Friends of the Columbia Gorge Photo Contest Winners

Treasures in Hi-Res

View the winners, honorable mentions, and finalists from Friends' eighth annual photo contest

Detail from Chris Elkinton's photo contest Grand Prize winning image of Wahclella Falls (scroll down to view full photo in gallery)

Treasures in Hi-Res

Friends of the Columbia Gorge Presents Photo Contest Winners, Honorable Mentions, & Finalists

Treasures in Hi-Res, Friends' eighth annual photo contest, provided an opportunity for anyone with a camera to showcase their most treasured images of the Columbia Gorge.

A record-high 577 entries were received, and as always our panel of Gorge-based, professional photographer judges had a daunting task in selecting just a few winners and honorable mentions.

Special thanks to contest sponsor Pro Photo Supply, and to our judges: Paloma Ayala, Cate Hotchkiss, and Vince Ready.

Questions about the photo contest? Contact Digital Communications Manager Stan Hall at stan@gorgefriends.org

Congratulations to all of our winning and recognized photographers.

Grand Prize Winner, Category Winners, and Honorable Mentions Gallery

Categories:

Grand Prize winner: Chris Elkinton of Portland for his photo of Wahclella Falls
Category winners: Sorel Johnson, Bill Kirkland, Becky Kuperstein (two categories), Christian Platt, Ralph Sanders, Jared Strawderman
Camera Phone Sub-Category Winner: John Hall
Honorable mentions: Heidi Cardoza, Jeff Christensen, Scott Christianson,Chris Elkinton, Jennifer Holzapfel-Hanson, Sorel Johnson, Peter Murphy, Christian Platt, Abby Seth, Linda Sorensen, Linda Steider

Winners & Honorable Mentions

PHOTO CONTEST GRAND PRIZE WINNER. Chris Elkinton | Wahclella Falls. The mist from the upper falls catches the sunlight streaming through the gap in the rocks on a still morning. Camera: Canon EOS 90D. Lens: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM.

Community and Culture winner Lyle Washington Columbia River bridge

COMMUNITY & CULTURE CATEGORY WINNER by Ralph Sanders: Lyle, Washington, taken from across the river with a tilt-shift lens. Camera: Olympus E-PL2. Lens: Olympus M.14-150mm F4.0-5.6

Scenic Eastern Gorge winner view of Mosier from Catherine Creek

SCENIC EASTERN GORGE CATEGORY WINNER by Becky Kuperstein | Atmospheric view of Oregon side, taken from Catherine Creek, Washington. Mosier Plateau and community of Mosier visible. Cameraa: Sony ILCE-7RM4A. Lens: FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6

Scenic Western Gorge winner forest scene Wahkeena Falls Loop trail

SCENIC WESTERN GORGE CATEGORY WINNER: Christian Platt. Path of light through the trees along the Wahkeena Falls Loop trail. Camera: Sony ILCE-7M3. Lens: 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art 019.

Waterfalls winner falls and river along Eagle Creek trail

WATERFALLS CATEGORY WINNER: Bill Kirkland. Waterfall on Eagle Creek. Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM.

Wildflowers and Other Flora winner Dogwood bloom on Weldon Wagon trail

WILDFLOWERS & OTHER FLORA CATEGORY WINNER: Becky Kuperstein. Dogwood bloom at Weldon Wagon Trail. Camera: Sony ILCE-7RM4A. Lens: FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6

WILDLIFE CATEGORY WINNER: Jared Strawderman. Yellow-rumped warbler with spring buds at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Camera: Nikon NIKON D500. Lens: AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR.

Youth Photographer winner Wahkeena Falls

YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHER CATEGORY WINNER: Sorel Johnson (16 years old). Wahkeena Falls.

Camera Phone winner Gorge on a cloudy day

CAMERA PHONE SUB-CATEGORY WINNER: John Hall. Fishing on a cloudy day. Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro.

Honorable Mention Greater Yellow Legs bird

HONORABLE MENTION: Heidi Cardoza. Greater Yellowlegs strolling in the Columbia River at The Dalles, Oregon. Camera: Nikon NIKON D500. Lens: AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR.

Honorable Mention_Black Crowned Night Heron in Hood River

HONORABLE MENTION: Heidi Cardoza. Adult black-crowned night heron in Hood River. Camera: Nikon NIKON D500. Lens: AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR

HONORABLE MENTION: Jeff Christensen. Coyote Wall Oak. Camera: Leica LEICA Q2 MONO. Lens: SUMMILUX 1:1.7/28 ASPH

HONORABLE MENTION: Scott Christianson. Multnomah Creek. Camera: Nikon NIKON D5600.

