Friday, December 31, 2010

Views from Discovery Park

The last day of 2010 and how did I spend my morning? Visiting a location I have never been too - Discovery Park in Seattle!

To top it off, it was pretty much an accident. I left home this morning to visit the piers on the Seattle waterfront, only to realize that I had forgotten my wallet at home, and thus had no means to pay for parking (there were some other obvious concerns too, which will go without saying).

So I continued along the waterfront towards the Magnolia Bridge, visiting Elliott Bay Park, Magnolia Park, and finally, Discovery Park.

Discovery Park is a lot bigger than I imagined. And those rabits...

I followed the loop trail from the south parking lot towards the water and soon found some nice, uncompromised views of the Olympics. Despite the cold, there was still a lot of haze in the air.
It was fun seeing the Olympic Mountains in all their winter splendor, and from a new vantage point. I definitely have reason to return!

Tonight and tomorrow I hope to continue my streak of visiting new places around the city. Stay tuned!

Oh, and have a fun and safe New Years!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Snoqualmie Falls and Flooding in the Snoqualmie Valley

It's that time of year again. It's the rainy season in the Pacific Northwest, and the time of year that rivers crest near or even above their banks. The Snoqualmie River is one of such rivers, as is the nearby Tolt River.

Yesterday the Snoqualmie River crested above flood stage, measuring 33,600 cubic feet per second at Snoqualmie Falls (46,000 cubic feet per second in the lower valley).

Of course, this is not even close to the river's volume during record flooding in 2009 when I composed this night image of the falls from the observation deck. Access to the falls was difficult with many road closures, and the drive a little unnerving while driving over a bridge very nearly at the level of the rushing water!

December typically marks another fun time to see the falls as well - during cold, freezing temperatures! Of course, this can happen in January and February too.

Unfortunately, the lower trail to the viewpoint near the base of the falls is now closed for reconstruction, and will be until 2013. However, I think the best views of the falls are from the upper observation deck anyway, which are still accessible.

Snoqualmie Falls is impressive to see at any time of year, plummeting 268' with shear power and strength. It is one of many waterfalls along the three forks of the Snoqualmie River, which also include Kanim Falls (200'), Nellie Falls (150'), Twin Falls (135'), Franklin Falls (135'), and many, many more.

Snoqualmie Falls is the most accessible of all the falls, with a paved trail from the parking lot and restrooms and gift shop. When was the last time you visited? Might it be time?

For more images, be sure and check out my Snoqualmie Falls Gallery on my web site!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Mount Rainier - A Nice Christmas Gift!

Living so close to Mount Rainier National Park has given me many opportunities to enjoy this wonderful national treasure. I have hiked nearly every trail within the park, and climbed to its lofty 14,411' summit multiple times.

So when Hancock House Publishing approached me about doing a book on photographing the park, how could I say no?

Mount Rainier offers excellent photography opportunities year round, and to enjoy this mountain in every season is truly a special opportunity.

Mount Rainier is a collection of my favorite photographs taken throughout Mount Rainier National Park, and includes my hints and recommendations about where, when and how to achieve successful photographic images of the park. I have broken my recommendations down by season, and even by weather. There is always something to photograph in the park!

If you're not a photographer, you can simply enjoy the artistic images and the moods and emotions they elicit as you take a visual tour through this beautiful national park. I try to explain the attraction of each area and the beauty such areas hold in certain seasons. Let's face it, you don't have to be toting a camera to appreciate the beauty of our wilderness! Hopefully, my images and descriptions will convince you to visit this wonderful park soon!

Mount Rainier is available for purchase for only $9.95 plus S&H, and would make an excellent Christmas gift!

Also, feel free to check out my Rainier gallery, whether to purchase a print, poster, or just to peruse for your enjoyment!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Note Cards Now Available for Purchase Online!

That's right! The note cards that I have been selling at my shows are FINALLY available for purchase from my web site!

