There’s something magical about chasing waterfalls—especially when you’re doing it with a group of passionate photographers and nature lovers. My latest Chasing Ozark Waterfalls Weekend Retreat was filled with unforgettable moments, serene scenes, and just enough drama from Mother Nature to keep things exciting.
🌅 Friday: Finding Flow and New Faces
We kicked off the weekend at the cozy and scenic Harmony Mountain Retreat, nestled in the heart of the Ozarks. After settling in, we gathered as a group to introduce ourselves, share a few laughs, and prepare for our first adventure.
Our evening was spent at the beautiful Magnolia Falls, where we watched the light slowly fade into soft, even shade—perfect conditions for long exposure photography. With tripods set up and shutters clicking, we captured the gentle water of the falls framed by rich greens and rugged rock. The day wrapped up with a laid-back grill night back at the lodge, filled with good food and even better conversation.
Saturday: Wilderness Wonders and Waterfall Hikes
We woke up early and headed straight into the Richland Creek Wilderness, catching the first light of dawn at Falling Water Falls. With the entire place to ourselves, the only sounds were the rush of water and the occasional excited shutter click.
From there, we ventured deeper into the wilderness area, hiking into the lush terrain to find Fuzzybutt Falls and Six Finger Falls. Exploring the box canyon and photographing these gems made for an unforgettable morning.
After hiking back, we enjoyed a picnic lunch by the creek, followed by a quick visit to Intersection Falls and the other side of Six Finger Falls, where the warm weather had drawn in swimmers and day-trippers. While we hoped for some dramatic skies, the clouds refused to cooperate—still, the peaceful atmosphere made for a relaxing afternoon.
We headed back to the lodge for a couple of hours of editing time, sharing tips and reviewing our shots. That evening, we ventured into Jasper for dinner at the always-delicious Jasper Pizza Co., then spent more time connecting, storytelling, and prepping for our final day.
Sunday: Thunder, Waterfalls & Goodbye for Now
Sunday morning greeted us with rain, setting the tone for a moody and dramatic final day. After a warm breakfast at the Ozark Café, we made our way to the always-impressive Triple Falls aka Twin Falls at Camp Orr, where the misty atmosphere added a layer of mystery to our images.
Next, we ventured into Lost Valley, hiking to Eden Falls before heading to Buffalo Outdoor Center (BOC) for lunch. Their sandwiches hit the spot after a damp morning on the trail.
Our final stop was the downhill hike to Sweden Creek Falls. As we reached the top, thunder rolled and clouds built fast—soon followed by hail and pouring rain. We made a quick retreat up the mountain, completely drenched but feeling fulfilled the whole way.
We ended the weekend soaked to the bone but hearts full of memories, new friendships, and SD cards packed with images.
Until Next Time…
The Ozarks always have a way of surprising us—whether it’s with breathtaking waterfalls, peaceful trails, or a wild storm to wrap things up. Thanks to everyone who joined this retreat and made it such a joyful, meaningful weekend. I can’t wait to do it all again.
See you on the next adventure! 🌲📸💦