Beyond a doubt, the closest waterfall to my home is
Upper Franklin Falls, just north of the Green River Gorge. But, until a few days ago, I'd only shot it once in several years.
How come? Upper Franklin is what's known as a "seasonal" waterfall -- one that only exists at high-water periods. And, in Upper Franklin's case, make that a
very seasonal waterfall, in that it seems to run for only a few days a year. (In fact, it's so "seasonal" that Waterfalls Northwest recently dropped it from their database -- although the fact that, despite its name, it's found about an hour away and on a completely different watershed from the well-known
Franklin Falls probably contributed to the decision.)
My first experience of Upper Franklin was in early spring several years ago, at a time when I didn't have the equipment or circumstances available to take more than a few quick "grab shots." A few days later, I went back, this time with enough gear to get a good photo...only to discover a dry cliff. I've been back a few times since then, only to be frustrated each time.
Well, last week, we had a huge series of monsoons hit the area, being carried up along the prevailing winds from Hawaii, pushing much of the region into "Flood Warning" territory. I realized that this was probably the best chance I'd have to catch Upper Franklin in action. As you can see, I was not disappointed.
This, I suspect, will bring WFOT2010 to an end. Hopefully, next spring will finally give me the chance to make it to Punch Bowl Falls in the Columbia Gorge.