Elowah Falls

Matt Tilghman

Elowah Falls is a stunning waterfall on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. Even though it is pretty easy to get to, and one of the more beautiful waterfalls in the area, it is relatively uncrowded. Most of the tourists are captured by the larger Multnomah Falls, and old US 30 funnels you back onto the interstate before you pass the trailhead for Elowah Falls. It's really only found by those looking for it. On this late August afternoon, I was the only person there. This falls is both intimate and majestic at the same time, falling 228 feet off sheer cliffs. On this day, the wind was ripping through the clearing, causing the waterfall to take some cool shapes. Most of the shots of Elowah are taken from further down the creek, shrouding the waterfall in foliage and making it look forested. I was downright shocked when I saw how wide open it was, and attempted to capture that aspect of its character here.

Thanks for looking and hope you enjoy!

Pat664422

Beautiful. You've sold me, this is a place I will go as whenever I make it to Oregon. I love the subtle, curvy path of the falls in the background and the white water in the foreground continuing the snaky path.

squirl033

interesting view of the falls... the wide-angle distortion makes it look a lot farther away than it is, and the way the breeze has blown the falls into a curve is very intriguing...

Matt Tilghman

Thanks! Pat, I'm glad I've sold you on visiting it... I find that one of the best compliments

Wicked_Dark

Stupendous. I'll have to find it, too, if I get back to Oregon. Wow. Such grandeur.

ZBlack

I was here a couple months ago as well. It is a beautiful location for sure. Surprisingly easy to get to and you're right on hardly ever having people there. I met up with a group of 5 other photographers and we only saw one other person.

Can't wait to get back there in late spring with the higher water flow. Very nice capture!

Matt Tilghman

Hi guys, adding a new photo. I got some feedback that the Orton effect I added to the foreground made the sharpness between the foreground rocks and the background cliff a little too different, and distracting. Here is an edition with no foreground Orton effect... which do you like better?