On a recent trip out the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, I stopped at the Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint and was treated to these conditions. I have visited these locations in the past but conditions were not right to capture what I wanted. On this night, because of recent rain, water flow was heavier at Latourell Falls and because of the stormy skies, the conditions over Crown Pointe were spectacular.
Latourell Falls
![Latourell Falls](http://box5462.temp.domains/~jasonrf1/jasonrennaker/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/dsc_1192-683x1024.jpg)
![](http://box5462.temp.domains/~jasonrf1/jasonrennaker/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/dsc_1158-2-683x1024.jpg)
Latourell Falls is located just off of Historic Columbia River Hwy. Here is a link to the trailhead. Latourell Falls consists of an upper and lower falls. The upper falls are a 1.3 mile loop while the lower falls are only .3 miles. Ironically both falls are similar in formation and both are impressive. The trail to the upper falls is a moderate hike but the scenery is very rewarding. The lower falls are visible from the parking lot and the trail is a easy hike. At the falls you will find a bridge which is a very popular photo spot. I observed my people make their way to the rear of the water fall for a photo behind the falls. While this is a great Instagram picture, you will most certainly be soaked for the effort.
Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint
I stayed in this location for a couple hours waiting for the conditions to be just right. The skies would change from clear to rain to scattered clouds and then to this. I was loving the dark rain filled clouds and then the sun peeked through for just a moment to light up the Vista House at Crown Pointe. I will admit, I was a bit emotional that I was privileged to witness this moment. The moment was breathtaking. It only lasted a moment and I nearly missed it. I shot this with my Nikon D850 and my Sigma 70-200 2.8 Sport Lens (link to my gear list).
One of the things I love about being out in nature is meeting all of the people doing the same. On this night I met a wonderful family of 8 from Austin, Texas who had come to the NW to escape the heat and another traveling group from California which I was privileged to take their group photo. They all were in awe at the scenery and I was a little ashamed. You see, I have lived in the NW for over 20 years and only recently have I taken the time to get out and enjoy the incredible sights available.