2024 – The Year in Pictures. Here is a selection of my favorite images released in the past year. These are not necessarily my best or most popular, but each represents a special moment in time in which the beauty of this amazing world revealed itself before my lens.
Please share and enjoy! I’d love to know your thoughts and if any images resonated with you or conjured up good memories. You can click on any image for a large high quality view, to learn more about it or purchase a fine art print.
I look forward to seeing your favorite images, and most of all I wish everyone a healthy and Happy New Year!
-Russ
Yellow-eyed tree frog, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Alajuela Province, Costa RicaSunset at Playa Matapalo beach, Puntarenas Province, Costa RicaHiker exploring the Monte Verde Cloud Forest Preserve, Costa RicaRio Celeste Waterfall, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa RicaLupine near Lindis Valley, Otago, South Island, New ZealandThe Pororari River, Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki, New ZealandMount Cook above Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, New ZealandMilford Sound, Fiordland National Park, South Island, New ZealandBurney Falls, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, CaliforniaLower South Falls, Silver Falls State Park, OregonTanner Creek, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OregonLatourell Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon
Oregon is well-known for its lovely waterfalls and lush green surroundings so typical of the Pacific Northwest. The Columbia River Gorge includes some of the finest and most recognizable cascades in the world making this an idyllic spot for hiking and photography.
But its proximity to the city of Portland and the interstate highway make this a popular destination that’s certainly no secret. On my last visit a new bride was having her wedding pictures taken under Multnomah Falls complete with stylist and catering! So if getting off the beaten path is more to your liking, then check out some of the other parts of the state that offer great opportunities to experience the beauty and solitude of falling waters in a pristine setting without the crowds.
Silver Falls State Park east of Salem is one such gem that includes several beautiful falls in a remote valley. It is the largest state park in Oregon with over 9,000 acres, and its 24 miles of trails allow plenty of opportunity for quiet contemplation, exploring, and photography. South Falls shown here is the centerpiece of the park – the trail carved into the cliff behind providing a unique view of its 177 foot plunge.
Other destinations such as Proxy Falls in Willamette National Forest and the Rogue River Scenic Byway in southern Oregon are well-worth the diversion off the major highways. As with many locations in the west, a sense of adventure and a willingness to leave the pavement will allow you to experience much more of the wilder side of Oregon.