If you haven't seen these, they are very high quality cards - printed on acid free, 100% cotton fiber. These cards will truly stand the test of time, and are suitable for framing!

I currently have eight sets available: Mount Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Baker, North Cascades, and Olympic. Different sets are available of Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic, so it is worth checking them all out!

If you've been to my shows, you have been accustomed to purchasing individual cards. I am considering making these available online as well, but am still deciding. Hey, I can be influenced - shoot me an e-mail!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Early Light on Prusik Peak

This image has been a pretty popular one for me. It has won a few photo contests, has been displayed in the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) in Seattle, has appeared in the pages of the Washington Trails Association magazine, and has served as a cover for a national magazine.

It has also been a very popular print, especially at my latest show. So, I have just added it to my note card series! I haven't made these available for online purchase yet, but plan to do so soon. My note cards have been a very popular item at my shows and I am excited to make them available to all!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Renton Holiday Bazaar and Gift Show - Final Day!

The final day of the Renton Holiday Bazaar and Gift Show was quite busy for us! Thanks to all those who came out! We saw many familiar faces and met lots of new and interesting people.

Several of the prints shown in this image were sold, including my favorite one - Prusik Peak. Note cards were also a big hit - especially the box sets. I'll have lots of work to do before my next show!

I would like to extend a special 'Thank You' to the Jennifer and Shirley, who ran the event and were incredible! This was easily the most organized and publicized event I have been a part of. Kudos to them! We definitely plan to be back next year.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Renton Holiday Bazaar and Gift Show - Day 1!

We had an excellent time at the Renton Holiday Bazaar and Gift Show today, and enjoyed seeing many friends and family throughout the day! This one will definitely remain on our list for future appearances!

It was fun to meet many aquaintences too, from many places of internet interaction (including this blog). It was particularly fun to see Don Duncan, whom I met on a recent hiking/climbing trip, and learn that we have several friends in common. Small world!

Tomorrow is the final day of this show, and is expected to be busy! No matter, we still have time to meet you. Come on down!

Renton Community Center
1715 SE Maple Valley Highway

It's right off I-405!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Renton Holiday Bazaar and Gift Show

The Renton Holiday Bazaar and Gift Show is now in its 15th year, and I am excited to be a part of it for the first time. It's held at the Renton Community Center on Maple Valley Highway, just off I-405.

The event takes place November 19th & 20th (Fri - Sat), and admission is free! Hours are 11:00 to 6:00 Friday, and 9:00 to 5:00 on Saturday.

Please come by and say hello! I will have on display for purchase my matted prints ready for framing, rolled poster prints, both individual and boxed set note cards (perfect for the holidays!), postcards, the 2011 Mountains of Washington Calendar, and signed copies of my book Mount Rainier.

The address is:

Renton Community Center
1715 SE Maple Valley Highway

For more information, go here.

Hope to see you there!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Updated! New for the holidays - Poster Prints!

I'm excited to share my newest product with you - poster prints! These 12x18 standard sized prints were created by my good friends at ADG Printing in Lynnwood just in time for the holidays and my upcoming shows! They represent 6 of my most popular images from my home state of Washington, and some personal favorites as well.

About the Images:

The image of Mount Olympus above was taken during a September backpack to High Divide in Olympic National Park. I have climbed Mount Olympus several times, and it's always held a special place in my heart. This image was made possible by unseasonably late-blooming lupine.

2010 wasn't the strongest year for wildflowers, but I was still fortunate enough to enjoy a couple of evenings in Spray Park at peak showing. This is one of my favorite hikes in Mount Rainier, and always impresses me no matter the season. I was also fortunate to witness a bear grazing in the upper meadows, as well as a couple of mountain goat. The challenging part of evening photography is descending down to the to the parking lot in the dark - there is no camping at Spray Park.

Reflection Lakes might be the single most popular location for photography in Mount Rainier National Park. On this morning, I arrived at Paradise Meadows before sunrise, only to find the clouds as thick as pea soup. On a whim, I drove down to Reflection Lakes to take my chances. There were no views of the mountain, or anything else for that matter, for the longest time. Then all of a sudden, the clouds and fog parted to reveal our Pacific Northwest crown jewel, just moments before this image was taken.


