Western U.S. road trips and vacations presented by Douglas Orton. Please scroll down to the adventure below or follow the blue links for more. Doug is a Seattle photographer and author.

*ASTORIA, OREGON

*FIVE FERRY LOOP: SEATTLE, OLYMPIC PENINSULA, VICTORIA, SAN JUAN ISLANDS.

*NORTH CASCADES LOOP, WA

*PALOUSE COUNTRY, WA

*HELLS CANYON SCENIC BYWAY, ELKHORN DRIVE NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY LOOP, OREGON.

*OREGON SPRING LOOP, TULIPS! WATERFALLS! BEACHES!

*HIGH LAKES ROAD, WA, MOUNTAIN PEAKS AND LAKES.

*NORTH CASCADES LOOP, WA

*PALOUSE COUNTRY, WA

*COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE; OREGON, WASHINGTON LOOP.

*OLYMPIC PENINSULA LOOP, WA.

*VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C., CANADA.

*OKANOGAN LOOP DRIVE.

*CURRENT EXHIBIT, ASSIGNMENT

Palouse Country, Washington

Begin this loop at Vantage on the Columbia River, or as we like to do in Walla Walla, Washington and end at Vantage. This gives you the option of exploring either the Blue Mountains or the Snake River before heading to Palouse Falls State Park. Either way, Palouse Falls State Park between Lyons Ferry and Washtucna has pleasant camping next to the incredible gorge and Palouse Falls, the highest waterfall in WA. From Palouse Falls backtrack or head to - Highway 26 and turn east to Colfax. Along the way the Palouse River, wheat, and canola fields offer great photogaphic opportunities. From Colfax, camping options are along the Snake River, Kamiak Butte County Park (my favorite but no vehicles over 18' allowed), the and the country fairgrounds. Explore any direction for terrific photography over several days. Then, head back over 26, crossing to I-90 and the town of Quincy on the route of your choice. Outside Quincy, the Beezely Hills area is a wonderful protected wildflower habitat, and Quincy Lakes offers camping, fishing, and great evening photography. Vantage is a short drive away.