The simple activity of hiking has made the hobby lists of millions (billions?) of people worldwide. Each weekend countless individuals hit the trail for the chance to smell fresh air, commune with nature, and in the case of photographers like me, find visually stunning material to create photographs from. Hiking trails often provide the easiest access to incredible views and vistas, which is why many of my greatest photographs were taken during simple day hikes. In this ongoing series, I’ll talk about some of my favorite trails in Oregon for photography and hopefully help someone choose their next weekend adventure. I won’t always provide detailed directions to these hikes, as they can all be found with a simple Google search, or by using my favorite hiking app, AllTrails! In this first installment, I’ll also talk about a recent gear purchase that changed the game for me.
Marys Peak summit via the East Ridge Trail, a favorite weekend hot spot during my college years. Nikon D7000, Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 @ 16mm
Marys Peak
Since the above photo was such a perfect intro shot to an article about hiking trails, I’ll start with the location pictured: Marys Peak. An Oregon classic, Marys Peak defines the western horizon of Corvallis and Albany, and is the highest mountain in the states coast range. Nestled in the 634,000 acre Siuslaw National Forest, this peak has no shortage of beautiful old-growth trees, streams and incredible views. Being the highest peak in the coast range mountains, the views from the summit are breathtaking. The intrepid adventurer who ventures to the summit of Marys Peak can catch views of many of the major Cascade peaks, surrounding cities, and on really clear days, the Pacific Ocean.
Ok, I’ll admit, getting to the summit of the peak doesn’t require being very intrepid, as there is a road that takes you just a short walk away from the top. I personally think it’s more fun to get to the summit the hard way, so I’ll now talk about my favorite hike on Marys Peak; the East Ridge Trail (pictured above).
Marys Peak (right) at sunset from outside of Corvallis, Oregon. Nikon D750, 60mm f/2.8
From the Connor’s Camp trailhead, this hike is roughly 5.5 miles to the summit and back, which is definitely doable for people of all most skill levels, even with some heavier camera gear in the pack. It’s also very easy to find by simply following Highway 20 west out of Corvallis for approximately 6.4 miles, and connecting up with Highway 34 just outside of Philomath. Follow this highway for just under 9 miles until you reach the turnoff for Marys Peak Road, and go another 5.5 miles. It’s really that simple! When in doubt, Google Maps is always there.
Just a few steps into this awesome trail, you’re greeted with PNW splendor. For much of the length, the East Ridge Trail is dominated by towering Douglas-fir, with a rich understory consisting of salal, vine maple and sword fern.
Towering Douglas-fir along the East Ridge Trail of Marys Peak. Nikon D750, 16-35mm f/4 VR @ 16mm.
Many people forgo the longer hikes altogether just to get the magnificent summit views. It’s a common sight to see the summit parking lot full during sunset, and you’ll see why in a couple of the images below. I have even had the pleasure of staying well after dark and experiencing the night sky from the summit of the peak.
Nikon D7000, Nikon 35mm f/1.8G
Alder Springs
Much further east from Marys Peak, in what I consider to be the motherland of outdoor recreation in Oregon, you find something quite different and unique. This motherland I speak of is, of course, Central Oregon. There is a reason why outdoor junkies flock to Bend, Redmond and Sisters during all seasons of the year to recreate. From the Three Sisters Wilderness, to Mt. Jeffereson Park, to the iconic Smith Rock State Park, Central Oregon has it all.
One little-known gem just 23 miles outside of Redmond is the Alder Springs Trail in the Crooked River National Grassland, which winds its way down into what I can only describe as a mystical desert oasis. Here you can experience the desert at its finest, with views of the Wychus Creek Canyon, ancient petroglyphs, and see the mighty extinct stratovolcano Black Butte to the west.
Snow-capped and extinct, Black Butte defines the western skyline from the Alder Springs Trail. Nikon D750, Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR @ 100mm
Once you brave the somewhat treacherous five mile gravel road and reach the trailhead, it becomes quite evident that it was worth the journey and the potential damage to the suspension on your car. The first time I arrived here and looked around, my first thought was “did I leave Oregon without realizing?”. The Oregon I know best consists of massive Douglas-fir, western red cedar and western hemlock, with thick understory. This new landscape was a vast grassland speckled with ponderosa pine an scrubby juniper trees. This 7.2 mile out-and-back trail ends at the confluence of Wychus Creek and the Deschutes River.
A gnarled, dead juniper tree. Nikon D750, Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR @ 24mm
Skeletons of juniper trees from an old wildfire. Nikon D750, Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR @ 120mm
The views at Alder Springs are best enjoyed with friends. Nikon D750, Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR @ 52mm
For those who look closely at the charred surfaces of some of the ponderosa pines in the canyon, life can be found. Nikon D750, 60mm f/2.8
I hope this article has inspired you to hit the trail and create new imagery for your portfolio, if you’re into that kind of thing. As I’ve said, hiking trails truly provide some of the best access to incredible places in the natural world, and make it easier to create stunning photographs. Whether it be a trail to a waterfall, a path through an alpine meadow, or boardwalk through a vast marsh full of bird life, I encourage you to get out hiking the next time you’re in search of creative inspiration for your nature photography. Each week I’ll continue this series and highlight two or three of my favorite hikes (mostly in Oregon) for photography, in the hopes that I can help you make an informed decision and where to go for your next photographic journey. If you have trails that you love that you would like to see photographed by yours truly, drop a comment or shoot me an email! Thanks for reading, and happy shooting!
