Title:
Hidden Pillars
Location:
Abiqua Falls, Salem, Oregon
44.9397° N, 122.5677° W
Story Behind the Shot:
Abiqua Falls, hidden deep in the forests near Bend, Oregon, is a place that captured my imagination long before I ever saw it in person. My obsession began after spotting a panoramic print of this waterfall in a gallery in Tahoe, California. For months, I searched for its elusive location, and when I finally found it, the journey to get there became part of the adventure.
Reaching this spot was no easy feat. The road leading to the trailhead was steep, muddy, and unforgiving—we had to abandon the car and hike several miles just to reach the start of the trail. From there, the path followed a rocky, slippery route alongside the river, making every step feel like a test of determination. But standing in front of the 92-foot cascade, surrounded by towering basalt columns, made every challenge worthwhile.
This was my first visit to Abiqua Falls, and despite returning 4–5 times since, I’ve never managed to take a better photo than this one. It holds a special place in my heart, not just as a favorite waterfall but as a testament to my beginnings in location scouting, the rewards of persistence and the joy of finding beauty hidden in the world.