HONORABLE MENTION: Chris Elkinton. "Vista House on a foggy morning, taken from the Portland Women's Forum Scenic Viewpoint. I happened upon a thick fog back in the Gorge while out with my camera so I had to stop by my favorite viewpoint. Every now and then, the fog would part just enough to reveal Vista House surrounded by fall colors and mystery." Camera: Canon EOS 90D. Lens: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM

Honorable Mention - purple flowers in tall grasses

HONORABLE MENTION: Jennifer Holzapfel-Hanson. "Whisper Dance". Camera: Nikon NIKON 1 J4. Lens: 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-ZOOM.

Honorable Mention leaves and water at Horsetail Falls

HONORABLE MENTION: Sorel Johnson (age 16). Leaves and water at Horsetail Falls.

Honorable Mention Washington side Columbia River Lyle Cherry Orchard

HONORABLE MENTION: Peter Murphy. A beautiful Columbia River Gorge evening, looking at the Washington side. Lyle Cherry Orchard Preserve visible in the photo. Camera: Olympus C765UZ.

Honorable Mention Trees and moss along Latourell Falls trail

HONORABLE MENTION: Christian Platt. Mossy tress along the Latourell Falls trail. Camera: Sony ILCE-7M3. Lens: 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art 019.

Honorable Mention Mini falls along Eagle Creek Trail

HONORABLE MENTION: Christian Platt. Mini-falls along Eagle Creek trail. Camera: Sony ILCE-7M3. Lens: 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art 019.

Honorable mention sunset from St Cloud Rec Area Columbia Gorge

HONORABLE MENTION: Abby Seth (16 years old). Sunset at St. Cloud Recreation Area. Camera: Nikon NIKON D5100. Lens: AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G.

Honorable Mention Lampreys against glass at Bonneville Dam viewing area

HONORABLE MENTION: Linda Sorensen. "The Lamprey nightmare and intrigue at Bonneville Dam Visitor center." Camera: Apple iPhone 13 Pro.

Honorable Mention Bald eagles with catch

HONORABLE MENTION: "A bald eagle food fight on the Little White Salmon River on an overcast cold Thanksgiving afternoon. I always give thanks when given the opportunity to witness and capture these amazing raptors in action." Camera: Nikon NIKON D500. Lens: AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR.

Honorable Mention American pika Columbia Gorge

HONORABLE MENTION: Linda Steider. "American Pika poised between rocks, shoots me a side glance as he prepares to leap across the talus. I volunteer with Cascades Pika Watch to place myself in pika habitat and help with long-term citizen science projects." Camera: Nikon NIKON Z 9. Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR.

Finalists

Bair Judy finalist five tiger lilys in bloom

FINALIST: Judy Bair. Five tiger lilys in the Columbia Gorge. Camera: Sony ILCE-6400. Lens: Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS.

Bookman Hope finalist two pink wildflowers

FINALIST: Hope Bookman. "Happy Wildflowers." Camera: Apple iPhone 6.

Cardoza Heidi finalist Female pileated woodpecker

FINALIST: Heidi Cardoza. Female pileated woodpecker in Hood River. Camera: Nikon D500. Lens: AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR.

Cardoza Heidi finalist hummingbird on branch

FINALIST: Heidi Cardoza. Male Anna's Hummingbird enjoying the winter sunshine in Hood River. Camera: Nikon D500. Lens: AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR.

Cardoza Heidi finalist Variegated meadowlark dragonfly

FINALIST: Heidi Cardoza. Variegated meadowhawk dragonfly in Moiser, Oregon. Camera: Nikon D500. Lens: AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR.

Carlson Harold finalist sunset at Ruthton Point

FINALIST: Harold Carlson. Ruthton Point Fall Sunset. "Back from a day of shooting fall colors in the waterfall region, I just happened to stop by Ruthton Point in Hood River as I headed home and I was rewarded with this scene." Camera: Canon EOS M6. Lens: Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM.

Carlson Harold finalist view from atop Horsethief Butte

FINALIST: Harold Carlson. View from atop Horsethief Butte looking west with Mt. Hood in the distance. Camera: Canon EOS M6. Lens: Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM.

