The Tatoosh Range from Mazama Ridge
2012
Snowshoers on Mazama Ridge
Hoar frosted trees on the slopes of Mount Rainier
We have many pictures of this stump which seems to get prettier and more interesting each time we visit it! It is located in the campsite after the bridge crossing of the Gray Wolf River. This is a closeup of the picture Bob took which shows the variety of plant life above the fungi.
Looking toward Cleman Mtn from Oak Creek area
One of the many small waterfalls along the coal creek trail near Cougar Mountain.
Almost at the summit of a very snowy Mailbox Peak
On the shores of the Pacific near Cape Dissapointment
Monument in Deception Pass State Park, Bowman Bay, to the Civilian Conservation Corps workers.
Civilian Conservation Corps dedication plaque to the CCC workers in Washington State. Bowman Bay CCC camp, Deception Pass State Park.
Hiking down the trail
Bridge and river from summit of Rattlesnake Ridge, Mt. Stewart on the horizon
View from the ridge on Rattlesnake Dance Ridge, great view of snow capped mountain range from the dessert canyon
Morning sun on Mt. Index as hikers approach Lake Serene. The lake nestles at the base of the mountain.
With the crazy rain we have had lately, my family and I decided to go check out the "Falls" and see what the voluminous rain had done to our local creek that is normally not much more than a dribble - - what a suprise awaited us! Normally the Ludlow Falls is a 1.25 mile loop (perfect for the family when letting the 2 year old walk it on his own!), however due to the recent heavy rains, part of the trail has washed out, and now you can go in either end of the loop, just not complete the loop. We walked our way in, and our little creek had become a raging class 5 (according to my 9 year old) rapid - - well, we can dream anyway - but it was beautiful to say the least.
This was my first hike of the year and what a perfect start to the season. We left Everett at 5:30am to get to the trailhead around 6:30am. I always get to the trailhead as early as possible. You get the most dramatic and beautiful shadows in the early morning sun. I also don't mind the solitude of the early morning. We only saw one other hiker on our way down.
A Blue Heron hunting for food in The Skagit Wildlife Rereation Area on Fur Island.
Grass widow wildflowers are plentiful now at Snow Mountain Ranch. There are some unusual colored grass widow flowers like the one in this photo. Sagebrush buttercup, yellow bells, several varieties of desert parsley (lomatium), and sagebrush violet are at their peak.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival 2012
Upland Trail was full of purple on this week!