Oneonta Gorge
Columbia Gorge, OR
ONEONTA GORGE
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF ONEONTA GORGE
Oneonta Gorge - this obscure looking place is seen by many as the “Grand Jewel” of photographic opportunities in the Columbia Gorge. But, at the same time, it can be the most frustrating. This narrow moss-covered gorge is simply stunning, and the steep greens walls are so vivid they almost look fake.
A few things make the Oneonta Gorge so frustrating: 1) there is a huge log dam at the entry of the gorge (which takes about 20 minutes to go 50ft.), 2) oftentimes there are so many tourists, it is almost impossible to get a shot without someone in it, 3) at certain times of the year, the water level can be so high it is impassable. With all of this in mind, if you can catch this location at the right time, it can produce one of the best photographs you will ever take.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
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DATA POINTS INCLUDED WITH ONEONTA GORGE SUMMARY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 3 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The enigma that is Oneonta Gorge is also found in the difficulty of the trail. While the hike from the parking lot to the gorge is a fairly level 200yd. walk that goes through ankle deep waters of the Oneonta Creek, the gorge is guarded by this massive natural log dam that you have to climb over.
Climbing over the log dam (which is made up of 20 or so large trees) is slow and very difficult, as the trees are slick and not stacked in any particular order. A slip here would be very painful and you would be lucky not to break a limb. Caution and a slow pace is the right technique for getting over the dam.
If you are in the gorge in spring or summer, the Oneonta Creek can be so high that you will have to walk through chest high waters, swim, or float on a raft.
There are many ways to shoot this location. But for me it all about the water, weather, and light. I would suggest taking time to explore the gorge to find the right composition, and then waiting for the right light.
The above shot was taken with a 24mm lens. Depending on the composition you are looking for, you can use anything from a 24mm to a 50mm lens.
80 Ft. Elevation
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KMZ Trail File
Directions
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Best Time of Year to Shoot
Equipment Needed
Permits Required
Direction of Shot
Google Maps Birds-Eye-View
Number of Photographers to Expect
Cell Service
Overnight Lodging/Camping
Nearby Restaurants
Area Guides and Workshops
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LOCATION SUMMARIES WRITTEN BY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
