Cascade Center of Photography’s Christian Heeb writes and shows images when he likes to photograph the scenic beauty around Bend, Central Oregon.
JANUARY
Ponderosa Pines in the Deschutes National Forest. If you like winter, snow and ice this season certainly has its appeal. The higher elevations in the mountains are bound to have snow. You may want to bring your snow shoes to get out into the winter wonderland. While it is a good time to get photos of our snow capped volcanic peaks you are limited to what you can access and photograph. A good place to start is along the Deschutes river near the road leading to Mount Bachelor.
FEBRUARY
Sunrise at Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake located a 2.5 hour drive from Bend is open in the winter. You can only access the south entrance (please check conditions before heading there). Sunrise at the parking lot on the Rim is spectacular in winter.
MARCH
Deschutes Recreation Sites in Deschutes National Forest. The basalt canyon at Dillon Falls of the Deschutes river is a great winter spot. Photographing a mix of flowing water and ice is a rewarding past time.
APRIL
South and Middle Sister at dawn. Keep in mind that the city of Bend’s elevation is 3,623 feet so spring arrives late here. April is still a good time to get photos of the snow capped mountain peaks of Central Oregon.
MAY
Painted Hills near Mitchell. The Painted Hills in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument can be visited year round. My favorite time is late May early June when you have a good chance to see wildflowers. Evening is the best time to photograph the landscape here.
JUNE
Sparks Lake and South Sister. This iconic vista is at its best in June when the cone of South Sister is still snow capped. Sunrise photographed from the Ray Atkeson view point never disappoints.
JULY
Proxy Falls, Willamette National Forest. Located along the Old Mackenzie Scenic Highway near the town of Sisters. These Falls are a short hike away from the road. In early summer they should have abundant water.
AUGUST
Crater Lake and Milky Way. Many locations throughout Central Oregon lend themselves to Astro photography. August and September are perfect for this. Make sure you head out when the moon is not visible and no forest fire is raging that is obscuring the night sky.
SEPTEMBER
Scott Lake, Willamette National Forest. September is a great time to head out to photograph the many mountain lakes in the region. Most of the mosquitoes have died off and the summer tourists are gone. The weather tends to be stable and warm. The only drawback for photographers can be the absence of clouds.
OCTOBER
Blue Pool, Willamette National Forest. October is a fantastic time for fall colors. Along McKenzie Pass and many locations in the Cascade range great photos can be taken.
NOVEMBER
Tipi at night near Bend. This is probably my least favorite month but early November can still have some good leftover fall colors especially in town. Some years Bend gets snow in November other years no snow in sight till January.
DECEMBER
Smith Rock State Park. This Park can be visited year round. You have to be lucky to get it with snow. It sits lower than Bend and snow evaporates quickly. The Crooked river canyon here is spectacular.
PHOTOGRAPHY IN CENTRAL OREGON
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