Into The Buckhorn Wilderness
Day one: Tubal Cain Trailhead to Buckhorn Lake.
The start of the trip was a late one. Annie had to open at work. She was up at 3:50 AM. After she was off and back home, she was able to switch a shift around, and then we were off after that!
Arriving at the trailhead late meant the parking would be a little cramped when we would pull in. It didn’t help that anyone at the trailhead knew how to park, at all.
We loaded the last few things into our packs, and we were off into the forest. The first few miles was a gradual climb up through wild rhododendrons that were just about in full bloom. As you make your way up, you have a trail to your left that takes you into Tull Canyon and the Tubal Cain Mine. Tull Canyon is the almost final resting place of an SB-17, a search and rescue variant of a B-17. The SB-17 collided with a mountain ridge en route to a search and rescue operation. A few flight crew members did not survive the impact and slide down into the valley. After the wreck, the fuselage was salvaged and is now one of the two remaining B-17’s that are airworthy.
We made our way across copper creek and began the real part of the climb. The trail switchbacks it was through the forest and spits you out on an almost wide open hill side. That’s when you get your first real glimpse of Buckhorn Mountain. You’ll never forget that first glance. As we worked our way to the cutoff for Buckhorn Lake we slowed down and soaked up the sun and views. At 5.6 miles, you will reach the cut-off to the lake. Two creeks and a bit more climbing later, you follow a steep and rooted trail to the lake.
Buckhorn Lake was the highest I have ever seen it. We dropped our packs, set up camp and reluctantly dunked ourselves into the lake. It was a shock to the system. Rinsing off sweat had never been so difficult. After that, we rushed back to change and hang up the sweaty clothes we washed off. Then it was time to make dinner, have a nip of whiskey, and watch the sunset from our tent. That night was a beautiful one. Camped right on the lake, Buckhorn Mountain towering above and the rush of the waterfall that feeds the lake.
Buckhorn Lake to Iron Peak
It was a clear morning on the lake. We woke, made coffee, and broke down camp. The original plan was to hike from Buckhorn Lake to the Charlia Lakes. Once again, were back, zigzagging through the trees. After a quick mile and half, you break from the trees and fully witness the majesty that is the Olympics. You have a 360 degree view of the mountains. It’s one of those views you never tire of. Now that we had broken from the trees, the fun begins again. The snow was still covering much of the trail in the higher elevation. Instead of switch backing your way up, it’s a straight climb up the snow and hillside to try and avoid most of the snow. Once you make your way past, you’ll reach the saddle below Iron Mountain. You can see for miles. It was when we were reach the top of the saddle, we realized that reach Charlia lakes was out of the question. Seeing how much snow was still covering the area to the south of Marmot pass, we decided to have a shorter day, and camp on the saddle. That’s okay though. From our tent we could see Seattle, Mount Rainier, Adams, and St Helen’s.
The next morning was an uneventful one. We packed up and headed straight back down to the car. There were swarms of day hikers and the weekend was approaching. We thought it would be best for us to just pick up camp and head back home. We did make it back to the car in just over 2 hours.
Spring Has Sprung
It felt like just the other day we had below freezing temperatures and snow. Now every day is almost 60 degrees, and we have 12 hours of daylight!
To me, it’s a welcome sign. I am so ready to get my backpacking gear out and head into the mountains to get away from it all.
Recently we got away for the day to wander around the forest. I made a few photographs that day. Two of which I was very fond of.
The warm morning light of spring was falling through the forest. I have missed this sort of light in the forest. It feels like it has been ages since I have been out in it.
This last one is a three image panorama of Ranger Hole. This was the first time I have ever stopped in here over the years. Usually I am passing it early in the morning heading to a secret spot I found years ago. Probably the best spot for sunrise in the Olympics is hidden nearby here. I’ll show you that later..
In other news I am working on launching a print store on here. The Prints navigation will now take you to the storefront where a few different sets of photographs are available. I will be adding more and more to it as time goes on.
