PROXY FALLS WALK AND PHOTOSHOOT

We're scheduling a "beat the heat" and "beat the rush" outing to picturesque Proxy Falls. We realize weekday outings are more difficult to attend for members working a M-F schedule. However, our photography opportunities at the falls could be greatly diminished with a trip on the weekend. We hope members can still make it happen. By the way, the Sister Quilt Show ends July 13.

To beat the heat, we will leave Bend early to get to Lower Proxy Falls before it warms too much and before the sun moves behind the falls. The flow of the falls will have lessened by now after the initial winter melt-off. Our primary venue is the lower falls with a much shorter stop at the upper falls.

TENTATIVE TIMELINE

08:00am Meet at Starbuck’s parking lot at Cascade Village Center
08:15am Leave for Proxy Falls
09:45am Arrive at Proxy Falls
12:30pm Return to Bend

TRAIL CONSIDERATIONS

1. The Proxy Falls Trail is a 1.5 mile loop which takes us to both falls. We plan to do the loop counterclockwise stopping at Lower Proxy Falls first.
2. Access to Lower Proxy Falls. While a short half mile walk brings us to a beautiful vista overlooking Lower Proxy Falls, many members will want to go to the base of the falls for more photos.
3. Buddy system. From the overlook, it is strongly recommended for members to use the buddy system for either providing help or receiving assistance on the steep hillside between the falls base and the overlook.
4. Waterproof shoes. Several shooting locations at the base can be reached without fording the stream but members will probably have better success with waterproof shoes and using a three point approach in slippery conditions.
5. Wet wear. Depending on where you compose you photo and the flow of the falls, you could get wet. On a hot day, that could be a good thing. About your gear, more to come.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONSIDERATIONS

1. Expect mixed lighting conditions. We may experience everything from full shade to mottled light filtered through the forest canopy. Tripod use is strongly recommended for low light and long exposure. Shutter speed to slow the flow of the falls is subject to taste where photographers often use shutter speeds between one half and two seconds.
2. Filtering the scene. Neutral density filters could be helpful in lowering the amount of light. A polarizing filter could be helpful to change reflectivity when photographing the ponds at base of the falls.
3. Dry and dry again. If the photographer could get wet, prepare for keeping your camera dry with rain cover and multiple cloths to keep your lens dry. You might want to use a rain fly to cover your camera bag.

LUNCH OPTION

Since we will be 10 miles (18 minutes) from Belknap Hot Springs Resort, we could return via the McKenzie Highway and add a lunch stop at the outdoor patio near their food truck. You can enjoy your sack lunch there or order from the food truck (reportedly open Thursday through Monday 11am to 7pm). When you RSVP, please answer the question about your route and lunch preference. I will share the results with attendees before 7/17.

(Please note: we are planning a butterfly and blossom trip to Belknap Hot Springs Resort in early August so this stop is just for eating--in theory).