This time of the year,  late October – early November is a prime time to go outside and photograph nature as it changes from summer greens to the reds, golds and browns of Fall.  It’s definitely the most colorful times of the year. We here in the Northwest are blessed with many scenic areas to photograph.

A couple of our favorite fall places are:

Lake Sacajawea in Longview, WA.

This is a beautiful man made lake in a residential area, surrounded by deciduous tress, park benches and pathways that beg to be photographed.

Quiet Reflection

Ducks and Geese dot the water, some native to the lake and others there because this is the time of the fall migration. Several bridges span the lake and ornamental concrete lookouts at several spots along the shoreline offering perfect vantage points to shoot from.  On a calm day the lake is a mirror reflecting this photo rich environment.  We have had our best luck early in the morning from the south side of the lake.  If you give this location a try we would be interested in your opinion (and favorite spot to shoot from)

Lake Sacajawea

The Columbia River Gorge

The Gorge is beautiful any time of the year, but with the fall colors in the mix it really gets…. Gorg-ious

View from the Women's Forum

If you have time take a day trip. Start from Troutdale Heading east along the old Scenic Highway stopping along the way at the Women’s Forum, Vista House and several of the waterfalls along the Oregon side of the river. They don’t call the road the Scenic Highway for no reason … every mile has something beautiful to  view.

View from Cape Horn

Eat lunch overlooking the Columbia River at the Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River then cross the river to the Washington side and meander west on Hwy 14 towards Vancouver. Be sure and stop at Beacon Rock and climb at least part of the way up to get some stunning views then continue west to Cape Horn where you can see most of the area that you have traveled today, and get that last picture of the day.   Enjoy!

For more ideas of fall photography

in Oregon: http://oregonfallfoliage.wordpress.com/
In Washington: http://gonw.about.com/od/attractions/ss/foliagetrip_5.htm