In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, nestled in the scenic town of White Salmon, Washington, the White Salmon Wildflower Festival Photography Contest invites photographers near and far to capture the fleeting beauty of the Columbia River Gorge each spring, when melting snow and warming sun awaken a spectacular display of lupines, balsamroot, and hundreds of other wildflower species. More than a visual celebration, the contest emphasizes Leave No Trace values, encouraging participants to tread lightly and honor the fragile ecosystems that sustain the Gorge’s remarkable flora and fauna. To participate, photographers simply post a wildflower photo taken in the Gorge to Instagram using the hashtag #wildforwhitesalmon and tagging @explorewhitesalmon anytime between May 1 and May 31; the winning photographer will receive a gift certificate to Everybody’s Brewing and have their image featured on next year’s Wildflower Festival poster.

Photo Credit: Robby Miller