About Wilderness & Waterfalls

Hi, I’m Matt Swack—photographer, videographer, and the creator of Wilderness & Waterfalls. I built this site as a place for anyone who loves nature to explore, unwind, and find inspiration in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Whether you’re searching for detailed location guides to the PNW’s most breathtaking spots, looking to watch relaxing nature videos from the comfort of home, catching up on my daily nature shorts, or browsing photography prints to bring a little of the outdoors inside—this is your place.

There are plenty of travel and hiking websites out there, but I wanted to bring something more thoughtful and immersive. A space with high-quality videos that make you feel like you’re truly there. A place with detailed trail info, photos, and accurate map links that get you exactly where you need to go. And all of it without the distractions of algorithms pulling you in every other direction.

Wilderness & Waterfalls is built to be simple, calm, and informative. A quiet corner of the web for people who love the natural world.

A Bit About Me

I’ve worked in media for nearly 20 years—covering everything from motion graphics and photography to live production and video editing. I was born and raised in California, but I always felt pulled to the Pacific Northwest. As a kid, I’d visit Oregon and Washington with my family, and even then I recognized how lush, wild, and peaceful this part of the world was.

In my late 30s, my wife and I left the Bay Area and moved to Central Oregon to be closer to family. We went from a one-bedroom apartment in the city to a home on 1.5 acres in the countryside. It was a huge shift—and the best decision we ever made.

At first, I didn’t even have my own camera gear—just an iPhone. But I started capturing the landscapes around me: hikes along the Deschutes River, drives through the Cascade Lakes Highway, and any other beautiful places I could find. I shared those early photos and videos on social media, and before long, people started following along.

Encouraged by the response, I began posting videos every single day. And now, over three years later, I’m still at it—filming new places, editing every clip, and sharing them with people who love this land as much as I do. This work has become my passion, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

There’s so much beauty in the Pacific Northwest that even if I visited a new place every week, I don’t think I could ever see it all. But I’m sure going to try—and I hope this site helps you discover some of that beauty for yourself.

One Last Thought

You may not agree with me, and that’s okay—but I believe God exists, and that He created this incredible Earth we live on. For me, nature is one of the most powerful ways we connect with Him. It refreshes the soul, quiets the noise, and reminds us of what really matters.