Mount Walker
The day before going on a hike I am one of those people who constantly refreshes NOAA.gov to watch the weather for where I am going. I can’t help it. It’s the skier in me. I have to know.
I woke up at 6 AM. Not only that, but I hopped on my phone to once again refresh NOAA and check the weather one last time. 45 °F and mostly sunny was the forecast. I grabbed my backpack loaded up with my camera gear and day hiking gear then headed to my truck to warm it up. Hitting the road from Port Orchard it was a cold foggy morning until we reached the Hood Canal Bridge. Once we took the left onto the bridge the Olympic Mountains were out in full glory with the golden morning sun falling on them.
F-Stop Loka UL
After getting to the trailhead of Mount Walker there was a thin layer of mist lying across the valley. We loaded up and hit the trail. It was also my first hike with my new day hiking/camera bag; the F-Stop Loka UL. Watch for a review after I have taken it out a few more times. About 20 minutes into our hike we had gained just enough elevation to see over the trees and across the valley to see Mount Townsend. I was pretty excited about that. What I really wanted to do this day was make a large panoramic photograph from the summit of Mount Walker
The forecast definitely changed from mostly sunny. Heavy fog rolled in and the lightest snowfall started to fall on us. As much as I wanted a beautiful sunny day I will never turn down a snowy day in the forest. The trail only had a small amount of slush and ice from the last storm system that moved through. Days of warmer temperatures and rain washed away most of it. Around the 1800’ level, there was a solid layer of snow and ice. Which the snow that was falling started to pile on top of. The rest of the hike was a steep push through the snow and ice to the top.
The last push to the top.
Google Pixel 4XL+Lightroom Mobile.
Upon reaching the summit we were treated to one incredible view..
North Viewpoint
Google Pixel 4XL+Lightroom Mobile
No, it wasn’t quite the view we had been hoping for, but you can’t always get the exact conditions you hope for. All that matters was we got out and enjoyed the day in the snow. I did get my camera out to take one photo while on the hike. It’s had 3 versions of it already in its 72 hours of existence. This was the one that I have settled on for now. We decided to hike the road out to add more distance on our hike. The whole way down I was watching how the mist would float through the trees. I couldn't stop staring at them. After watching the trees and looking for a composition I liked I had finally found one I truly enjoyed.
Morning Mist
I still have a couple of limited edition metal prints for sale over on my shop. Go take a look!
Glacial Memories
Amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine, I've had the opportunity to delve into my archives. Revisiting older work with a fresh perspective has been a delightful experience. Recently, I've been reflecting on my Alaska photos, inspired by my work on a moody, dark forest scene. I pondered how I could infuse a similar sense of cold and darkness into those Alaska photos to enhance their overall atmosphere.
If you ever come across a photo on my website that catches your eye and you want a print of it, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Fall In The West
The fall here in North Idaho has been off to an interesting start. During our first week of fall, we had our first snow of the season. Trust me, I didn’t believe the forecast at all. Even though the die-hard skier in me was hoping it was going to be true. A few days after reading that we woke up and looked out the window to see high up in the mountains the trace of white on the treetops. Seeing the first snow is one of my favorite things. To top it all off Silver Mountain was having their first annual Cidefest in the Mountain Haus. We had the perfect excuse to go up the mountain for Ciderfest, we had to go play in the first snow.
During the brief little bit of time fall has been here the colors have been changing fast. on the daily drive, I see the colors growing more vibrant every single day. Which means I need to head up into the mountains and cover some ground on foot. It’s time to make some new photographs of this fall while I can. We’ve been able to go paddleboarding. Explore some of the gulches around the valley. A little bit of fall car camping, and a few delicious Bloody Marys at Quinns Hot Springs. Until I can get out and photograph more of the fall here are a few photos from this fall so far.
My Favorite Photograph
For any photographer choosing a favorite image is always a struggle. It feels like it’s the next one that will be the best, or it’s the one that missed and could never get out of your mind. For me, I keep looking back at a photograph I made in 2015 at a lake in the Olympic National Forest. A place that near and dear to me. I couldn’t tell you how much time I have spent in that forest over the years. I’ve come to know where almost every forest road leads to and where it ends.
