Oregon: Family, Canyons, and Serene Adventures
Oregon holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just another destination; it’s a state that connects me deeply to my roots and the early experiences that shaped my love for the outdoors. This year, I had the chance to explore some of its most beautiful and diverse landscapes in a way I never had before. From visiting familiar places that hold family memories to discovering completely new ones, this trip was a perfect balance of nostalgia, adventure, and quiet reflection.
Early Memories: Horses, Lizards, and Crabs
Some of my earliest memories of Oregon are tied to time spent with my grandparents. I remember visiting their camp and riding horses, spotting lizards darting around the sun-warmed rocks in central Oregon. On the coast, I’d walk the cliff-lined shores, climbing down the ladder they had to pull up each time to keep it from being swept away by the tide. I’ll never forget catching crabs off the docks, or the sound of waves crashing below their beach house.
This year’s visit was different. It was my first time back since I’d gotten seriously into photography and only the second time since my grandfather passed. As I crossed the border into Oregon from Idaho, a surreal moment brought back a flood of memories. I passed a Tacoma—a truck just like the one my grandfather drove—and glanced at the driver. For a brief moment, I could have sworn it was him. That fleeting image and the weight of nostalgia overwhelmed me. My grandfather loved Oregon deeply, and I know he’d be thrilled to see me exploring the landscapes that meant so much to him.
Eastern Oregon: Leslie Gulch
I began my Oregon journey in the eastern part of the state, eager to visit Leslie Gulch—a destination I’d never experienced before. Driving through its winding roads and descending deep into the canyon was surreal. Towering rock formations rose on either side, their rugged beauty a testament to the forces that shaped them over millennia. At the end of the road, I found myself at a quiet lakeshore, with only a few other people in the area. The solitude made it all the more special.
Eastern Oregon felt wild and remote, offering the kind of peace that only comes from being surrounded by nature in its purest form. It was a stark contrast to the Oregon I remembered from my childhood, and yet it carried the same feeling of wonder.
Central Oregon: Beautiful Scenes at Every Turn
Central Oregon brought back some of those childhood memories, but now, with a camera in hand, I saw it in a new light. The rolling hills, dramatic peaks, and high desert landscapes seemed to shift with every turn, offering endless opportunities to capture its beauty. The vibrant colors and diverse textures were a photographer’s dream.
Cannon Beach: A Night on the Shore
One of the most peaceful moments of my trip came at Cannon Beach. Sitting by a fire I sparked on the shore, I watched the waves crash under the shadow of Haystack Rock. The sun set in a blaze of colors, the sky fading into dusk as the fire crackled beside me. It was one of those rare evenings where everything feels perfectly aligned, and for a while, I felt completely at peace with the world.
Hood River: Reflecting in the Gorge
To close out my trip, I spent a few slow days in Hood River. The charming town, nestled between the Columbia River and the surrounding mountains, offered a welcome change of pace. I wandered along the river, explored the town’s unique shops, and soaked in the views of the Gorge. Hood River gave me space to reflect—not just on this trip, but on the years of exploration and growth that led me here.
Closing Thoughts
This trip to Oregon was so much more than an adventure; it was a journey through memories, a connection to family, and a celebration of the landscapes that make this state so special. Whether I was deep in the canyons of Leslie Gulch, capturing the beauty of central Oregon, or finding peace along the coast and rivers, Oregon reminded me why it holds such a special place in my heart.
If my grandfather could have seen me exploring this time around, I hope he would have been proud. After all, his love for Oregon is what I believe subconsciously opened my eyes to the beauty of the West—and for that, I’ll always be grateful.