Water, water, everywhere. That best describes my visit to Lemolo Falls on the east side of the Cascade Mountain Range in Oregon this May. A steady rain was falling as I set out on the hike down to the falls. My umbrella kept me from getting thoroughly soaked as I plodded downhill through a series of long switchbacks. Upon entering the valley downstream from the falls I was greeted with a blast of moisture laden spray. Even as far away as 100 yards, the spray was quite heavy and swirling winds created by the downforce of the falls made sure you were getting hit from every direction. Needless to say, I didn’t stay dry for long!

Lemolo Falls plunges over a moss covered columnar basalt wall and falls more than 150 feet into a deep pool. It is especially beautiful and the luminous green valley makes for a spectacular setting. I spent an hour working a few different compositions and fighting to keep water drops off of my lens. I fended off the rain and the spray with two umbrellas, one in front and one overhead, occasionally having to chase after one after the wind would send it flying. I am glad my wife stayed in the car for this shoot, since I am sure I looked like quite a dork juggling the umbrellas, my hat, a neutral density filter, a Rocket blower, and remote shutter release! Looking through my shots today, I realized my keeper rate was rather low with all the challenges, but I was able to find this clean shot from my favorite composition. I can’t complain. Once again, I was blessed with prefect (albeit WET) waterfall shooting weather…

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