Waterfalls/Rainforests of the Columbia River Gorge Workshop

June 8-12, 2025
w/Joseph Rossbach
$2,695.00
About this trip
Get ready to be awe-struck! The Columbia River Gorge, a stunning natural boundary that separates Oregon and Washington, is a geological masterpiece and a photographer's paradise. With its lush, vibrant forests, dramatic cliffs, and an abundance of waterfalls, this breathtaking location offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and capture awe-inspiring images.
Our week-long itinerary is designed to make the most of this incredible landscape. Each day, we’ll start with early morning sessions to photograph the stunning sunrise vistas, followed by excursions to chase the region's iconic waterfalls. As the day winds down, we’ll end with sunset shoots, ensuring you have the chance to capture the Gorge in its golden-hour glory. In addition to the fieldwork, we’ll also dedicate time to post-processing techniques in a classroom setting later in the week, helping you refine your images and bring out their full potential.
The goal of this workshop is to elevate your photography skills both in the field and during the editing process. Whether you're a beginner eager to improve or an experienced photographer looking to push your boundaries, you'll leave with new techniques, a portfolio of compelling images, and a deeper understanding of the Columbia River Gorge’s unique beauty.

Schedule
Gear up for an unforgettable week in the Pacific Northwest! Picture yourself chasing the perfect light, capturing stunning images of cascading waterfalls, and exploring lush, thriving forests. Yes, you may get a little wet, but the memories you’ll create will be absolutely priceless!
Our adventure begins on Day 1 at 6 p.m., when we'll gather for a classroom session focused on essential techniques to help you make the most of your time in this incredible landscape. We’ll cover everything from composition tips to settings for capturing the unique beauty of the region.
From Day 2 through Day 4, we’ll rise early each morning for sunrise photography (weather permitting), taking advantage of the soft, golden light to capture sweeping vistas. After sunrise, we’ll spend several hours each day exploring the waterfalls and rainforests of the Columbia River Gorge, with ample opportunities for detailed shots of the dynamic scenery. During the day, we’ll take breaks for lunch and dinner, ensuring you’re well-rested and fueled for the next photography session.
On Day 5, we’ll conclude the workshop with a final morning shoot, capturing the serene beauty of the Gorge one last time. The workshop will officially end no later than 9 a.m. in Hood River, leaving you with an abundance of new skills, amazing photos, and memories that will last a lifetime.
This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most photogenic places in the world, and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Difficulty
The physical difficulty of this workshop will be moderate, with some challenging climbing and potentially slippery, wet terrain. Many of the waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge are accessed by steep, narrow trails that can be slick and difficult in places, especially after rain. It’s important that participants are in good physical health, able to navigate uneven and sometimes slippery paths, and comfortable with a moderate level of exertion.
One of our longest hikes will be an out-and-back trail, approximately 4 miles round trip, with 800 feet of elevation gain. While the hike offers stunning views and ample photo opportunities, it does require a good level of fitness and sure-footedness. We recommend participants bring sturdy, waterproof footwear, and be prepared for potentially muddy and rocky conditions.
Overall, the terrain may be demanding at times, but it will be well worth the effort for the incredible shots and unforgettable experience in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic locations.

Travel
Participants should fly into Portland International Airport (PDX) or Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA/TAC), both of which are within reasonable driving distance of the Columbia River Gorge.
For transportation, we will be carpooling as much as possible to make the most of our time together and reduce our environmental impact. A standard mid-size rental car will be sufficient for the group, though participants are encouraged to share rides where possible.
Lodging will be arranged at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Hood River, a comfortable base just a short drive from the Gorge’s most iconic locations. Once the workshop is full, we will send out a booking code to secure your accommodations. Please note that participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements, but we’ll do our best to help coordinate rides for those who need them.
We’re looking forward to an amazing week, and we’ll be here every step of the way to ensure a smooth and memorable experience!

Terms/Conditions
A non-refundable deposit of 500.00 USD is required to secure a space on this workshop. Final payment is due 60 days prior to the start of this workshop. There is no refund after the final payment has been made (unless we can fill your spot). Please see our cancellation policy for more detailed information.