Lake Valhalla

Yesterday, I hiked to Lake Valhalla near Stevens Pass (via the Smithbrook trailhead). Owing to the good weather and the spectacular fall colors, it was a busy day on the trail! I was expecting a cloudier day, but skies were sunny and the lighting actually somewhat harsh. The air was occasionally breezy as well. Nevertheless, I think I came away with a few decent compositions. And a sunny fall day in the mountains is always enjoyable, photographs notwithstanding. Due to the lighting challenges, the edits of the images in this post are works in progress.

First, a composition with the lake and Lichtenberg Mountain. I noticed this framing on my way out; I was worried about the lighting, but am glad I stopped. F/18.

Next, the lake from the trail above. The perspective distortion is fairly pronounced here, but I think the image still works. F/20.

Another composition of the lake, from right by the lakeshore. F/18.

Finally, a view of the forest along the PCT leading to the lake. By this point in the afternoon, high clouds were starting to filter the sunshine, making a forest composition like this possible. F/20.

Hope and Mig Lakes

Last weekend, I hiked to Hope and Mig lakes, which are on the PCT south of Stevens Pass (accessed via the Tunnel Creek Trail). Skies were grey and distant mountain views shrouded by clouds; this hike, with the most interesting aspects of the scenery nearby, was the perfect choice. And the fall colors were in full force! Below are the two lakes, first Hope and then Mig. F/20 and F/22.

Next, a view from the forest between the lakes. F/20.

Lastly, three more autumnal landscapes. It was a great day for them! All three at F/22.

Gold Creek

A week ago today, I visited one of my favorite places, the Gold Creek trail north of Snoqualmie Pass. I had originally planned to perhaps head to higher country on that day, or at least go farther up the Gold Creek trail (maybe to Alaska Lake), but I woke up sick and having had a poor sleep. Hiking the easier sections of the Gold Creek trail was a good compromise that still allowed me to spend some time in the wilderness.

First, two forest compositions that I was quite happy with. F/18 and F/20, respectively.

Next, two compositions involving Gold Creek itself, with pearly everlasting blooming in the foreground of the first. I don't know if these compositions are exactly show-stoppers, but they turned out better than I was afraid they might, so I thought I'd still post them. Both F/22.

Finally, a closeup of an aster of some sort. I'm not quite skilled enough to make a definitive ID. F/5.6.