Discover Wasco
29 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Rowena Crest Viewpoint
Located on the Historic Columbia River Highway, Rowena Crest offers stunning views of the Columbia River as it bends through basalt cliffs. It is especially famous for its vistas during wildflower season in spring.
Rowena Crest
Located in the Columbia River Gorge, this spot offers breathtaking views of the gorge and surrounding mountains. Ideal for landscape and sunset photography.
White River Falls State Park
Features beautiful waterfalls and scenic hikes. The park includes a historic power station, offering a mix of natural beauty and historical architecture.
Tom McCall Nature Preserve
A nature preserve with diverse flora and fauna, offering scenic views of the Columbia River Gorge. Ideal for nature and landscape photography.
McCall Point
A summit with panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge. It offers a picturesque backdrop for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
The Rowena Curves
This scenic stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway offers breathtaking views of the Tom McCall Preserve, filled with vibrant wildflowers in spring. It's perfect for capturing dramatic landscapes and colorful blooms.
Sherars Falls
A sacred Native American fishing site with traditional wooden platforms extending over the rushing water, offering a blend of cultural heritage and natural force. Ideal for capturing the contrast between historical significance and the power of the falls.
Boxcar Rapids
A section of the Deschutes River known for its rapid waters, offering dynamic photography opportunities with motion, power, and texture.
Lower Deschutes River
A scenic stretch of the river popular for fly-fishing and photography, offering opportunities to capture serene landscapes and wildlife.
The Hood River
The Hood River area provides scenic views and opportunities for waterscape and landscape photography. It's a great spot to capture water sports and natural beauty.
Coyote Wall Loop
A lesser-known trail system offering stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. It is ideal for landscapes and nature photography.
Maupin City Park Overlook
This spot offers expansive views of the Deschutes River, ideal for landscape photography and capturing sunset colors. The overlook is accessible from Maupin City Park, making it family-friendly and easy to reach.
White River Falls Power Station
A historical power station within White River Falls State Park, offering architectural and historical photography opportunities.
Labyrinth-Coyote Wall Loop
A scenic hiking trail offering stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. The area is known for its unique rock formations, wildflowers, and vast vistas.
Mosier Plateau Trail
A scenic trail in Mosier, Oregon, offering great views of the Columbia River Gorge. Suitable for nature and landscape photography.
Historic Columbia River Highway
A scenic highway with numerous viewpoints and historical bridges, offering opportunities for landscape and architectural photography.
Mayer State Park
Located near the Historic Columbia River Highway, this park offers scenic views of the Columbia River and surrounding landscape.
Maupin Historic Bridge
A historical bridge offering a blend of architectural and historical photography opportunities, especially during sunset when the bridge is illuminated.
Deschutes River at Maupin
A scenic stretch of the river offering opportunities for waterscape photography. The area is popular for rafting and kayaking.
Mosier Twin Tunnels
The Mosier Twin Tunnels are a part of the Historic Columbia River Highway, offering a unique architecture and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Rowena Dell
A scenic spot near Rowena Crest, featuring a natural dell with unique rock formations and wildflowers.
Tygh Valley
This small valley offers scenic views and opportunities for landscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light enhances the natural beauty.
W Mayer State Park
This park offers scenic views of the Columbia River and is ideal for nature and landscape photography. It provides access to hiking trails and picnic areas.
Oak Springs Hatchery Area
Known for calm reflections and opportunities to photograph wildlife. The slower-moving water creates smooth mirror-like surfaces, and the surrounding vegetation attracts birds and small animals.
Gorge Discovery Center
An interactive center exploring the natural and cultural history of the Columbia River Gorge. Offers educational exhibits and engaging displays.
The Dalles Dam
A large dam on the Columbia River, offering opportunities for industrial and waterscape photography.
Celilo Falls Historic Site
Once a significant waterfall, now submerged under the river due to dam construction, this site still offers unique views of the river and surrounding landscape. It's a place to capture historical and natural contrasts.
Maupin Main Street
A quaint main street with shops and restaurants, offering opportunities for street and architectural photography.
The Dalles Lock and Dam Visitor Center
While not primarily a photography destination, the dam offers views of the river and surrounding landscape. It's a place to capture industrial and natural contrasts.