A Golden Hour Photo Walk - Sunset at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

TOTAL DISTANCE: <3 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: <100 ft
PACE: <2 mph
ESTIMATED HIKING TIME: ~ 2 hours
RATING: Easy, Gravel and forest trails

Description:

We will begin from the Refuge visitors center and walk the full River Trail, plus parts of the Seasonal Trail to get us close to the water and wildlife. This will be a contemplative and comfortable pace, with time for photography and observation. Our return to the visitor center will be timed to allow us to capture the sunset from the observation deck.

Sunset is expected just after 9 PM, but stay for a while if you can to catch the last light.

The current weather forecast calls for part sun/cloud with no rain. I'll do my best to make sure it doesn't change.

Parking is free, and restrooms are available. No dogs are allowed.

For more details about the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge:

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/tualatin-river
https://www.friendsoftualatinrefuge.org/

Notes:

• If you sign up and realize you must change plans, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" so that others may have the opportunity.
• My hiking style is to pay attention to our surroundings and take photos of whatever captures our sight. Please do not expect a fast-paced hike. It’s important to stop, see and feel our world! But we also need to keep pace as a group and not stop too often or for too long, or we'll never finish.
• I am a passionate hobbyist photographer, not a “pro”, camera expert, or classroom teacher. This is not a photo workshop, we are shooting for pleasure, perhaps asking questions and sharing tips on composition and photo processing. We can learn much from each other about photography, plants, wildlife, history, culture, and geography in our environment.
• Smartphone cameras are fine for this walk, but bring whatever gear you like.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Binoculars for birding - optional
• Best behavior
• Rain gear and layers depending on the weather
• Good footwear
• Water/snack if needed
• Smartphone, dedicated camera, journal, or anything to capture your art.

WHAT NOT TO BRING:

• Anything illicit or illegal
• Dogs are not allowed in the wetlands.