Spring at Coyote Wall

The days right before a full moon is an ideal time to get out and take photographs. It's a good idea to keep track of the moon cycle for it's beauty and mystery. It's rare to find clearing skies in the spring here. Such was the case this day with drizzle, so, after checking the satellite images, I headed east to the dry side, only a little more than an hour away from Portland.

One of my favorite places, Coyote Wall,  is on the Washington side between Bingon and Lyle. It offers open landscapes, flowers, exposed basalt, waterfalls, a variety of trees, and lovely views of the Columbia River.

Bi-Colored Cluster Lily

It's necessary to be aware of some of the less attractive aspects of this area; mainly ticks and Poison Oak. There is a well written article about ticks in the NW here. A few precautions and procedures are needed to navigate this lovely area. Earlier in the year I saw the clear markings in mud of cougar paw prints. They were not old. It's very open here, so actually seeing a cougar would be a very rare and interesting experience. It's far more likely they are watching you.

The views really open up as you ascend the trail.  At the end of the day, there were very few folks left here. Only a few mountain bikers and runners crossed paths as the sun drew long shadows on the hills.

Here are two views. The second has Wild Cucumber in the foreground.

The moon's position on the horizon changes daily. Using The Photographer's Ephemeris, one is able to pinpoint the rising moon from various positions and elevations.

The haze created some very lovely pastel colors and a gorgeous blue during the blue hour during my decent.