Enter Our Big Backyard photo contest

"My son, father-in-law and I had been fishing all evening on the dock at the Gilbert River Boat Ramp on Sauvie Island. I hadn't been to Sauvie Island in many years. I may not have caught any fish, but I definitely walked away with a keeper."

Fall 2016 winner: Sauvie Island by Jake Bennett, Gresham

Jake Bennett: My son, father-in-law and I had been fishing all evening on the dock at the Gilbert River Boat Ramp on Sauvie Island. I hadn't been to Sauvie Island in many years. I may not have caught any fish, but I definitely walked away with a keeper.

photo of Chinook Landing Marine Park sunset

Fall 2016 finalist: Chinook Landing Marine Park by Roxy P. Guerrero, Gresham

Roxy Guerrero: Sky on Fire was taken off the Oregon side of the Columbia River from Chinook Landing Marine Park. I went by myself because I had a feeling it was going to be a show night!

photo of autumn maples at River View Cemetery

This photo was taken at Portland's River View Cemetery. This group of about five Japanese maples stood only a few yards from the huge Henry Weinhard family plot. I squatted down underneath the tree that had the most color change, which made the short bush

Fall 2016 finalist: River View Cemetery by Sarah Bettey

Sarah Bettey: This group of about five Japanese maples stood only a few yards from the huge Henry Weinhard family plot. I squatted down underneath the tree that had the most color change, which made the short bushes appear much bigger than they actually are.

Two otter scouts of the 55th Cascadia explore creatures in the Sandy River during our spring campout at Oxbow Regional Park in May 2016. Chartered with the Baden-Powell Service Association (BPSA), 55th Cascadia is a co-ed scout group focused on an open a

Fall 2016 finalist: Oxbow Regional Park by Lindy Gewin

Lindy Gewin: Two otter scouts of the 55th Cascadia explore creatures in the Sandy River during our spring campout at Oxbow Regional Park. Chartered with the Baden-Powell Service Association, 55th Cascadia is a co-ed scout group focused on an open and inclusive outdoor program.

photo of Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

After hearing about Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden for years, my son and I journeyed out to Portland to see if the rumors were true. The gardens are a serene oasis from the traffic only minutes away and the mirror like clarity of the lake took our

Fall 2016 finalist: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden by Anne Lenzi

Anne Lenzi: After hearing about Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden for years, my son and I journeyed out to Portland to see if the rumors were true. The gardens are a serene oasis from the traffic only minutes away and the mirror-like clarity of the lake took our breath away!

Oct. 27, 2016 12:52 p.m.

Win an annual parks pass, an overnight camping trip at Oxbow Regional Park, a tennis court session, or a round of golf for four people including cart at Glendoveer Golf and Tennis Center.

To win, enter the photo contest for Our Big Backyard, Metro’s quarterly parks and nature magazine.

Submit a photo taken at a park or natural area in the greater Portland metropolitan region, from Forest Grove in the west to the Sandy River in the east to Wilsonville in the south. It can be of your friends and family exploring nature, a view of wildlife or a beautiful sunset, for example. Include a description of your experience in a 50-word caption. Where were you? What were you doing? What captured your attention?

The winner will appear on the back cover of the winter 2017 issue of Our Big Backyard.

No digitally altered photos, please. By submitting a photo, you consent to Metro's future use and publication of your photo. One entry per person per contest. Metro employees are not eligible to enter.

Send your picture and description by Nov. 15 to [email protected].

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