Andrew Upchurch

Born and raised in the great state of Oregon. Currently living in Yosemite National Park. Hiker, Backpacker, and Photographer, but a Climber first and foremost. || andrewmupchurch.co

I am a serious fan of this hike. There really is no shortage of great things to say about it. It's not strenuous, has a world class view, and provides excellent photography opportunities. I would highly recommend this adventure to anyone visiting Yosemite. It is relatively less crowded than many busy Yosemite spots too!

This occurrence is quite the marvel. I am astounded every time I see it! Definitely try to see it from a more creative vantage point than most of the photographers by the river. The river spots get insanely crowed and make me claustrophobic.

This waterfall is one of my favorites in Yosemite. I love that it's tucked back out and away and isn't too far away from Glacier Point. It's spectacular to say the least and I just love the bridge not far from it!

This place is classic. There really isn't a way to describe how incredible this spot is. There is a parking lot and a store here for good reason. Definitely try to see this place when there is a clearing storm! The clouds are unreal!

There are few places in Yosemite more beloved by the Instagram community, and a visit here will show you why. Endless incredible sunsets can be found here and it doesn't really get old. Just be sure to visit other gems of Yosemite too!

This is one of my favorite Winter hikes in Yosemite! This hike is strenuous, but incredibly rewarding!!! Very Very highly recommended!

This vantage spot is incredible. Definitely gets one away from the masses that flock to the valley. Would highly recommend!

I am a real fan of this little excursion. It's a reasonably short adventure, about three miles round trip. You can go as far or as short as you'd like though. It's great because you have a lot of tree shade and the sequoias in the grove are incredible. Definitely plenty of photo opportunities around here. I took my film camera and went to town with it. Yosemite has no shortage of these excellent spots!

Canyon overlook was maybe the biggest bang for the effort. A short and sweet hike ends at a spectacular alternative canyon viewpoint with lots of space to spread out and explore from many vantage points. I would highly recommend this spot to anyone.

I really love this location, even if it's not at sunset. One can see for miles on a clear day and the ocean is magnificent. Bring a friend up here and you are sure to cherish those memories for years to come!

Forests as dense as this one elude written description. The trail system here could be explored for days if one really wanted to do so. All of the moss along the trees and plants near the creek create incredible visuals and refreshing experiences.

This hike is a must-do during the rainy season. The Oregon clouds and fog with incredibly high-water output from the falls make for a majestic scene - one that I did not expect. Also, the suspension bridge is awesome! Getting here is slightly tedious, but the slow-going windy forest road is quite charming, and definitely worth it. Just be sure to drive carefully and cautiously. Relax and take in the view.

As a current resident in Yosemite National Park, the Four Mile Trail has become my absolute favorite trail to hike. It is easily the most rewarding hike all throughout the trail. Magnificent views of the Valley, El Capitan, the Merced River, Yosemite Falls, the Cathedral Rocks, and Sentinel Rock may be seen from incredible angles during the first few miles of the trail. When you finally come around the bend and see Half Dome for the first time, you are almost content enough to turn around right then and there. But don't stop! The views of Half Dome with Vernal and Nevada Falls beneath it are mind blowing...

The Panoramic views from the summit of clouds rest are some of my favorite in Yosemite. Spectacular views out to the east into the Clark range may be seen on a clear day. One can also spot Tenya Lake to the North. The hike is quite long and strenuous, and will take a full day, but the reward of walking along the Cloud's Rest Summit Ridge makes it all worth it.

If you have dreamed of standing beneath Half Dome to look straight up at all of its grandeur... ah... this is a must-do. The trail is actually mostly a road pretty much the entire way there and is a very nice, leisurely stroll. It is incredibly beautiful in the winter months when the snow is out and the water can "mirror" Half Dome. Highly recommended!

Stunning and incredibly photogenic waterfall. This is an excursion that can be done over and over and not get old. Even the drive out there is tremendously exciting. I would highly recommend taking a higher-clearance vehicle if possible. The road can become very rough!

These "ruins" make for some very fun photo-ops. They are a very short walk away from a parking area and look out into the Pacific. When I went, I felt as if the remnants of a past era were drawing me into them. This place is certain to be any history buff's fav. :)

This is my go-to hike when I need a spontaneous excursion without having much time. The hike is only about five miles round trip and has a very good reward of the Gorge at the summit. The only problem is that this trail is very popular. It receives a lot of traffic when conditions are nice.

If you want to see an incredible view of Upper Yosemite Falls and Half Dome in the background, this is the hike to do. About halfway up the trail is an incredible viewpoint. You will know it when you see it. And of course, the top of the falls... breathtaking....

This is definitely my favorite running location in the city of Portland. Running along the river and across the bridges can't be beat!

If you get the chance to make this excursion during the winter when the falls begin to freeze over, you are in for a real treat! I would definitely recommend bringing trekking poles and traction devices for your shoes for crossing some of the frozen-over pathways behind a few of the falls. So amazing in winter!