On Saturday, I took my first photo hike in a number of weeks, to Boardman Lake and Lake Evan off the Mountain Loop Highway. These lakes are mostly wooded, lacking the dramatic mountain views of, say, Lake 22 or Heather Lake. They're very peaceful, though, and easy to get to once you navigate the gravel access road. Fortunately, that access road was in good condition on Saturday; reading reports from prior months and years, I understand that this hasn't always been the case.
First, Lake Evan, which is really just a few steps from the trailhead. The air was very still at this point, and I enjoyed the reflections on the lake's surface. F/14.
Next, an image from just a few steps away, but this time with some foliage in the foreground. F/14.
Next, Boardman Lake. I'm not sure what caused the stripes visible in the rock - perhaps they're markings left by fluctuating water levels? In any case, I think it's a cool foreground. I also like how the first hints of fall color are visible on the hillside on the right. F/14.
Here's another one from Boardman Lake. I was intrigued by this little plant/tree growing on the rock; I think it adds some interest and depth to the foreground. F/14.
I also took a few pictures in the woods around the lakes. There are a lot of big old cedars to gawk at, and it looks like there would be some fun forest flowers in the spring, too. I think if road conditions allow, a return visit in May or June could be rewarding.
First, a closeup of aptly named bunchberries. F/5.
Finally, some hazy sunshine in the woods. The haze helped even out the contrast just enough to make this picture work. The big tree in the foreground is a cedar. F/16.
That's all for now. From now through October is one of my favorite times of year for hiking, so hopefully I'll be posting more soon!
