Pacific Northwest

Heather Meadows Recreation Area in winter

November 8, 2015November 14, 2022

North Cascades Winter

North Cascades Winter

Table Mountain North Cascades #1644b Purchase

This image of Table Mountain was made near the Mount Baker Ski Area during the record snowfall winter of 1998-99. That epic winter the ski area received a whopping 1140″ of snow. I couldn’t find out what the actual base was but it was enough to have people specially hired to dig out the lifts! It should be noted that this total is from November 1, 1998, to May 12, 1999.

If these statistics aren’t impressive enough you should also be aware that Mount Baker itself, would receive many times the amount of snow than the ski area. No wonder it is perhaps the snowiest glacier-cloaked peak in the lower 48 states.

Today however is a different story, the record year of 1999 is a distant memory. Last winter Northwest ski areas barely managed to keep open for a partial season. Due to unusually warm temperatures and little snow.

Since we are still in the grip of that same El Niño weather pattern the forecasts don’t look much better for this winter. But let us be optimistic, it’s only the second week in November. The mountains are already receiving snow from fall storms. Albeit in higher elevations and still a little warmer than normal.

In the meantime, I’m going to start scheduling some winter photo trips and getting my skis and other gear in shape!

Mount Baker in winter #47031 Purchase

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September 7, 2014November 21, 2023

Mount Baker Wilderness Heliotrope Ridge

Mount Baker Wilderness Heliotrope Ridge

Coleman Glacier, Heliotrope Ridge Wildflowers #54421 Purchase

Summer is nearly over, and now that we’re in that exciting pause before the coming fall season I have some time to catch up on a few posts I’ve been too busy to work on. If you’ve been following my updates you’ll know that most of the height of summer was spent close to home. Specifically the Mount Baker Wilderness of the North Cascades. Fortunately for me, this wilderness is only an hour or two drive from my home. Practically in my backyard. During the month of August, I photographed the following areas accessed via the Mount Baker Highway:

Church Mountain
Skyline Divide
Hannegan Peak
Heliotrope Ridge
Heather Meadows Recreation Area

Mount Baker from Heliotrope Ridge #54423 Purchase

During the last week of August, I was hoping to visit one more spot that might offer good displays of wildflowers. I almost forgot about Heliotrope Ridge. It has been around twelve years since my last visit. And it’s been twenty since I taught a weekend photography workshop there through the North Cascades Institute.

Heliotrope Ridge trail is extremely popular due to the easy and close access to views of the sprawling Coleman Glacier. And also because it is the start to one of the main climbing routes to the summit of Baker. Since I’ve been there before I knew that the best wildflower meadows were up high near the edge of the glaciers and snowfields. I also knew that I would have the place to myself if I went during the week. Sure enough, during my three nights on the ridge, I saw only one other person wandering around. The few climbing parties that set up camp stuck to the glaciers with eyes on the summit.

Heliotrope Ridge Wildflowers #54537 Purchase

The wildflowers of Heliotrope Ridge were markedly different from those on the hikes to Skyline Divide and Hannegan Peak. There I came across fields mainly of valerian, lupine, corn lilies, and heather, but on Heliotrope there was a greater variety of flowers with an emphasis on yellow arnicas. Also since this area is so close to Mount Baker it receives much more snow, therefore the plants had just escaped the confines of winter and began blooming in late August while other subalpine ridges in the area were already well past peak and had gone to seed.

Another thing to do aside from gawking at the views and wildflowers is to wander cross-country, there are no trails at this point. Going west along increasingly barren slopes of mixed volcanic rock and crumbly slate there are numerous rushing snowmelt streams. If you are prepared for steep snowfield/glacier travel then continue higher up to the actual crest of Heliotrope Ridge. Here the ridge consists of a wild display of volcanic cinders jagged blocks of andesite and lava bombs, looking like it just cooled yesterday. Even better though is the view from the ridge of seldom seen Thunder Glacier and basin below Colfax and Lincoln Peaks, this is truly a wild and lonesome area of Mount Baker!

Mount Baker climber camp on Heliotrope Ridge #54432 Purchase

Heliotrope Ridge Camp Mount Baker #54518 Purchase

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August 21, 2014November 14, 2022

North Cascades Photography

North Cascades Photography

North Cascades sunrise from Hidden Lakes Peak #54196 Purchase

What a great summer season for photography! Despite canceling my last trip in July to British Columbia, due to wildfires, I’ve been very busy adding lots of new images to my files. While waiting for the wildfire season to moderate I’ve returned to several of my favorite locations in the North Cascades. Since this is the height of summer in the mountains I selected some sub-alpine locations. Good displays of wildflowers and rugged vistas were my goal. These locations are mainly in North Cascades National Park, and the Mount Baker Wilderness.

Late July and August is the driest time of the year in the Northwest. It also has the most predictable weather. Sometimes though this means the weather can be a little too good, with empty blue skies. Great for outdoor activities, but not the greatest for photography. Fortunately my timing was spot on and in a few days I was treated to some fantastic lights shows in the mornings and evenings.

Mount Baker from Skyline Divide #54244 Purchase

For now I’ll just post some image highlights from the first few locations since I still have tons of editing and processing to do. I also have another summer trip planned to a very exciting new location. That one will put the brakes on any further posts for a few weeks. Stay tuned, and don’t forget that prints and commercial licensing are available for all of these photos!

