Monthly Archives: July 2016

Hiking to Franklin Falls – Excerpts from a Photo Shoot

Just a relatively short drive east of Seattle on Interstate 90, up into the Cascades and past North Bend, Washington is Franklin Falls. Hiking the trail to Franklin Falls is a relatively easy day hike. The entire trail is 2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of only 400 ft. The trail follows the south fork of the Snoqualmie River just below Snoqualmie Pass. As the trail skirts the river canyon, you are treated to beautiful views of the river below with its mountain stream pools and rapids. As you reach the falls, the trail cuts out of the woods and descends into the canyon. The falls are located at the high end of a box canyon. There are actually three falls dropping a total of 135 feet with the last fall (the only one visible from the trail) comprising 70 feet of that total. The first shot gives you a good perspective of the last waterfall dropping into the canyon.

Franklin Falls 1

This second shot focuses on the waterfall itself…

Franklin Falls 2

…and this last shot was taken by just turning around from the prior capture and looking down the rugged river canyon. You can tell it’s a popular spot with the number of people enjoying this incredible display of nature’s beauty.

Franklin Falls 3

Thoughts?

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South Fork Snoqualmie River Hiking – Excerpts from a Photo Shoot

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As mentioned a few posts ago, my wife and I headed up to Seattle to visit our youngest daughter and her fiancé. I had talked about the real purpose of the trip, which was to pick out a wedding dress with all of the “yes to the dress” hoopla that entails for the ladies. During their big outing, I thought it would be a great opportunity for the guys to go hiking, which I love to do…especially in in the Pacific Northwest. Over the course of the next few posts, I want to share what I think are some of my best shots from a couple of different hikes.

Before I get into the hiking photos, I do need to share one of the true highlights of that trip. After the ladies had done a day of wedding dress shopping, my daughter had narrowed it down to one particular dress. She didn’t want to give her final “yes” until she had shown it to her dad. So, the day before we came back to Phoenix, her and my wife took me to the bridal shop and had me sit down while she tried it on. When she came out in her dress, tears pooled up in my eyes. In front of me stood our youngest daughter representing our last wedding from our three girls. Needless to say, I was blown away. The dress was made for her (as were the others for her respective sisters). Stunning doesn’t even begin to describe it…..it was one of those life moments that will stick with me forever. I am a very blessed man.

Thanks for letting me share that, now some hiking shots. These three shots come from a hike near North Bend, Washington, in the Cascade Mountain Range. The hike itself was along the South Fork Snoqualmie River (say that one real fast). All three photos are taken from the same spot, just changing composition and zoom slightly. I would like your feedback on which of the three you like the best and why.

South Fork Snoqualmie River 1

South Fork Snoqualmie River 2

South Fork Snoqualmie River 3

Thoughts?

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Mauve Orchid Blooms – Featured Art Print

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Rattlesnake Ledge – Excerpts From a Photo Shoot

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I love to hike and since it’s summer here in the desert, hiking is limited due to the heat. We are headed up to Seattle this weekend for a visit with our youngest and her fiancé. The trip will include wedding dress shopping for the ladies and hiking for the guys (camera in hand always). One of my favorite hiking trails is Rattlesnake Ledge. The trailhead is located by Rattlesnake Lake not to far from North Bend, Washington. I love the sheer beauty of the Central Cascades and this trail certainly contains that. I have attached three shots from a hike a few years back that will give you an idea what I am talking about.

The first shot is the beginning and the end of the trail. Look down at the lake and you see the parking lot? That is where the trailhead starts. A couple of hours and about a 1200 foot elevation gain and you are on these rocks over-looking the lake. The ledge itself is much larger than depicted in this picture with numerous rock formations like this around the ledge. All told there has always been about 50+ people on the ledge whenever I have been there and yes, it’s busy with people, but not crowded.

Rattlesnake Ledge 1

The other two shots come from viewpoints along the way. Your hike is mostly in dense forest, with an occasional viewpoint as you make your way up. Stunning country and a beautiful hike.