Possibly the supreme flower gardens in Mount Rainier National Park are those at Paradise Meadows and Mazama Ridge. The displays can be breathtaking, and attract photographers from around the world. I have bumped into many well-known photographers here, and always enjoy the camaraderie. On this particular morning, I enjoyed shooting and exchanging beta with John Shaw, and later met Jamie and Judy Wild near Edith Creek.


Mount Shuksan reflected in Picture Lake in the North Cascades is one of the most iconic images from my state of Washington. It is located near the end of Highway 542, otherwise known as the Mt. Baker Highway. On any given fall weekend, photographers can outnumber just about anything else in the area. Best enjoy this scene on a weekday should you choose to visit. There are also many hiking opportunities in the area, including incredibly scenic Ptarmigan Ridge from road end at Artist Point. Better plan on spending the entire day here!


Finally, there is Mount St. Helens - a mountain that still impresses all these years after its violent period. This view is from near the Johnstone Ridge Visitors' Center. I left home in the afternoon under clear, sunny skies, but knowing that a system was forecast to move in sometime in the evening. As I drove south on I-5, a marine layer was busy pushing inland and I wondered if it would prevent me from shooting evening light on the mountain. By the time I arrived at the visitors' center, clouds mostly filled the sky. Though initially discouraged, I walked around and noticed an interesting light filtering through the clouds. I found this composition and set up shop. The skies grew dark and the mountain disappeared shortly after I captured this image. I guess this image is special to me mostly because it reaffirmed the importance of patience and persistence - two important ingredients in nature photography.

These poster prints will be in stock this coming week and available from my web site soon, along with my book Mount Rainier and the 2011 Mountains of Washington wall calendar. Check back very soon!

Update: These prints can now be viewed on my web site! They can be purchased for $12.95 ea., though the order form currently doesn't submit - hey, I'm working on it! Feel free to e-mail me if interested. If living in the Puget Sound area, I have an appearance coming up in a couple of weeks, which I will be announcing shortly - and you can buy them in person!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

2011 Mountains of Washington Calendar

The 2011 Mountains of Washington calendar is officially out! It is available at many retail stores, including Fred Meyer and Rite Aid from first-hand knowledge. It looks like your's truly was generously given the months of March and May. The May image of Mt. St. Helens actually served as the cover in their 2009 calendar (yes, it is a repeat image).

I hope to have more product news to share in the coming weeks - check back!

Update!

This calendar will be available for purchase at my shows and from my web site. Details coming soon!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Painted Hills Unit - John Day Fossil Beds National Park

One of Oregon's most recognizable locations, the Painted Hills are a photographer's delight, offering an array of contrasting colors, appearing to have been "painted" on the hillsides. The colors change with the light throughout the day - from gold and orange to deep reds at twilight. Add some storm clouds in the sky and the scene becomes even more intense!

The Painted Hills Unit are located 9 miles from Mitchell, and 75 miles east of Bend. Flowers here typically peak in late April or early May. I missed them on this particular trip (giving me reason to go back!).

I've recently added a new gallery of these images to my web site, to include the Sheep Rock Unit, as well as a new Smith Rock State Park gallery. It was fun to revisit this trip and relive the memories. I hope you enjoy.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Enjoy the Fall Colors!

Fall is one of my favorite seasons for photography, and for many reasons. The days are cooler, foliage and needles are turning brilliant colors, and the crowds are few. There are also a lot of different opportunities.

If you enjoy reds, then the berries are for you! Their foliage can start turning in mid-September in the North Cascades - especially around Mount Baker. Early October is more likely around Mount Rainier and other areas of the Central Cascades. The nice thing about these plants is that they can pretty much be found throughout the Cascades, both east and west side.

