The Mountains of Oregon

On our way to Oregon we made our first stop at Crater Lake National Park. Even though it was early May the mountains were covered in a thick layer of snow. The lodge at the top of the crater was surrounded by snowbanks as tall as the building. The lake below  us with an amazing view of wiozard island

Surrounded by pine trees we explored the surface of their bark to find this brilliantly green wolf lichen. As much as the view of the grandeur of the landscape was beautiful I find the close up views of the small creatures that live in these environments to be interesting as well. The small fibrous hairs of each strand of lichen reaching out for its chance to bathe in the sun.

After visiting the massive caldera we traveled to the forests of the surrounding area to see the mountains of trees of Oregon. We walked across a rainbow painted bridge to a hot springs hidden in a valley next to a river. With amazing views of the trees and mountains we sat and relaxed in the warm water.

At this hot springs I took an interest in the colors of the moss and lichen that grew from the water. The yellows and greens were vibrant and bright. The growths of these bacterial mats created interesting patterns. The blue water and beautiful colors created an interesting canvas for the camera

Volcanic Mountains

The mountains of Cascadia are known for their explosive peaks. Many of the topped with glaciers that carve massive valleys below them. However when making these landscape photos I find what is even more important then the land is the sky. If a mountains is against a blank blue sky it feels more like a photo from space. Clouds provide the texture that is missing in the background.

Life in the Wild

As we reached our camp in the hills there were some visitors that came to model for me. We made our dinner for the night and as we ate this Grey Jay flew around us in the trees hoping to scavenge. I decided to share some in exchange for opportunities to photograph it in the trees. It flew around us for a while swooping down at the bowl of macaroni on the table.

The next day I went on a morning hike and came across a scene. Feathers all over the trail and speckled with blood. I investigated the scene I heard some loud cries from above. I noticed a group of Great Blue Herons. However if they had lost a friend I can understand why they hid, so I went back after snapping some shots.

Wonderful Waterfalls

When we made our way into Washington we focused more on the waterfalls that came down from their high mountains. With the very rainy climate that this area sits in the rivers are strong and drop far from the snowmelt. Roaring waterfalls and bright green moss covered the rocks that shaped the landscape

It often felt a bit like a fairy tale walking in these woods. Cobblestone bridges and tall pine trees flanking ice cold rivers that rolled over the rocks. We visited many peaks throughout the state and looked for this forested theme in many national parks in the area.

Fairy Folk of the Forest

But the fairies are small creatures and so the more interesting things are hidden in the underbrush. Mushrooms peaking from the soil surrounded by lichens, moss, and many needles. The many varieties, both harmful and tasty, covered the ground.

The moss and the flowers were just as interesting up close. Growing on everything that they can hardly any dirt could be seen. With seats so soft they would be perfect for an afternoon nap for the residents of these woods. Brightly colored and patterned beautifully by the weavers of nature.