Shirley and Mike’s Engagement Session at Trillium Lake

While we’re all locked inside due to winter weather, why not relive some of the gorgeous summer days we had here in the Pacific Northwest.

Shirley booked with me for their engagement session but was looking for a scenic spot. Luckily, I have a list of my own dream locations to photograph and send it over. Trillium Lake is just a mile or so past Government Camp on Mount Hood, so not terribly far from the Portland area, but just enough to feel like you’re breaking away from everything.

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I had only hiked into Trillium years ago while training SAR, and it was a winter snowshoe, so we both got a little mixed up when we got there due to the campground and two day-use areas. I finally found the one I was looking for! Just drive all the way down to the dam area and BAM, a gorgeous view.

Off to the east, a boardwalk goes along the lake and over some of the more swampy areas. It’s also surrounded by the gorgeous greenery we have here.

We wrapped up the session with the tiny bridge directly in front of Mount Hood. Mike suggested it as I was trying to figure out how to get the angle. There is nothing like sitting in the middle of a road to get the perfect shot.

These two are getting hitched at a castle in Ireland, so I won’t be photographing their wedding, but I am so happy that I got to work with them for this engagement session!

Adding new spots in my adventure journal in hopes to photograph more couples in places like this!

I did head back up with a friend aa few weekends later and grabbed one of their very limited first come campsites along the lake. It was absolutely gorgeous, but there was also a campfire ban at the time and nighttime was freezing even in August! So next time, my kayak and my portable camp heater are coming with!