If you like the gold of larches, then the high country east of the crest is for you, begining in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and stretching north. Though colors can emerge in late September, early to mid-October is the better bet. Some of the most renouned areas for lyall's larch in the Cascades are the Enchantment Lakes, Ingalls Lake, the Rainy Pass area of the North Cascades and further east into the Methow. There are many other possibilities as well (see my Ice Lakes trip in the Entiat Mountains below).

As colors fade in the high country, they are just begining to pop in the lower elevations. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is an excellent visit in late October, as are the many river drainages of the Olympics - Sol Duc being my favorite. Closer to Seattle are destinations such as the Japanese Garden on Lake Washington or the University of Washington campus.

I hope this gives you some ideas for the coming weeks for places to get out and enjoy nature's show. I hope to visit Tipsoo Lake and the Paradise area at Mount Rainier in the coming days. For those of you who have my book Mount Rainier, you know these are a couple of my favorite areas for fall colors at MRNP!

Where will you be going?

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Ice Lakes, North Cascades

Ice Lakes are a pair of beautiful alpine lakes sitting in a high cirque above the Entiat Valley. Lower Ice Lake sits at 6,822', while Upper Ice Lake rests at 7,200'.

The hike up the Entiat is long - 28 miles round trip to the lower lake, with not much in the way of views until near the end.

I elected instead to hop the ridge from the Chiwawa River side, hiking up Phelps Creek and Leroy Creek, following the Carne Mountain high route south and climbing over the south shoulder of Mt. Maude.

The approach from Phelps Creek involves ~4,100' of elevation gain, and involves off-trail travel and route finding skills. Throw an overnight pack on and this makes for a pretty good day! I actually lost the trail at a stream crossing below a waterfall in Leroy Creek Basin, and climbed an unecessary 800' or so into the upper basin, only to have to descend again via a loose boulder field to cross the deep "cleft" feature coming down Mt. Maude. From here cairns mark the way back to trail, which leads up to the notch in the ridge at 6,800'. From the notch, a steep climber's path climbs to the pass south of Mt. Maude at 7,600', where one can look down on Upper Ice Lake and make the easy descent down to camp.

There was only one other party camped at the upper lake when I arrived, and though I saw a few people during my 3-day stay, the numerous camps remained mostly unoccupied. I saw no one at the lower lake until the last evening, when two tired hikers arrived at sunset from the Entiat.

I bivied on a rock rib above the upper lake and spent my first evening exploring the area. Specifically, I tried to locate the trail down to the lower lake that is depicted on the Green Trails map. I was unsuccessful.

The next morning I awoke early and was surpised to see the upper lake holding a reflection. Upper Ice Lake is rather large - probably three times the size of lower lake. Large lakes in general can be very challenging for reflection shots as their waters aren't typically still.


The stillness in the water didn't last for long, and soon I descended the outlet stream to Lower Ice Lake. Along the way I found a tarn holding a nice reflection (seen above).

Past the tarn, I followed the trail down to Lower Ice Lake, in view almost the entire way. The trail follows the south side of the lake past numerous scenic campsites, again all empty during my visits. At the far east end, I found a nice reflection shot (right) and found reason to relax and watch the morning sun shadows slowly begin to disappear.

I continoued around the northeast side of the lake and located the trail that climbs up to Upper Ice Lake. It was quite easy to follow actually, and was much more pleasant than following the outlet stream. It pretty much disappears up high, so it is no wonder I wasn't able to locate while exploring my first night near camp.

I returned to the lower lake once again in the afternoon for more photography, again finding myself alone. I photographed until about 6:00 when the shadows took over the basin, then returned back to camp for the evening.

That night I fell asleep once again under stars, but was awakened at 1:30 am with rain drops on my face (I often sleep with my bivy open). By the time I opened my sleeping bag and sat up, the rain drops had turned to snow fluries. Within moments, they were gone. I experienced a couple more quick showers throughout the night, but they never lasted more than a couple of minutes. Still, they signaled a change in the weather for the next day - my exit day.