Carlson Harold finalist Autumn trees reflection on fishing pon near Bridge of the Gods

FINALIST: Harold Carlson. "Fall reflection at the fishing pond on the Washington side at the Bridge of the Gods. The pond is often mirror-like when there is no wind and there's no shortage of fall color." Camera: Fuji X-T3. Lens: XF16-80mm F4 R OIS WR.

Christensen Jeff finalist ponderosa pine at Catherine Creek

FINALIST: Jeff Christensen. Ponderosa at Catherine Creek. Camera: Leica LEICA Q2 MONO. Lens: SUMMILUX 1:1.7/28 ASPH.

Christianson Scott finalist Wahkeena Falls trail scene with charred trees

FINALIST: Scott Christianson. Wahkeena Falls trail. Camera: Nikon D5600.

Christianson Scott finalist Tiger lily with water droplets

FINALIST: Scott Christianson. A tiger lily along Bridal Veil trail. Camera: Nikon D5600.

Dee Kathy finalist wagon Dalles Mountain Ranch

FINALIST: Kathy Dee. Camera: Apple iPhone XS Max

Dee Kathy finalist view of Lyle and Lyle Cherry Orchard from Oregon side

FINALIST: Kathy Dee. "Reverie": Balsamroot and cross-river view of the Lyle community and Lyle Cherry Orchard. Camera: Apple iPhone XS Max.

Dee Kathy finalist balsamroot closeup at sunset

FINALIST: Kathy Dee. "Sunset beauties." Balsamroot. Apple iPhone XS Max.

FINALIST: Laura Dolan. Waterleaf in the Gorge. Camera: Sony SLT-A57.

Elkinton Chris finalist sunrise view from Portland Womens Forum viewpoint

FINALIST: Chris Elkinton. Sunrise from the Portland Women's Forum Scenic Viewpoint. "I've photographed this view several times and each experience is unique and magical in its own way. On this particular morning, the colors were muted except for a few minutes right around sunrise. Moments like this motivate me to get out of bed on these early mornings because every now and then the reward is pure magic." Camera: Canon EOS 60D. Lens: Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

Elkinton Chris finalist Angels Rest evening view

FINALIST: Chris Elkinton. Angel's Rest on a warm summer evening. "The view of the Gorge from Angel's Rest is exquisite and a fitting reward for a strenuous hike. In this image I wanted to capture not only the beautiful view but also the rock outcrop itself perched high above the river." Camera: Canon EOS 90D. Lens: Tokina AT-X 116 AF Pro DX 11-16mm f/2.8.

Elkinton Chris finalist Sunset view from bench at Angels Rest

FINALIST: Chris Elkinton. "Sunset from the best seat in the house. Angel's Rest." Camera: Canon EOS 90D. Lens: Tokina AT-X 116 AF Pro DX 11-16mm f/2.8.

Elkinton Chris finalist rainstorm over Vista House from Womens Forum Viewpoint

FINALIST: Chris Elkinton. Rain storm over Vista House, taken from Portland Women's Forum Scenic Viewpoint. "Whenever there are transitions in the weather, this viewpoint is usually the first place I think of going, and for good reason. It offers a wide-open vista, different areas of interest, and is relatively close to home. I feel so lucky to have this view so easily accessible!" Camera: Canon EOS 90D. Lens: Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM.

Elkinton Chris finalist Moon over Mt Hood from Larch Mt

FINALIST: Chris Elkinton. Moonrise over Mt. Hood from Larch Mountain. "This unobstructed view of Mt. Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, and the mountains beyond is simply breathtaking. On this particular evening, the viewing platform was full of spectators eager to watch the moon rise while the last light of sunset still lingered on the top of the mountain. We were not disappointed!" Camera: Canon EOS 6D. Lens: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM.

Fernette Ryan finalist wildflowers and Mt Hood

FINALIST: Ryan Fernette. Spring wildflowers and Mt. Hood from the Hood River Mountain Trail.

Foster Jude finalist winter view between Mosier and Rowena

FINALIST: Jude Foster. Looking north between Mosier and Rowena, Dec. 27, 2022. Camera: Apple iPhone 11.

Green Kate finalist Hwy 14 eastern Gorge black and white image

FINALIST: Kate Green. Washington State Route 14, eastern Gorge.

FINALIST: Ann Hubard. Fairy Falls along Wahkeena trail. Camera: Sony ILCA-77M2. Lens: DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA.

Kirkland Bill finalist Tarweed fiddleneck flower

FINALIST: Bill Kirkland. Tarweed fiddleneck at Catherine Creek. Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Lens: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM.

