Late Summer Hiking

Late summer and early fall are one of my favorite times of the year for hiking - water crossings are easy, trails tend to be in good condition, and the mountains start to light up with fall foliage. Practically speaking, enjoying this time of year has been challenging over the last few years due to wildfires and air quality concerns. So far, I'm having better luck this year than last year, so here are my trips so far.

Trail to Monte Cristo

Most recently, I hiked to the Monte Cristo townsite off the Mountain Loop Highway. It's a long but easy walk that mostly follows an old road to the historic mining and tourist town of Monte Cristo, where there are a few structures still standing. As is my style, I devoted most of my attention to photographing the landscapes along the way.

First, the South Fork Sauk River (or at least a channel of it). I'm not confident what mountains are visible in the distance. F/14, 1/15 of a second.

Next, some morning sunlight framed by alder trees. F/16.

Finally, some fireweed gone to seed, framing mountains and emerging fall colors. F/16.

Middle Fork Snoqualmie

Prior to that, I hiked the Middle Fork Snoqualmie trail. The weather was overcast with almost no wind, which was perfect for forest photography. Accordingly, my favorite images from the hike were two forest compositions that highlight the beginnings of fall color. Both F/18.

Next, the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River itself, viewed through alder leaves. I like the broken clouds and fog in the background. F/16, 0.6 seconds.

Here's another view of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie, with a colorful vine maple in the foreground. F/18.

I wasn't sure about this next one when I took it, but I actually really like it. The leaves, again with a hint of fall color visible, are framing a view of the opposite side of the valley. F/18.

Lastly from that hike, a closer view of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie. F/18, 1/4 of a second.

Dugualla State Park

Finally, back when air quality was still an issue in western Washington, I checked out Dugualla State Park on Whidbey Island. It's a nice network of forested trails on the eastern side of the Island, mostly second-growth with some old trees scattered throughout, with a hike down to a beach. The park doesn't have the world-class scenery of nearby Ebey's Landing or Deception Pass, there aren't much in the way of facilities like restrooms or picnic tables, and the beach would be difficult to access at high tide. But that said, the trails were very quiet, and there was a pleasant variation of forest type throughout.

Below, the Big Tree in the center of the park. I like the color contrast with the younger trees in the background. F/18.

That's all for now, but I'm hoping for the chance to find some fall colors soon. Stay tuned!