Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, USA

The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most beautiful yet accessible natural landscapes in the continental United States. Just over 30 miles east of Portland, the Gorge extends for over 80 miles and contains over 90 waterfalls just on the Oregon side of the river and is home to Mt Hood Oregon's tallest mountain.

The Columbia river, sacred to the Natives and dear to the locals, also shares a deep connection to western US history given the Lewis and Clark expedition, the first white immigrant American expedition to cross the western United States, across the continental divide onto the Pacific Ocean.

By the time I took these shots, it was about an hour after sunset and it was pretty dark given the greenery in the area. There was still light in the sky so I let the light flow into the lens to capture the depth of the river with the city lights shining onto the sky, and to showcase the greenery around, while allowing time for the clouds to roll over the scenery.

I love this place and hope to be back here soon.