OREGON, MY OREGON :: Photo Cascadia

I haven't had the chance to see every state, but Oregon is certainly at the top of my list of most beautiful and favorite places to go. I've always dreamed of living there one day and I jumped on the chance to get an early peek at Photo Cascadia's Oregon, My Oregon: Land of Natural Wonders. Photo Cascadia is a collective of seven photographers who live in the Pacific Northwest who have dedicated themselves to showcasing the natural beauty of the PNW while encouraging stewardship and conservation efforts. With Oregon, My Oregon they have certainly done beautiful justice to the state and all its varied wonder.

I saw an advanced copy of the book and can't wait to get the final edition to see these photos in all their glory. They are swoon-worthy in e-format.

I recently returned from a drive up to the Bend area and back and seeing some of this gorgeous landscape in person is always a treat. This book will be a reminder of past treks and help plan future adventures.

I enjoyed the tone set by Nicholas Kristof's Foreword.  It is obvious he loves Oregon and its multitude of landscapes (mountain, desert, lake, sea, rock formations to keep us rock nerds happy forever), people and pastimes. But after listing the state's positive characteristics, he also addresses some difficulties of the past and present. No state is perfect (they are full of people, how could they be?), but Oregon has much to offer.

The photos are taken of all different areas of Oregon at varying times of the day and year. In this picture to the right, seeing snow on the mountains while the leaves change below is a beauty it's hard to imagine is real. And rocks? Oregon has rocks and rock formations galore.

A favorite of mine is Haystack (below), which is on the coast and one of those landmarks that always seems recognizable, even when pictured by itself, which is pretty amazing for a rock.

I highly recommend this lovely table book whether you are an Oregon denizen, a prior visitor, or someone looking for fantastic nature photos while thinking of planning any future trips. It's tough to beat a place you can ski, mountain climb, beach comb, paddleboard, hike, rock climb, visit national forests and lava formations, or kayak through the middle of downtown (Bend). Oregon, My Oregon makes me wish Oregon was mine.