FINALIST: Bill Kirkland. Bald eagle along Columbia River near Lyle, Washington. Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Lens: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM.

Klaas Michael finalist hiker on promontory Lyle Cherry Orchard

FINALIST: Michael Klaas. To the Promontory: on the trail to Lyle Cherry Orchard. Camera: Sony ILCE-7M3. Lens: FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS.

FINALIST: Michael Klaas. Coyote Wall in a blanket of snow. Camera: Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

Klute Carrie finalist west side of Gorge viewed from Beacon Rock

FINALIST: Carrie Klute. View from Beacon Rock. Camera: Apple iPhone XR.

Marshall Petar nighttime shot of boat on Columbia River

FINALIST: Petar Marshall. American Queen River Cruise boat docked in Stevenson on the Columbia River. Camera: Nikon NIKON D500. Lens: Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM.

Marshall Petar finalist wildflowers Columbia Gorge

FINALIST: Petar Marshall. "Dancing wildflowers in Mosier." Camera: Nikon D500. Lens: Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C.

Marshall Petar finalist single flower bloom with Multnomah Falls in background

FINALIST: Petar Marshall. "Small blooms at Multnomah." Camera: Nikon D5300. Lens: AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II.

Meyers Rob finalist Washington side cliffs reflected on river

FINALIST: Rob Meyers. Cliffs on the Washington side of the Columbia River from Mayer State Park, Rowena, Oregon. Camera: Apple iPhone 11 Pro.

Park Ken finalist Sunset along trail with balsamroot

FINALIST: Ken Park. Tom McCall Preserve at sunset. Camera: Apple iPhone 11.

Park Ken finalist Balsamroot on Dog Mtn sunset

FINALIST: Ken Park. Balsamroot on Dog Mountain at Sunset. Camera: Apple iPhone 11.

Pearl Randall finalist Labyrinth Syncline view

FINALIST: Randall Pearl. Labyrinth & Syncline looking east. Camera: Samsung SM-G996U1.

Platt Christian finalist Mini falls along the Wahkeena Falls Loop trail

FINALIST: Christian Platt. Mini-falls along the Wahkeena Falls Loop. Camera: Sony ILCE-7M3. Lens: 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art 019.

Platt Christian finalist Dry Creek Falls

FINALIST: Christian Platt. Dry Creek Falls. Camera : Sony ILCE-7M3. Lens: 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art 019.

Ramm Suzy old barn along Historic Highway

FINALIST: Suzy Ramm. Old barn off of the Historic Columbia River highway between Rowena and Mosier. Camera: Sony ILCE-6000. Lens: Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS.

Rhea Kevin finalist bicyclists at Crown Point

FINALIST: Kevin Rhea. "A world class cycling venue...the Columbia River Gorge. These cyclists are rounding the final curve to Vista House." Camera: Olympus E-M5.

FINALIST: Jeff Risher. "Tears of Elowah: Elowah was angry this day. The bridge had been annihilated and Elowah's waters were raging." Camera: Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

Rosso Kyle finalist Multnomah Falls Benson Bridge people with umbrellas

FINALIST: Kyle Rosso. Multnomah Falls in the rain. Camera: Nikon NIKON Z 7. Lens: NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S.

FINALIST: Wayne Sanman. Union Pacific locomotive at Multnomah Falls. Camera: Sony ILCE-6000. Lens: E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS.

Sarnowski Julie finalist Mt Adams viewed from Tom McCall Preserve

FINALIST: Julie Sarnowski. Mount Adams view from Tom McCall Preserve.

Solis Joaquin finalist Rowena Crest viewpoint

FIINALIST: Joaquin Solis. Rowena Crest viewpoint. Taken with camera phone.

Steider Linda finalist butterfly and bee on purple aster

FINALIST: Linda Steider. "I plant my garden in the Gorge to attract birds, butterflies and other pollinators. While capturing a series of this Fritillary on a patch of purple aster, the butterfly was photobombed by an incoming Sweat Bee." Camera: Nikon Z 9. Lens: VR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G.

Strawderman Jared finalist Great egret landing near water

FINALIST: Jared Strawderman. Great Egret landing in new plantings after catching a snack at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Camera: Nikon D500. Lens: AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR.

Strawderman Jared finalist raven flying with a corndog

FINALIST: Jared Strawderman. Raven with a corndog at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Camera: Nikon D500. Lens: AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR.

Taggares Sandra finalist balsamroot lupine oak habitat

FINALIST: Sandra Taggares. "Wildflowers in the Gorge."