of campgrounds and lighthouses along the coast.

This book is a great resource and well worth the cost in my opinion.
https://www.amazon.com/Photographing-Oregon-Phototripsusa-Greg-Vaughn/dp/091618918X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FHCKTULQDN4V&keywords=photographing+oregon&qid=1673959319&sprefix=photographing+oregon%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-1

Some of my Oregon photos are here:
https://www.fayledvisionphotography.com/Oregon

Enjoy your trip!

AntonioReyna Loc: Los Angeles, California

The Oregon Coast is great photo territory. Start at the very NW tip, Astoria, historic fishing town, then Cannon Beach and so on. Also on that route is famous Lewis and Clark site. Have fun.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

If you are going to do it in a camper, do not! stay in the campgrounds along the river. Highway traffic on one side TRAINS on the other!! There is a road on either side of the river, Washington side and Oregon side. RT 84 on the Oregon side is a high speed Hiway, Washington side is slow and leisurely. Both have waterfalls, but the Oregon side has the better and more accessible ones. As far as time, entirely up to you. But a couple days should be plenty of time.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Unless you want to do a lot of hiking in the Gorge I’d say 2 days there would be plenty.

AntonioReyna Loc: Los Angeles, California

There are bridges along the Gorge to cross from Oregon to Washington and vice versa, including the Bridge of the Gods. Photographic.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

wrk1234 wrote:

Planning a trip for two amateur photogarphers to the Columbia Gorge and the Oregon coast in May. In the Columbia Gorge, we will be mainly looking to photograph waterfalls. How many days should we set aside for the Gorge ? The remainder of our ten day trip will be spent photographing the Oregon coast.

If you are going to stop at Multomah Falls at that time of the year you will need a reservation.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

wrk1234 wrote:

We found a list of waterfalls in the Gorge. The list showed 26 waterfalls. We have a list of 12 we are going to visit with another 6 to 8 possible water falls . We are not into long or strenuous hikes (we are 68 and 70 years old).

Can you share that list? Please?

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

Multnomah Falls (and that segment of the old desireable historic road) will likely need a reservation if between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 9am to 6 pm.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

bsprague wrote:

Can you share that list? Please?

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

And a reservation is needed nor for Crown Point if you want a gorgeous pandoras of the Gorge. Time your visit for sunrise if you can. The view upriver to the east is the best.