Being an Oregon native causes you to not realize how green and lush it is. Going to college in Portland STILL made me not realize that. Once I moved states away and started to come back and visit THAT is when I realized it! I traveled to Oregon 4 times this summer...2 for family reasons and 2 for work. It was on one of those trips that my husband, Ian was able to join.
One of my favorite places to escape from the craziness of school, stress, and especially finals was the Columbia River Gorge. It was actually along that road after adventuring around the falls 8 years ago with Ian (post finals, lets go explore day) that I realized I loved him and was going to marry that guy. Kind of crazy to look back on it now! Did my 21 year old self even know what she was saying...um NO!
I loved this place before it got all "Instagram cool" and crowded. I loved it when I would go and hike around the falls and not a soul would be there. I would go trail running to the ends of cliffs and watch the immense amount of water rush through the rocks. Now as a photographer, I was able to go back and capture the areas I love so much and share them with you.
© 2026 Ashleigh Cropper