Join Adrian Klein for a different experience than the usual Best of the Northwest workshops. In fact, this is a tour due to the remoteness of the area and lack of meeting facilities. If you are into wide open views, dried-up lake beds and playas, sand, cracked mud, old buildings, rusty cars, spring green ground foliage, small rural towns, along with more basic yet comfortable accommodations, then this is the tour you have been looking for. From the Alvord Desert to a couple other semi-dried up lake beds we will be a small group touring and photographing through the Oregon Outback in spring.
In April, typically the area is pretty dry with relatively comfortable highs in the 50° to 60°F range with chilly nights in the 30's°F, which means cool, crisp mornings. I have experienced a variety of weather in spring and fall, including rain, snow showers, warm sun, and gusty wind, all on the same day. Snow melting from the Steens Mountains should provide interesting opportunities on the playa. What we plan to photograph will range from close-ups staring at the ground to wide-open scenes where we can see for miles, including exploring the Alvord Playa by both foot and vehicle. This is also a great region to photograph minimalist landscape scenes. While the focus will be photography, there will be limited downtime; both locations have rustic hot spring facilities. Please read the details below for more essential information.
We also plan to get special access to old historical homesteads to photograph, which are being preserved for future generations. Lastly, while meals will primarily be on our own, there is one very unique restaurant that we plan to have dinner at for those that are interested.
Status: Available
Dates: April 18-22, 2027 (5 days)
Location: Alvord Desert, Oregon (2 nights) and Summer Lake, Oregon (2 nights)
Instructor: Adrian Klein
Price: $1100
Group Size: 6
 | Hiking is minimal and mostly flat, yet expect to spend time walking around on at least one dry lake bed and potentially other areas. Walking around at one or more locations will be an almost daily activity as long as the weather allows for it. |
 | Participants are responsible for transportation. Car-pooling is encouraged from each of the two locations we will be based out of. Most roads are paved, yet there are some gravel, dirt, and dusty roads. Have a vehicle that you are comfortable driving in these conditions. |
 | Participants are responsible for meals. Given the remote location, there will be few, if any, opportunities to eat at a restaurant. Bringing meal supplies and snacks will be a necessity. We will pass by a few small markets and cafes throughout, yet their hours and inventory will be limited. |
 | This is a tour since we won't have a meeting facility. As time allows, we can help with general processing questions or individual image review requests. |
 | Itineraries are not shared in advance. Full schedule is handed out at the start of the tour. We will also be flexible regarding opportunities along the way. Cell phone service is limited and wi-fi is not available at either location we will be based from. |
 | A minimum deposit is required to hold your spot. The final balance is due 60 days in advance of the workshop. Please see our terms and conditions, which include our cancellation policy, for more detailed information. We will provide information for you to book a cabin or similar structure at the suggested locations, but it might only be available if you book early. Both locations are one of the few lodging options in the area, and room/cabin blocks cannot be held in advance. Camping is an option at both locations. |
