In this autumn picture of Hood River Meadows, the late afternoon sun casts long shadows of Englemann Spruce trees across the yellowing grasses and sedges in the meadow.
Hood River Meadows is located adjacent to Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area along a section of the old Mt. Hood Loop highway just north of Bennett Pass. Take the exit off Highway 35 for the Mt. Hood Meadows Nordic Center (the intersection is beside a huge ODOT gravel storage facility) and follow it 1/2 mile toward the ski area. At the fork in the road, turn left toward Sahalie Falls and you will immediately see the meadow.
The margin of Hood River Meadows is great place to photograph huckleberry foliage in the fall. A trail to Sahalie Falls starts at the intersection of the road and the meadow, but the view from the old highway bridge is much better. The trailhead to Elk Meadows is located along the access road to the Nordic Center.
