Watered Down

I was quite surprised when I learnt that the state of Washington may have the largest number of waterfalls in the lower 48, including this icy falls near Snoqualmie Pass, but I reckon that the most beautiful falls in the Pacific Northwest reside in the state of Oregon. Between the multitude of falls that tumble down the walls of the Columbia Gorge, and those scattered across its state parks, Oregon has no dearth of falls. And thanks to the volcanic basalt rocks that frame many of the falls in this state, Oregon offers photographers a bounty of photogenic falls to capture.

Here are a couple from that state, which while similar to each other, are still unique in their own way.

Pacific Northwest

Waterfall Season

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It's waterfall season again. And that means walking up slippery mossy trails towards the sound of rushing water, getting sprayed on by the cool mist on a warm summer day, wiping camera and lenses furiously while waiting for the breeze to die down, and plunging feet-first into freezing cold water to wedge the tripod into awkward positions to get the perfect composition. And that also means contending with hundreds of tourists at popular spots trying to get their 5 seconds of selfie fame

Nevertheless, the allure of a waterfall is special, akin to a maiden with silky white hair tumbling down the mossy cliffs, constantly swaying and shifting gracefully, and breathing fresh air into the lush vegetation all around. Her sound can be heard from afar, a peaceful white noise growing in intensity as one gets closer, until you get a glimpse of her through the trees. It is no wonder that they take on feminine names: Elowah, Bridalveil, Fairy, Wahkeena and so on.

Here is to another waterfall season, and many more to come.

Multnomah Falls
OR USA