Rainier ~ Bench Lake
© Thomas Schoeller
Had this scene all to myself for a terrific sunrise reflected off the mirror-like surface of Bench lake.
Seems that most seem to settle for the view from Reflection Lakes (1 and 2) to photograph the volcano.
I myself didn't mind the mile-long morning hike in pre-dawn darkness to find some zen-like solitude. A few piles of bear poop on the edge of the trail at the meadows @ halfway in. And on the return trip, it looks like we spooked an Elk seeing the fresh tracks were "skid marks". That is far more rewarding than a hoard of tourist taking selfies :)
For anyone planning to shoot at Bench Lake, bring water shoes and of course, a headlamp. Only 1 trail takes you to the lakeshore here. The trail continues to cut sharply south and towards Snow lake. Bench Lake shoreline is densely overgrown. It'll require you to travel via water to find different perspectives if the first tiny beach area is not to your liking.
Rainier ~ Bench Lake
© Thomas Schoeller
Had this scene all to myself for a terrific sunrise reflected off the mirror-like surface of Bench lake.
Seems that most seem to settle for the view from Reflection Lakes (1 and 2) to photograph the volcano.
I myself didn't mind the mile-long morning hike in pre-dawn darkness to find some zen-like solitude. A few piles of bear poop on the edge of the trail at the meadows @ halfway in. And on the return trip, it looks like we spooked an Elk seeing the fresh tracks were "skid marks". That is far more rewarding than a hoard of tourist taking selfies :)
For anyone planning to shoot at Bench Lake, bring water shoes and of course, a headlamp. Only 1 trail takes you to the lakeshore here. The trail continues to cut sharply south and towards Snow lake. Bench Lake shoreline is densely overgrown. It'll require you to travel via water to find different perspectives if the first tiny beach area is not to your liking.