Wildflower Engagement at Rowena Crest

Wildflower Engagement Session at Rowena Crest

Wildflowers are just that: untamed blooms that grow best where the wind blows, adapting to rocky landscapes and cliff edges. Experiencing Oregon’s wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge is a way to thank winter for the snow pack while welcoming the heat of summer, and it’s only a few short weeks out of the year in which the landscapes are painted with yellows and purples.

Addy and Sam were surrounded by balsamroot and lupines during their engagement session, and while the wind felt chilly and the sun stayed hidden, the wildflowers painted bright patches of color throughout Rowena Crest. We took photos right up until blue hour.. the time just past sunset.. and even after the sunlight had faded, the blue hills of the gorge enveloped the area in rich, jewel-colored tones. Blue hour is a stark contrast from golden hour and has a magical element that isn’t always fully appreciated. The cool tones reflect a hint of the coziness of winter, which, down the road, is still very much part of our world (the snow keeps falling on Mount Hood!). Blue hour is that quiet time right before the world starts to head to bed.

Addy and Sam embraced the infamous wind of the gorge, and I appreciated both their willingness to sit with their need to respect the flowers :) For their shoot, we moved at a slow pace.. taking in the views, watching the light change, talking about life and former roommates and wedding plans and family.

These two seem to move with intention.. grounded in themselves and in each other.. easygoing and happy. Truly lovely to spend the evening with them, and I can’t wait for their wedding in just a few short weeks.

I highly recommend Rowena Crest for easy views of the wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge. The loop hike is 2.5 miles and has very slight elevation gain, which makes it accessible to most people, and it’s located in the darling down of Mosier (between Hood River and The Dalles). Important to note that dogs aren’t allowed, and visitors are asked to take care not to trample the sweet blooms (especially with visitor counts up every year). Wildflowers aren’t meant to be picked.