Before making my first two-hour trek to Wolf Run Ranch outside of Dufur for the third year of the epic electronic dance music festival What the Festival, I heard the same thing over and over: there’s just something indescribable about WTF.

And you know what? They couldn’t have been more right. While it’s tough to nail down exactly what that special something is, its seems photos might go further in communicating it. Really, how can you describe the Illuminated Forest without showing it. (Although if you want to read more about it, see our feature from last year.) So here's a recap of the best of the fest I could find. Of course, the best way is to experience it first hand. See you next year?

The massive wading pool—packed with DJs, inflatable pool toys (including a massive shark), and a whole lot of half-naked revelers dancing under the sun—remains a central attraction of the daytime party action.

Image: Brooke Bass