Hoops12751 Loc: Lexington, KY

I am headed to Portland in August to shoot Mt. Hood, Oregon and Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Rainier in Washington. I found some great vantage points for Mt. Hood the last time I was there in April, but would like suggestions on the best vantage points for Mt Rainier and Mt St Helens. I would prefer to capture them looking across a lake if possible.

Any other points that should not be missed are welcome as well.

Thanks

Wandering Loc: Sea Wa

For Rainier find a little town called Mineral. Takes you off the much beaten, in the Park main roads. For St Helens, you might try Windy Ridge. Spirit Lake is there, but be very early-it is windy indeed.

plessner Loc: North Dakota

I have relatives in Portland. Would you share your Mt Hood locations for the next time I get out there?

Dave R. Loc: PNW

I've shot St. Helens from Windy Ridge but Spirit Lake was not in the foreground. With any luck the lupines will be in bloom and those are wonderful for a foreground. Just before you get to the Windy Ridge site there is a turn out with an outdoor restroom. A friend and I stopped there and managed to find some great spots to shoot. Take a blanket and lay on the ground for a more dramatic scene especially if the Lupine are in bloom. Good luck and enjoy. I can't advise on rainier since I've not shot it before. Perhaps a google search would turn up some ideas.

lorenww Loc: St. Petersburg

For Mt hood try trillium lake.
Timothy lake is further away but if I remember right it has some pretty good views.

Dave R. Loc: PNW

For Mt. Hood another option is to visit the Pittock mansion in the Portland West hills during the morning or evening light. Portland as the foreground with Mt. Hood in all her splendor in the distance.

MtManMD Loc: Beaverton, Oregon

At Rainer, the sunrise shots at Reflection Lakes while the light is good and the water is still are a classic. It is also often a better time for clouds to be at a minimum. In August when the wildflowers are at their prime, there will be mobs of people. Get up to the Paradise meadows before 9am if you want a parking spot. After than, the lots will be closed and you will be forced to take a long steep walk. Save yourself for the steep trails at Paradise, where the wildflowers, views of the Mountain, and wildlife will be unending. If you want to drive around the mountain, Tipsoo Lake is also a classic. You will be facing west, so this is good early morning through mid-day.

For Mt. Hood, don't overlook the Hood River Valley. Awesome views of Hood from the fruit orchards in the Hood River and Parkdale areas. Also, at the beach at the Hwy 35 exit off I-84, you will be able to get great shots of airborne wind surfers and kite surfers in the Columbia River waves and strong winds. Great shots are available from Lost Lake too, especially from a boat (rentals available).

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

For Mt Hood, Timothy Lake is good but a fair hike, Trillium Lake is a good option and a very short walk. Mirror Lake is a nice option & a short 2.8 mile hike to the lake & you have the option of continuing on to top of the ridge at 6.4 miles. but here's a suggestion: Avoid the week-ends as it gets very crowded. From Portland, it's 45 miles on I84 east of I205. You'll see cars at the Trailhead. Do NOT leave valuables in your car at any trailhead.

A great resource guide is "60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Portland" Paul Gerald, Menasha Ridge Press,

Leland22 Loc: Texas

Definitely Reflection Lake early for Mt Rainier.

Don't pass up all the waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge Area. We shot over 65 in a week there. One of the best areas is Silver Falls State Park southeast of Portland but many in the Gorge area with short hikes.

Bluegrassfan Loc: Kentucky

Mount St. Helens has a visitor center and you can stop along the road to it, so there are many vantage points. At the visitor center I tried to take a photo of my dad with the volcano behind him, but the clouds were in the way. Finally I gave up and just took the picture. I looked on the camera's screen and lo and behold, the clouds broke. My dad was buried four weeks ago today. I used to live near Everett, Washington when my dad was in the Air Force. He was stationed at Payne Field, now the Boeing plant.

Hoops12751 Loc: Lexington, KY

Are the Reflection Lakes near Packwood and are there any places to stay near there so I can be there at sunrise?

MtManMD Loc: Beaverton, Oregon

There are a few motels in the Packwood area, however it is located on the other side of the Tatoosh mountain range and is a slow drive into the center of Rainier NP where Reflection Lakes is located. It's still doable, but it's a good hour+ drive. Reflection Lakes is located at the road junction just below Paradise. I'd also check Longmire Inn (you might lucky) and other places just outside the park at Ashford. There are a several mountain lodges in the area.

Speaking of the Tatoosh Range, if you are up to a good hike, near Reflection Lakes and on the opposite side of the road, there is a trailhead to Plummer and Pinnacle Peaks. To the top of Plumber (or just to the ridge) is a trail hike and the views across the valley to Rainier are unbelievable.

fjrwillie Loc: MA

We traveled to Rainer via motorcycle. We came in from Yakima via 401 thru Chinook Pass. We hit the Sunrise Visitor Center, which I understand is a lot less busy than Paradise. Sunrise is on the east side of Rainer.

The ride from Yakima to Sunrise was worth the time and the scenery was spectacular.

From there we went south hit the Big Trees (Grove of the Patriarchs) and then Paradise briefly.

It is my understanding that Sunrise is not as well known and it is at the highest elevation via car that you can get to.

Something to consider.

Willie

Hoops12751 Loc: Lexington, KY

Found a room at the Gateway right outside the entrance to the park. I understand that is a 30 to 45 minute drive to Paradise from there. Is the trailhead marked in Paradise to get to Reflection Lakes? Since I will not have an opportunity to scout the location before sunrise, what is the best way to get there?

Thanks for the info, you have been a great help.

MtManMD Loc: Beaverton, Oregon

The lakes are along the main road about a 1,000 feet and several miles below Paradise. From the hotel, you'll go through the park entrance station, then a slow curvy drive through old growth forest to the large visitor complex at Longmire, then start climbing in elevation with many views of the mountain. You will come to a road junction where the left fork takes you to Paradise. If you want to go to Reflection Lakes first, take the route to the right toward Stevens Canyon and Ohanapecosh. The lakes will be shortly ahead with a large parking area between the road and lakes.

The view of the mountain is nice down at the lakes, but after you finish shooting there, drive up to Paradise (there is a reason they named it Paradise) and get out on the many trails. The wildflowers, steams, meadows and trees will keep you busy shooting, and of course the mountain will be right in your face. BTW, the trails are steep. You will be huffing and puffing with the altitude and steepness. Good luck on deciding which lens to use, wide angle, telephone, or macro. You'll need them all.