Over year’s I began to fall in love with a small lake located there named Spider Lake. I’ve spent many nights camping near the lake. The lake is nestled right next to a Forest Service road but as you drive along you would almost never notice it. It’s set deep behind a massive row of evergreen trees. As you head down the road you will see a small pull off. High up in a tree there’s a small sign that reads Spider Lake. Once you park there is a trail that heads straight down the slope to the lake and proceeds around the entire lake weaving in out from the shore and through an ancient grove of cedars.
Throughout the days I have spent there I always woke up too late or wasn’t there for the one photo I always wanted to make. I woke up one morning early and saw a small layer of fog sitting on the lake, and the water was perfectly still. There was a perfect mirror reflection. I took a photo with my phone but I knew that wasn’t enough. Over the course of a few months, I kept going back to the lake hoping to see that again. Finally, on a mild winter afternoon around 4 pm, I was hiking along the lake and the fog was back. After so many attempts I was finally able to make the photograph I had been wanting to make for months.
Spider Lake, Olympic National Forest, Washington.
Spring Break
Jessica at the lower falls.
Spring break has come and gone. I’ve settled into my final quarter at Spokane Falls Community College. I’ve been working on getting my A.A.S. in Photography as some of you know. Though, this quarter is going to be a bit more difficult. At the end of my spring break I was doing some spring skiing. I took a very hard spill and ended up tearing a piece of my shoulder, again. This is now my fourth labral tear in my right shoulder. Upcoming is my fifth shoulder surgery. That’s definitely adding a little more of challenge to the quarter.
For the gram.
Over the break I returned to my hometown to spend some much needed time with old friends. I was able to spend most of that time in forests and get back to nature a little. Something I have not been doing enough of over in Spokane. Being back out in them added a little more spark to my creativity. Every time that I return to the forests around Western Washington it reminds me of why I fell in love with photography in the first place. There is something about those forests that always call me back.
Overall it was a good break from life in Spokane. Seeing good friends, making new friends, and spring skiing. What more could I ask for?
No place I’d rather be.
Elsie Lake
This morning I woke and the first thing I saw was that it wasn’t raining. I’ve been in Kellogg the last few days. I knew I wanted to crawl out of bed, make a cup of coffee and head to Elsie Lake outside of town. The last few days have been nothing but a downpour here in the Silver Valley.
Heading to Kellogg on Tuesday afternoon. Shot on DJI Mavic Air.
Fourth of July Pass, Idaho.
After packing up my truck with some camera gear I headed toward Elsie. The drive up Burke road is always fun. After passing the mines and into the forest you follow Big Creek up the valley. It is one of my favorite fall drives. As you ascend you will start to see the changing tamarack trees in the distance. In the sea of green they shine in the sunlight. Even when there is a lack thereof. Finally after driving almost the whole way to the lake I rounded a bend on the forest road and there it was… Snow. I was so excited. It was the first snow I have been in this season. It immediately had me excited for the ski season. After a little bit more driving I made it over the ridge and down into the lake below. I pulled into the parking area and got my drone out before the rain started back up again. I took a few photos on the drone and a couple videos. The video is for a project that I am starting to work on with my friend Nathan. More to come on that soon. We need some snow first. That’s a little hint to what it is, but that’s all I will say for now.
Looking down on the north side of Elsie Lake. Mavic Air.
After burning through one of the batteries for my drone I decided it was time to get my camera out and photograph a little more. I shot a few frames to make a large panorama of Elsie Lake. The panoramic photo I made is made up of 26 photos of the lake. The photo was processed through CaptureOnePro and then stitched together in Photoshop. I’m not sure if this is final photo or not yet. I see things that I want to change on it, as any photographer does after they’ve worked on a photograph. I will take a short break from it, and then come back to it to make those changes.
Elsie Lake, Idaho. Shot on Nikon D4 and Tamron 70-200 f/2.8. 26 Photos.