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The month of July in the Pacific Northwest is typically characterized by balmy weather and sunny skies, with just the occasional shower to keep the temperatures at a reasonable level. The Cascades still retain a bit of their winter snowpack while down below, meadows take their summer green coat and burst with wildflowers. This year though, was a tad different. By late July, the Pacific Northwest had already endured two months of dry heat, thanks to the heat dome. Without any precipitation, wildfires spread far and wide, and their smoke spread through most of the Cascades. The heat also caused most of the snow capping the volcanic peaks to melt away and reveal the dirty understory. It didn't take long for us to realize it wasn't a normal summer.
The mercury has certainly dropped in August, but the smoke is still hanging on, and during one of the clearer weekends, I caught sight of the characteristic volcanic cone of Mt Baker rising high above the green meadows and wildflowers of the North Cascades ranges
Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
WA USA
I couldn't ask much more from a NW mountain scene. A snowy jagged peak, a little cloud character above, and tree/rock studded layers in the foreground. Expose all of these on some fine grain b/w film like Acros 100 and you have something.
The is from the last day of a backpacking trip up in the Mt. Baker Wilderness. We camped on a ridge line just out of the frame, spending most of the day soaking in views of Shuksan, Baker and the surrounding valleys.
Image with my Hasselblad 500cm.
A view at Mt. Baker's Heather Meadows Picnic Area, seen near the end of Washington's Mt. Baker Scenic Byway (SR542). (13-07-25-5085)
I was a bit worried when I set out from Seattle for the drive up to Mt. Baker to meet up with some friends for an evening of shooting. It was very hazy in the Puget Sound area from all of the forest fire smoke blowing in from Eastern Washington, so much so I was wondering if we’d even be able to see Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan. But as I went north the haze got progressively thinner, and upon arriving, it was clear as a bell. We were treated to some very lovely light, and the lakes were still as mirrors. Lesson reinforced: It’s easy to find reasons not to go, but just get out of the office and get out there!
Mt Baker Wilderness, Washington
Mid August in the North Cascades: the upper parking lot had been cleared of enough snow to reveal the restrooms but it was like parking in a giant snowbowl. Although quite a few trails were obliterated by the snowpack, the trail to Lake Ann lost enough elevation and received enough direct sun to be open. At the bottom of the switchbacks, spring greenery filled the valley. Erratics littered the glacial meadow hosting Swift Creek, and Mt Baker dominated the skyline, out where the valley dropped off.
This is a two picture HDR rendering in Photomatix. The camera couldn't hold the glare of the peak and the landscape; I also tried a split ND, but blending two exposures made for a better transition.
I climbed high above the smoke-filled valley, away from the maddening sounds of civilization, and towards the alpine ridge to catch a breath of fresh mountain air. It was a couple of hours of concerted effort in increasingly warming temperatures to cut above the treeline, but it was effort that was worth the rewards - including the grand vista that you see above.
Sure, I could have stayed at home, watched the telly, planned for my next trip, or enjoyed the creature comforts that we are so used to. But pushing myself to hike to these spectacular destinations helps me realize that just as in nature and in life, hard work is the price for success, and the satisfaction in achieving success lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Every decision we make is a conscious choice on the path we carve for our life, and let it be a thoughtful one.
Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
WA USA
Please view large...it's the only way to go.
When we came across this little gem just off the trail to Lake 22, I was immediately thankful that I brought my waders. In fact, if I am going anywhere even remotely close to water ever again when shooting I am wearing them. I don't care if I am going out shooting mud puddles..the waders are coming. From my point of view here there was a log that had fallen and was acting as a natural dam for this small forest waterfall. The water on the other side of the log was moving quickly but as you see here the pool was calm and beautiful. With my waders on I was able to actually get down here and sit in the water. I placed my camera inches above the water and got the shot. I love it when a plan comes together. Hope everyone is having a great night.
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This is a photo of the same camp as the previous image, just looking to the west toward Mt. Baker.
I grew up in MN where the highest "peak" is the 2300 ft Eagle Mountain. First off, that isn't a mountain by NW standards. Second, I have never seen it as it's 5 hours north....damn near in Canada. I'm guessing that's why I am so enamored by the mountains. Geologic figures that dominate a landscape, change over time, and have their own weather systems.
For someone who likes mountain gazing/photography, this was the perfect spot....mountain views any way you looked.
Image with my Hasselblad 500cm.
I know I've mentioned this before....but I grew up in MN. Thousands of years ago, glaciers receded north through MN and into Canada. While they left behind thousands of beautiful lakes (11,842 to be exact), they also made the land almost completely flat.
If you grew up in the NW with elevation changes, deep valleys, and snow capped mountains, this view of Mazama Dome may not be that impressive. But to a guy from the flat lands of MN, a view of a monolith like this still blows me away.
Image with my Hasselblad 500cm