Some photography notes on the area:

Lower Ice Lake does not receive first or last light. It is best photographed mid-morning and mid-afternoon. It is the more scenic of the lakes with many more larches, an isthmus and an island.

Upper Ice Lake is excellent for first light. The water held a reflection my first morning, but did not on the second. The larches are much fewer at the upper lake.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Upcoming Appearances

I have received a few inquiries as to my fall show schedule this year. I am currently working on confirming my fall appearances and hope to share with you soon. I'm also hoping to have some new product announcements in the coming weeks - stay tuned!

Update: I will be offering my work at the 2010 Renton Holiday Baazar at the Renton Community Center, November 19th & 20th. Details to follow closer to the dates!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Dawson-Pitamakin Pass in Glacier National Park

The Dawson-Pitamakin Trail begins at the Two Medicine Lake Campground and climbs to the Continental Divide at Dawson Pass, where incredible views out to the rugged spires of the South Lewis Range await. It then traverses below Flinsch Peak and follows the divide north around Mount Morgan to Pitamakin Pass before descending via the Dry Creek Drainage back to Two Medicine Lake.

This is a highly scenic trip that deserves more than the single day I was able to give it. The loop trip totals 19 miles, and it is very easy to tack on more with various side trips, such as No Name Lake pictured to the left, or maybe Upper Two Medicine Lake.

I got an early start to my hike, heading out shortly before first light. Several years ago I did the hike to Dawson Pass on a climb of Flinsch Peak and there were numerous bear warning signs posted along the trail - a definite attention getter when hiking solo! Fortunately, such was not the case for this visit (again, solo).

I made a quick side trip to No Name Lake, a very scenic lake set to the backdrop of cliffs in a deep cirque. After a short break, I retraced my steps back to the main trail and followed it up to Dawson Pass and the scenery that awaited me. From the pass, the South Lewis Range stood tall to the southwest, with Mount St. Nicholas dominating the group. High clouds were beginning to creep in from the west.

I oscillated over climbing Flinsch Peak again throughout my hike. I was sporting a broken toe, and had a lot of miles ahead of me. The climb consists of steep, loose scree with some class 4 below the summit. I decided to side with caution and focus on the hike. But on its upper slopes, the temptation became too much. Up I went!

I kept my visit on the summit brief as a system was clearly moving in. I descended upon a herd of bighorn sheep lazily sprawled about the meadows below. The weather was deteriorating fast now. As I traversed below Flinsch Peak toward Mount Morgan, I was certain to get wet as the skies grew black. However, it never materialized.

Just below Mount Morgan, I passed some backpackers who were equally nervous about the the weather. Coming from the other direction, they were heading into it. Their destination was No Name Lake for the evening. Lucky!

I rounded Mount Morgan and traversed to Pitamakin Pass, passing several groups of day hikers - one pair in cotton t-shirts, shorts and sandals with aspirations of completing the 19 mile loop trip. They had a lot of miles ahead of them in deteriorating conditions.

At the pass a bear warning sign greeted me. Fortunately, there were no signs or sightings of it on this day.

I had hoped to photograph Flinsch Peak above Oldman Lake from at or near the pass, but it was less than appealing under gray skies (I was now east of the divide now where skies were less threatening). Instead, I continued my uneventful descent down Dry Creek and back to Two Medicine Lake, completing a 22 mile day with my added side trips. It was a good, though exhausting day.

Friday, September 10, 2010

St. Mary Lake - Glacier National Park

St. Mary Lake is located on the east side of Glacier National Park, and is the second largest lake in the park (Lake McDondald being the largest). It was created by the widening of the St. Mary River.

The lake is probably most famous for its view from the Wild Goose Island viewpoint, shown here. On a perfect morning, one can catch the reflection of the surrounding mountains in the still waters of the lake. On such mornings, photographers line up side by side in anticipation.

I arrived at the viewpoint on such a morning, after driving over Logan Pass from Avalanche Campground on the west side. In comparison, the viewpoint is only a 1.5 mile drive for those staying at Rising Sun! Fortunately, I was still first to arrive and set up.

