Smith Rock State Park, situated in Central Oregon, stands as one of the premier state parks in the United States. The towering rock walls that rise above the Crooked River were formed from volcanic ash originating from ancient lava flows, subsequently overlaid by basalt lava rock that formed much later. Over the ages, the river has carved the stone into the magnificent canyon that one observes today. Due to the steep walls, this park has become a mecca for rock climbers from around the globe. The area is so impressive that it could easily qualify as a national monument or park; however, I am grateful that it is not. Otherwise, it would be more crowded than it already is.
I have the privilege of visiting the park frequently, as I reside nearby. This proximity affords me the opportunity to photograph the park at various times and during different seasons throughout the year. There are several hiking trails to choose from; each one provides a unique perspective of the landscape. On this occasion, I found myself on the rim trail above the canyon.
As a nature photographer who also captures wildlife, I was at this location to document images of nesting bald eagles and their chicks. The view of the canyon, with the bend of the river below, is so striking from this vantage point that I set up my tripod and captured several vertical images of the land. I later stitched these images together in post-processing to create a panoramic view. I believe this composition best represents the vastness of this extraordinary landscape.
