06/04/2026
The opportunity to photograph a wolf in Oregon is starting to feel nearly impossible. Unlike the landscape in the valleys of Yellowstone, Oregon’s forests are filled with dense vegetation and towering trees. If and when you do see a wolf, chances are it’s running across a road in front of you, only to disappear into the forest forever. In Lamar & Hayden Valley, you can scan hillsides from miles away and watch a pack in its natural habitat, a beautiful glimpse into their complex and playful lives.
I made a goal to photograph a wolf in Oregon probably three years ago. I guess technically I have through remote trail cameras, but for some reason I still hope to see one with my own eyes. It’s not really about the photograph anymore. It’s about witnessing a species that returned here on its own and knowing that, despite all the challenges they face, wolves are once again part of Oregon’s landscape.
The story of wolves in Oregon is unique. They were never reintroduced here, but instead found their way back to the state naturally. When I was growing up, we didn’t have a single wolf in Oregon. Today, there are more than 200. As a keystone species, their presence plays an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
And did you know that in Deschutes County, where nine wolves live in close proximity to people and cattle, there wasn’t a single confirmed livestock depredation in 2025?
These creatures are complex, beautiful, and wildly misunderstood. Their presence in Oregon is a reminder that we still have truly wild places, and that we should be doing everything we can to protect them.
Photos 1-3: A female wolf from the Wapiti pack in Yellowstone
Slide 4: Wolves from the Upper Deschutes Pack, Oregon
Slide 5: Wolves from the Paulina Pack, Oregon