Pink Heather North Cascades Sunset #542154 Purchase

Mount Shuksan from Skyline Divide #54238 Purchase

Backcountry Camp on Hidden Lake Peak #54229 Purchase

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Marriott Basin, Coast Mountains British Columbia

January 27, 2013March 24, 2024

Marriott Basin Winter Photography

Marriott Basin Coast Mountains Winter Photography

Coast Mountains Sunset British Columbia 50319 Purchase

Yesterday I finished editing and uploading all the new images from my recent Marriott Basin Coast Mountains Winter Photography trip in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. On this trip, I was honored to be accompanied by Vancouver Photographer Adam Gibbs. I don’t know if Adam somehow brought along a good measure of luck since we enjoyed several outstanding displays of light during our stay.

Marriott Basin has been on my must-visit winter list for several years now. However, it has been routinely put off due to poor snow and weather conditions. This year, following a series of storms, forecasts showed an extended period of good weather. I knew it was time to make the trip.

Wendy Thompson Hut Marriott Basin British Columbia 50424 Purchase

Skiing to the Wendy Thompson Hut in Marriott Basin

The base camp for this trip was to be the Wendy Thompson Hut, operated by the Whistler section of the Alpine Club of Canada. Wendy Thompson was a ski patroller and paramedic. She died tragically in 1995 at the age of 33 in a Medivac flight crash in the Queen Charlotte Islands. As a memorial and legacy to Wendy, her parents, and the ACC worked with volunteers to build this hut.

I routinely use skis to access many winter backcountry locations, but I’m not the most graceful or competent skier. Especially when carrying a multi-day pack loaded down with camera gear! Since we were staying at a hut I didn’t need to pack a tent or a few other items, however, my pack was still heavy with camera gear and extra winter clothing. Fortunately, due to several parties exiting the hut the day before we arrived, we didn’t need to break the trail through deep snow.

Wendy Thompson Hut Marriott Basin British Columbia 50328 Purchase

The first mile or so is easy, traveling along a summer access road. Soon after the road ends the real work begins. Almost immediately the route tackles a steep forested headwall. This section is hard enough in summer, but in deep snow with a heavy pack and skis, it becomes a grueling task. Sooner than it seems the grade eases up and the forest begins to open up. From here to Lower Marriott Lake there are several areas of possible avalanche danger.

At the head of Lower Marriott Lake is the last steep section to climb before reaching the hut. After several hours of hard work, the sight of the hut is a welcome relief!

Winter Alpenglow over Marriott Basin British Columbia 50319 Purchase

Evening Photography at Marriott Basin

Upon arriving at the hut, settling in, and quenching our thirst with hot drinks, it was time to scout out nearby photo locations. When we started earlier in the day the sun was shining in a blue sky with a few wisps of high-altitude clouds. However by the time we arrived at the hut clouds had moved in, turning the sky a solid grey. Fortunately, within a few minutes of checking out possible locations, the sun broke briefly through the clouds. The surrounding peaks were wearing a warm glow, and I knew it was time to get to work. I quickly managed to find a knoll close by that afforded an unobstructed view of the basin and peaks with some good foreground material to work with.

After setting up the first few photos it became apparent that the clouds were beginning to dissipate to create all the elements for an epic sunset and alpenglow. I quickly got into the zone and worked hard at composing as many different images as possible. Considering all the cloudless smoke-hazed locations I experienced last August and September this was payback time in a big way!

Marriott Basin ski touring 50336 Purchase

Touring Upper Marriott Basin

The next day Adam and I went on a short ski tour to explore the upper basins above the hut. Shortly above the hut the terrain enters a true alpine landscape with wide open views in all directions. Carrying only a day pack on mostly hard-packed snow the skiing was very pleasant, and I took my time to enjoy it all! In summer this area is filled with endless boulder fields and small lakes. However, in winter this is all covered in snow, which the wind has blown into beautiful shapes and patterns.

Marriott Basin ski touring 503353 Purchase

Winter sunset over Mount Rohr #50381

Later in the day the light once again put on a grand display. The clouds on this evening appeared stacked in layers as the setting sun illuminated them. This time I worked mainly with short to medium telephoto compositions to close in on the clouds behind the ridges so as not to duplicate the wide-angle photos from the first evening.

If You Go

The hut in Marriott Basin is a little less than 5 miles in with around 1600′ elevation to gain. The trailhead to the hut is at Cayoosh Pass about an hour northeast of Whistler. You must contact the ACC of Whistler to reserve a place for a nominal fee. They will also provide you with access details.

The hut is heated by a wood stove and is equipped with pots, pans, and eating utensils. However, you’ll need to provide your own stove and fuel to cook with. There is also electricity via solar panels and even USB outlets. Make sure you bring a good winter sleeping bag, in case there is no wood left for the stove or enough bodies to heat the hut.

In winter backcountry skis, snowshoes, or split-boards are your best options. Skinny cross-country skis are not a good option. Also, carefully consult the most recent avalanche reports before you go.

It also should be noted that the entire area surrounding Marriott Basin offers excellent ski touring opportunities. While this trip was primarily for landscape photography, there are countless downhill runs for skiers to explore. Everything from safe and easy, to life-threatening expert lines. An excellent map of the area is available through Backcountry Skiing Canada.

Marriott Basin Coast Range British Columbia 50356