Within moments, several other photographers arrived and set up next to me. They were all very pleasent people and a lot of fun to share the morning the with, as is typically the case.

I learned that one photographer in particular had been trying to capture the lake's early reflection for over a week, but had experienced only windy conditions. This morning we were blessed with perfectly still water, so my timing was fortunate. Throw the excellent clouds in just begging to turn pink at first light, and it was a bonus!

To add to our experience, we also enjoyed a full moon to the south. The first image above shows it creating a "halo" as it dips behind the distant peak about 20 minutes before sunrise.

Soon the sky began to turn a brilliant pink as the clouds caught the first gentle rays of the sun - always a glorious experience. This was the highlight of the morning and the sound of camera shutters reflected this (pun intended)! As the sun rose, the cloud layer thickened and the morning turned overcast. Of course, we photographers retreated knowing we had witnessed a spectacular morning, evident by the smiles on our faces.

Just down the road a ways is the trailhead for St. Mary and Virginia Falls at the south end of the lake. Both are just a short hike from the road; 1.2 miles for St. Mary Falls and 1.8 for Virginia Falls. Both are worth the effort!

St. Mary is by far the most popular of the two, and can become quite crowded at certain times. Still, as long as one has some patience, opportunities will present themselves.

As with most waterfalls, cloudy days are best for photography to minimize contrast. Excellent compositions can be had from the bridge, as well as the rock on the far side. (Be careful on the rock though, it can be slick when wet. During my visit, a young lady slipped and fell into the swift current, requiring a rescue.)

During slightly diffused light, photographers must be aware of the potential of the railing shadow across the water during morning hours. Sometimes it can be faint and not so obvious if one isn't watching for it.

Virginia Falls is a mere 0.6 miles further up the trail and is also quite scenic. Compositions abound for photographers courtesy of a path that descends down to lower vantage points. Unfortunately, the sun decided to make an extended appearance during my visit and the scene became much too high in contrast with dark shadows and the brightness of the sun glarring off the water. Did I mention the benefit of photographing waterfalls on cloudy days?

The St. Mary area is a must visit for anyone spending time in Glacier National Park. Don't miss it!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Going-to-the-Sun Road

The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is regularly voted one of the most scenic roads in America year after year by many publications. And for good reason! It is quite the engineering accomplishment, having been blasted from rock in many places as it switchbacks up to highly scenic Logan Pass. Views from this road are outstanding!

But this road has much to see in it lower stretches as well as it leaves Apgar Village and winds around the waters of Lake McDonald. Views across the water to distant peaks are magnificent, especially in early season when the peaks are still snow-capped.

Just past the Lake McDonald Lodge is scenic McDonald Falls and the Sacred Dancing Cascades of McDonald Creek (shown above). Sacred Dancing Cascades are easiest reached from a pullout alongside the road. Across the foot bridge, a short trail leads to McDonald Falls.

A short ways up the road is Avalanche Gorge. A trail ascends thru the gorge en route to Avalanche Lake, one of the most popular hikes in the park. This trail can also be accessed from the Avalanche Creek Campground.

The gorge is magnificent with its deep blue rushing water. There are many viewpoints of it along the trail - all worth checking out. The view from the bridge might be the best of all though.

A great time for photographing Avalanche Gorge is in the morning before the sun hits the area. The area rests in shadows until mid-morning. I also found the area void of breezes for about the first hour of each morning I photographed it.

Obviously, cloudy skies would also be kind to this area.

You can continue up the trail to Avalanche Lake for possible evening photography. However, I think your efforts might be better spent else where.

Going-to-the-Sun Road continues up the valley. As it nears The Loop trailhead, views begin to open up to Mount Canon and other peaks towering above you. There are some nice pullouts along this stretch. Watch for wildlife in this area.

