Hood River - Mike's Secret Lookout

[Photo-John]

I just came back from a 2000 mile roadtrip from Salt Lake City to Wenatchee, Washington and Hood River, Oregon. While I was in Hood River I stayed at a motel that overlooked the Columbia River Gorge. Mike the manager, is a mountain bike guy and that's why I stayed there. The morning we left he showed us this spectacular secret viewpoint looking west over the Columbia River. This was a huge surprise and a big bonus photo opportunity for me. I would never have been able to get a photo like this without Mike's help. Thanks, Mike! I hope I get another chance to shoot this spot with a good sunset

For anyone traveling to Hood River, I highly recommend the Vagabond Lodge. It's less expensive than other motels in the area but it's on a beautiful piece of property right next to the Columbia River and the service is excellent. I will definitely be staying there again.

[Photo-John]

I thought I should add a little camera info to make this more photo relevant

Both photos were taken with the Canon EOS 7D. The first one was taken with my trusty EF-S 18-200mm IS lens and the second was taken with the crazy-wide Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6. I started out shooting with my 70-200mm f/2.8L but that little spit of land was in shadow from clouds and the 70-200 was just a bit tight. I wish I'd got a better photo with that lens, though. The 18-200 is a fine lens - especially for a do-it-all zoom. But it's definitely not as sharp and contrasty as the 70-200. Too bad I didn't have the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. That lens would have been perfect!

What can I say about the Sigma super-wide? It's nuts. It's sharp, there's nothing wider and it doesn't distort straight lines. Very impressive. I love it and don't want to give it back.

[Frog]

Couldn't ask for anything more scenery wise.
I'm pretty sure he doesn't share that secret spot with just anybody, either.
Just beautiful.

[Medley]

I have a couple spots like that on the Oregon coast the next time you're in the area PJ.

[Photo-John]

Couldn't ask for anything more scenery wise.
I'm pretty sure he doesn't share that secret spot with just anybody, either.
Just beautiful.

I felt the same about that spot, Frog. The view from our motel room was nice but I had no idea there was something like this a few hundred yards away. I don't know if he shows it to lots of people or not. But I sure feel lucky to have had the opportunity to see and photograph that view.

[Photo-John]

I have a couple spots like that on the Oregon coast the next time you're in the area PJ.

Thanks for the offer! We didn't go farther west than Hood River on this trip. Maybe next time. I would like to explore Oregon some more. I actually lived in Corvallis when I was a kid and have some memories of Newport. Keep in mind that most of my trips are mountain bike-driven, though. If there aren't good trails it's hard for me to make a big trip commitment. Hood River has incredible trails!

[splats]

Nice shots , thanls for the lens info, I was wondering how you got that effect on the 2nd Picture. from his Shoulders up he looks flat