Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Umpqua National Forest is a beautiful and diverse landscape that’s perfect for photographers, hikers, and travelers alike.
With over 1.6 million acres of stunning terrain, there is something here for everyone. Let’s explore what makes this national forest so special before we get to some photos and photography tips for your trip!
Umpqua Nation Forest – What To Expect On Your Visit
Wilderness Areas
Umpqua National Forest contains four designated wilderness areas – Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness, Mt Thielsen Wilderness, Kalmiopsis Wilderness, and Wild Rogue Wilderness – totaling more than 500 thousand acres.
These wilderness areas are great for hiking, camping, and photography as they contain some of the most remote landscapes in Oregon. They also provide a rare opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitats as these areas remain largely untouched by humans.
The Waterfalls of Umpqua National Forest
Umpqua National Forest is home to an abundance of waterfalls throughout its many river canyons. Some of the most notable waterfalls include Toketee Falls, Watson Falls, Fall Creek Falls, Whitehorse Falls, and Clearwater Falls among many others.
The best time to view these falls is during the spring when they are at their fullest due to snowmelt from the previous winter months. However, even during summer months, these falls are still worth exploring as they remain full year-round thanks to runoff from nearby streams and creeks.
Camping and Recreational Activities
Umpqua National Forest offers plenty of recreational activities such as fishing in its various lakes and streams or exploring its many trails on foot or by bike.
Camping is also allowed within certain areas of the forest with over 50 established campgrounds available for use throughout the year. Dispersed camping is also legal in Oregon so you can really get off the beaten path here if you want to capture some really stunning photos.
Umpqua National Park Photo Gallery
Unique Opportunities For Photos In Umpqua National Forest
From majestic mountain peaks to lush green meadows, this majestic forest offers a variety of unique photo opportunities that are sure to capture your heart. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most stunning photo spots in Umpqua National Forest.
Maidu Lake
One of the most beautiful lakes in the area, Maidu Lake is an ideal spot for amateur photographers looking to capture stunning vista shots of Oregon’s majestic landscape. The lake is surrounded by tall evergreen trees, making it the perfect backdrop for an outdoor photoshoot.
For those who want to get up close and personal with nature, there are plenty of hiking trails that wind around Maidu Lake and its surrounding meadows.
Toketee Falls
Toketee Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Oregon. This two-tiered waterfall drops down more than 120 feet over basalt columns into a picturesque pool below. It’s easy to see why it’s become such a popular photography spot—the view from any angle offers breathtakingly beautiful views that will look amazing on any wall or portfolio!
Lemolo Lake
Lemolo Lake is another great location for outdoorsy photographers looking to capture stunning views of Umpqua National Forest’s natural beauty. Located near Crater Lake National Park, Lemolo Lake offers sweeping panoramas from its rocky shores, including views of Diamond Peak and Mt Thielsen in the distance.
Photographers can also enjoy plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities here as well—from bald eagles soaring overhead to small birds flitting about on shorelines!
Umpqua National Forest has so much beauty tucked away within its boundaries that it can be hard to keep track of all the amazing photography opportunities available here.
Whether you’re looking for breathtaking mountain vistas or serene lake scenes, you’ll find something special at each one of these locations. So grab your camera and explore all that Umpqua National Forest has to offer!