GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

Agriculture has some great photo ops. Don't forget that both states are probably the most well known for growing potatoes in all of America.

Ask the locals where the best are served and with what type of potatoes they used. Heck, why not collect a bunch of recipes. Don't forget the common French fries either. Do everyone here on UGLY a favor and report back your findings!

Mustanger Loc: Grants Pass, Oregon USA

I highly recommend Crater Lake as a must see! The rim drive may not be open until June or even July but there is still plenty to see at the Rim village! The Blue Lake is incredible!

jecinco Loc: Wilmington NC

I lived in Pocatello Idaho in the 90's and loved it, (just had to move to Pittsburgh if I wanted to keep my job, wasn't a lot of opportunities for a Food Scientist in the area at the time). I see lots of folks mentioning the Sawtooths which is a must see for a photographer, make sure you shoot the sunrise / sunsets, and get to Redfish Lake. But in addition there are tons of alpine lakes within a few hours hike of the valley worth seeing. As you head out of the valley going north(?) to Chalis look for a turn off on the right just past whats left of the old dam. the road heads up toward the Sunshine mine but on the way up is an old ghosts town with a graveyard ( at least used to be unless it burned in the recent fires, anyone know?). The views coming in from Sun Valley toward Galena summit are worthwhile as well as are the views back down towards Boise on Rt21.

Other areas I didn't see mentioned are the Sand Dunes near Ashton Idaho, Island Park area (fly fishing paradise), Mesa Falls and Warm Springs are neat areas to photograph also off the beaten path in Island park is Red Rock (?) bird sanctuary. The nice thing once you get to Island Park you are within 30 minutes of West Yellowstone and the Park. We used to take weekend and Drive up I15 from Pocatello, and get off on the Rt 26 exit an head thru Idaho Falls towards Victor Idaho Idaho, over the Teton Pass and into Jackson Hole WY. Really neat little town. For there you have Grand Teton National Park and continuing north out of the park another 20-30 miles you get to Flagg Ranch and the South Entrance to Yellowstone.

Just be aware that a some of the areas don't open until late May due to snow fall and getting the roads cleared and repaired. Stanley Basin (Sawtooths) is cold so expect to see nights even in the peak summer in the 30's or colder and the day in the 70's.

Have fun and enjoy the best state ( my opinion) in the nation.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

Lots of places in Oregon, I Live in Prineville OR. Creator Lake, Painted Hills, Smith Rock, Crooked River Gorge ( out of Prineville), Old McKinsey Hwy (out of sisters) Tulip Festival, Mt Hood, Newberry Volcano. and a bunch more . Just contact me for more places best times to see them.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Who ever heard of an Oregon potato?

Good with Walla Walla onions, though.

MarkSki

The most beautiful part of Idaho is North Idaho-- the Coeur d'Alene area-- with its huge lakes, mountains and national Forests. Don't miss it

MtnMan Loc: ID

The turn off for the Yankee Fork is on the left when you are headed towards Challis.

MtnMan Loc: ID

You can get there most of the year by going through Banks and Lowman. That way is paved all the way and only closes when there are avalanches along ID 21 between Lowman and Stanley.

There is a dirt road path one could take from McCall to near Stanley in summer that is fewer miles but likely takes longer even in summer. While more scenic and doable in a car when in good shape probably not a good choice in a rental car.

j2tx

If you love flowers and taking picture of roses. be sure to visit the Rose Gardens in Portland.

j2tx

Visit the Rose Gardens in Portland.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

It's a great idea except there won't be any roses in bloom in early spring for the planned trip by the OP....

bwana Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada

We visit the Oregon coast every couple years for about a week; lovely scenery, climate and people. Don't miss Mo's Seafood restaurants!

Lot's of great opportunities for ocean sunsets, offshore rocks and wildlife.

My wife and I are heading down there in two days to shoot Pacific winter storms.

Have a great trip!

bwa

Grnway Loc: Manchester, NH

I worked in Idaho for three summers when I was in college (many moons ago) and worked just north of Bear Lake, in Montpelier. Had a chance to see remote Idaho: Redfish Lake, the Sawtooths, Ketchum, the panhandle area. It's an amazing state! Be prepared to be totally smitten by the landscapes there.

ab7rn Loc: Portland, Oregon

Depending on how much time you will have, you could check out our coast from Astoria to the southern border, then back to Portland and go east on I84 thru the gorge, by way of the old Columbia river highway, checking out all the falls on the way. You could also check the Mt. Hood loop, stopping off at Timberline Lodge on the way. If your tastes run more to desert country, then try French glen and Steens Mountain. The French glen side will let you drive to the top and a vista 0fthe Alvord Desert. Then drive south and east to the base of the mountain and back north skirting the edge of the Alvord Desert.
The northeast corner of the state has the Blue Mountains and the Chief Joseph monument. There are many more things to see in Oregon but most people don't have that much time to take it all in on one visit.
Bill

150digger

I lived in Coeur d'Alene, Id. for 8 plus years several years ago...Lottsa good photo op in the area. Lake Coeur d'Alene is absolutely gorgeous. As is Lake Pend O'reille at Standpoint. Upper and Lower Priest Lakes are pristine. All are in the Panhandle of Idaho. Coeur d'Alene is 30 miles East of Spokane Washington. And about 115 miles from the Canadian border. Sandpoint is 45 miles North of Coeur d'Alene. And the Priest Lakes are NW of Sandpoint. And if you have the time and inclination, Glacier National Park in NW Montana is a must see. But very limited access till at least Memorial Day.