So You Want To Hike Opal Creek Huh !

Opal Creek located in the Elkhorn Valley recreation area is one of the most beautiful river hikes you will ever experience. Opal creek feeds the Little North Santiam River that is equally clear and pristine however opal creeks color is unmatched and truly lives up to its namesake. I suppose you could use emerald to describe the watercolor as well.

If you want to experience the hike for yourself here is a link for great driving directions. I guess the only downside of this hike is the 2.2-mile hike down a gravel-logging road to reach the actual trailhead. This hike is suitable for small children and is classified as easy with an elevation gain of only 200 feet. I would caution parents to be very watchful on a couple of bridge crossings and on section of trail where there is no rail to protect from a substantial fall.

The area attracts extreme kayakers as well as backpackers. There are several wonderful campsites along the river although campfires a prohibited. If you have come for merely a day hike you may opt for the 7.5 mile loop that will take you through Merten mill and Jawbone Flats an old gold and iron mill that operated from 1929-1932. This loop will also take you to Opal Pool, another attraction that will take you’re breath away. If your feeling energetic you can continue past Opal Pool another 1.5 miles which will take you past Cedar flats (ancient Red Cedars) and several small water features. Happy Hiking !!

Clackamas Whitewater Festival

Anyone that had the opportunity to witness first hand the 2009 annual Clackamas Whitewater Festival experienced great weather and some fantastic race events, and of course a few spills. For those of you who missed it I took some photos of the race that you can see here.The annual festival is run strictly by volunteers with the help of a few sponsors. They have a dedicated Website if you wish to learn more or even enter the race next year.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens

Many of you local Oregonians living near Portland may be unaware of the beautiful park that we have right in our midst.
I'm talking about the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens located across from Reed College and adjacent to East Moreland Golf course. For you photographers there are many prospects here. This is a romantic park with many trails and water features. Free admission awaits those that can visit any Tuesday or Wednesday. For more information here is the
website

Photographing Zoo Animals

     Going on a photographic safari in Zaire or maybe the Okavango Delta is probably on the short list of many amateur photographers. But lets be real; an extravagant safari across the globe probably won’t happen for most of us. There is something special about photographing animals in their natural environment that words can’t really convey.
    If you’re’ like me and enjoy capturing images of animals regardless of the venue then a local zoo may have to suffice. Zoo photography can really be quite rewarding in that you never really know what you will bring home on that media card, as every outing will undoubtedly find animals in different states of lethargy or lack thereof.
    First and foremost I would suggest several visits a year to you’re local zoo as the experience and results will be different every time, also it’s a great way to support the animals. Try to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds. I generally just use one lens and bring a backup. The lens of choice for me is the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM II Macro Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
There are times that more focal length would be helpful but more importantly the F2.8 speed is a huge asset in the very dimly lit exhibits and give a very shallow depth of field for blurring out obvious zoo backgrounds.
    To make you’re photographs stand out from the rest it is important to isolate an animal and not try to encompass an entire scene. By doing this you can come up with very unique perspectives of animals not usually seen. If possible take an unconventional route through the zoo based solely on the suns trajectory. By doing this you can use the natural spotlight effect the sun provides in able to highlight an animal’s face.

    In regards to indoor exhibits and dealing with glass enclosures this creates another set of obstacles. Depending on your particular camera and it’s ability to control noise will determine a ISO setting that will suite the noise threshold that you can personally accept in you’re photography. Photography of reptiles and the like will require shooting through thick glass. I look for the cleanest spot and then remove my lens hood; this enables me to virtually press the lens against the glass and avoid angle glare. Here is an example
of a gator I shot through thick glass and I found it looks as though I had an unobstructed view.
    Have fun exploring you’re local zoo and best of luck capturing unique images of the animals. To see a few more of the animals in the Oregon Zoo, go here.