Continuing around the sharpe switchback, the road begins to climb in earnest. Views of Heavens Peak across the valley are excellent, and only get better! Beautiful sunrises and sunsets can be captured from various pullouts along here. Clouds can be dramatic during unsettled weather.

I found the last pullout (before the road goes around a sharp corner) to be the best for evening compositions of Mount Canon and Oberlin, but others would work as well. The view back down McDonald Valley is also impressive.

The previous evening I passed this spot after shooting Haystack Falls and saw a group of about twenty photographers set up here. Both evenings I shot from here, I was alone.

I wasn't fortunate to get much cloud action during my visits here. In fact, conditions became quite hazy during my second evening of shooting, with a storm advancing on the area. Still, beggars can't be choosers!

Road work on the Going-t0-the-Sun Road also dictated my shooting during the week days as the road was closed a short ways beyond this pullout at 9:00 pm. Sunset was close to 9:30 during my visit.


Next up is Haystack Falls. Pullouts are limited for this waterfall, but do exist. Evenings are a less hectic time to photograph this waterfall, after most road traffic has subsided. There really isn't much of shoulder to the road here, so your tripod will be set up in the road. Of course, evening also brings the best light to this area.

As this waterfall eminates from the snow above along the Garden Wall, I would assume this waterfall to all but vanish in late season once the snow is gone. These images were taken in late July, for the record.

There are a lot of composition choices for this waterfall. You can compose tight as I did on the first one, you can include part of the fancy stone work along the side of the road, you can include the pool at its base and/or the peaks above, etc. It's a fun waterfall to play with.

Beyond Haystack Falls, the road traverses below Weeping Wall and climbs up to Logan Pass, with jaw-dropping views the entire way.

As a photographer, you can really "get lost" along this road if you choose to. Opportunities seem to abound around every bend.

If planning to visit Glacier in the next couple of years, I would definitely encourage you to note the road closure times for construction and plan around them, especially in summer when sunrise and sunset both occur during closed times. This project was originally suppose to be coming to a close soon, but was recently extended in thanks to the Stimulous Package.

I hope enjoyed my little tour of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Flowers at Paradise, Mount Rainier

It appears that flowers might be hitting peak on Mazama Ridge finally, based on reports I have read and heard. I hope to go down either tonight or tomorrow morning and check them out for myself!

Edit: A busy schedule has prevented me from getting down to Paradise, but I hope to make it happen in the next day or two.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Mount Rainier Flower Update

I just thought I would offer a quick update on flowers in the Paradise area. A recent report suggested they are beginning to appear along the upper stretches of the Skyline Trail. A call down to the ranger station revealed that they are still predicting peak to be in another 1 to 1-1/2 weeks.

I might still head down there Saturday to scope things out.

In the meantime, I thought I would share some more images from my recent visit to Spray Park.




Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Flower Report at Mount Rainier

I thought I would interrupt my Glacier NP trip report with a flower report from a park much closer to us - Mount Rainier.

I've spent the last several days visiting Spray Park and the Sunrise area. Spray Park is very nice right now, especially if you are a fan of lupine and like it in large doses. Nice amounts of paintbrush can also be found. Variety is another story. There isn't much of it. Asters are just beginning to form and are at least another week away for the most part. Glacier lilies can still be found in the higher reaches of the park, to give you an idea how things are developing.

Sunrise is a different story right now. It is bare. Though most all common flower varieties can be found in bloom right now, they are in very small doses and have to be searched out. Again, it looked as though the asters were just starting to form and could be a week or more away. Still, I can't be certain that it will be a good showing here this year. Hope to be proved wrong!

I have not been down to the Paradise/Longmire area yet, but have received reports from friends Jon Cornforth and Robert and Kathy Chrestensen.

Jon scored a nice image at Reflections Lakes, but was disappointed in Paradise Meadows, which he believed to be at least another 1-2 weeks away.

Robert and Kathy visited Emerald Ridge and found a nice showing of lupine. Emerald Ridge is most easily reached via the old Tahoma Trail from the West Side Road.

I hope some of this helps you with your planning!