Photography from the Pacific Northwest

"Fall at the Lower Falls"
This image is of the Lower Falls of the Lewis River in Skamania County, Washington.  This location has become one of my very favorites in Washington State.

"Fall in Japan"
This image was captured at the Japanese Garden in Seattle and features an old Japanese Maple Tree in its prime flashing its glorious fall colors.

"The Redneck Yacht Club"
This image was captured near Humptulips in Grays Harbor County, Washington.  My wife Leona insisted that I photograph this location as we passed by. So at her request I returned and took a few shots.  I actually returned several months later and captured this image.  I think this image speaks volumes.  It's humorous and beautiful at the same time.

"The Neon Project"
A few years ago Forrest and Amy Cooper undertook the "Neon Project" in Shelton, WA.  The Mission was to restore the old non working neon signs in downtown Shelton to their original glory.  The Ming Tree was one of those signs.  Thank you Cooper Family for a job well done.

"The Lower Falls of the Lewis River"
Located deep in the heart of the Cascade Mountains in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest the Lower Falls is among many on the Lewis River and is certainly the most beautiful.

"The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse"
The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse was built in 1856 and was lit with a first order fresnel lens.  It was also equipped with a fog bell that was often inaudible due to the churning surf.  The lighthouse demonstrated shortcomings in this dangerous area and was subsequently replaced by the North Head Lighthouse nearby. 

"Fan Wave at Cape Disappointment 8235"
During times of extreme surf unique wave patterns occur that boggle the mind.  This is one of my favorite "fan waves."

"Big Waves at Cape Disappointment 8313"
The top of the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse stands 174 feet above sea level.  On this day in January, 2018, 24 foot waves came crashing in providing bystanders with a spectacular if not dangerous show.  Since the Park Service closed the road to vehicular traffic because of debris that had been washed up into the road the night before, we had to hike to the parking lot of Waikiki Beach.  I arrived about 2 hours before high tide.  The surf was raging and the debri on the beach would rise then settle down as the water receded.  However as the tide rose a big wave actually came crashing into the parking lot.  No one was hurt, but one photographer lost some expensive equipment.  The Park Service immediately closed the parking lot to all traffic until the tide receded adequately to ensure safety.

“Mt Rainier Under the Stars"
Mt Rainier is the most majestic Mountain in the Cascade Range.  It is often photographed in the daytime, but is also spectacular under the stars as well."

“Matlock Milky Way Too”
Each time I have passed by this old tree I marveled at its odd shape.  One day I realized that facing south I would be able to photograph it with the Milky Way in the Background.  Although western Washington has a lot of light pollution and prevents Milky Way photography in most instances.  This tree and this location were perfect.  This images differs from the first in this series in that I light painted the tree.  It's hard to decide which is the better image.

"Old Tractor and the Maple Tree"
In the fall of 2012 I ran across this old tractor parked under a maple tree. While not at the end of its life it has certainly seen its share of hard work over the years.  Like the tree it sits under, it is in the Autumn of it's life.  Both the tree and the old tractor while old and worn, were still magnificent and beautiful.

"Summer Sunset on Hood Canal"
Along Hood Canal you can look across and see the Olympic Mountains.  Sunsets on Hood Canal are very often colorful and magnificent.

"We're Coming for You"
Criminals Beware.  If you think you are bad and will not be taken.  Think again.  The Mason County Sheriff's Office Regional SWAT Team is coming for you . . .and you will go.  From left to right: Deputy Nathan Birklid, MCSO; Officer Bret Fish Squaxin Island Police Department;, Brandon Heggie, Medical Officer FPD #5; Sgt. Travis Adams, MCSO; Deputy Mike Western, MCSO; Deputy Tim Ripp, MCSO; and Deputy Trevor Clark, MCSO

"Seattle Skyline from Kerry Park"

This is the place people go to appreciate the skyline of downtown Seattle. For this early evening image, Mt Rainier made a spectacular appearance for all to appreciate. We are truly blessed to live in the great Pacific Northwest.

 Late Fall at Mt. Shuksan, North Cascades, Washington State 

  "Rush Creek in the Spring"

This image was captured in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in 2011. I was in the area with the intention of photographing the Lower Falls of the Lewis River when I ran across this beautiful scene. I was so taken by the area I stayed quite a long time then returned the next year. 

Autumn at Multnomah Falls

Spectacular Multnomah Falls is the largest and most magnificent waterfall on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge.  It is located near Interstate 84 and serves as an icon of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.  Of course Fall is the best time to see it, but there is no bad time to visit and walk the trail to the top of the falls.

"Shelton Harbor Reflection"

This calm fall day with no wind and calm waters presented an excellent opportunity to catch a moment of beauty at the Shelton Yacht Club.

"Thursday Afternoon at Kerry Park"

  This is the place people go to appreciate the skyline of downtown Seattle.  For this early evening image, Mt Rainier made a spectacular appearance for all to appreciate.  We are truly blessed to live in the great Pacific Northwest.

"Snoqualmie Falls " 

 Snoqualmie Falls is an icon of the Pacific Northwest possessing a unique beauty.  This image of the falls taken late on a spring afternoon captures its beauty and demonstrates why people from miles away come to enjoy it.

Cannon Beach is one of the most iconic an d beautiful locations on the Oregon Coast.  In this scedne we see the sun setting with beauiful colors behind the iconic stacks feaured by tured by Cannon Beach

“The Deyette Road Barn”

 This old red barn is located in the Skokomish Valley in Mason County, Washington.  The beautiful field of flowers inspired this image one sunny summer morning.

"Mount Rainier Sunset"
As you travel from Shelton to Union along the McCreavy Road, there is one little spot that you can clearly see Mount Rainier.  On this particular evening I was out looking to take a nice image and I rolled up on the summit of Mount Rainier glowing. What a special treat.

This beautiful Snowy Ow. sits on a branch surveying his domain in hopes of spotting his next mea

"The Transition of Mt. St. Helens" 

On May 18, 1980, the eruption of Mt St Helens caused death and destruction to everything within a 10 mile radius.  The devastation made one think of an atomic explosion.  Thirty Seven years later, forests, animals and plant life have returned as illustrated in this photograph.

"Christine Falls" 

 Christine Falls is one of the many waterfalls that can be found in Mt. Rainier National Park.  Its beauty is framed by a stone faces bridge passing over the creek.

"The Cedar Creek Grist Mill"  

The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is currently the only operating grist mill in the state of Washington.  It operates strictly on waterpower.  It was rededicated and became operational again on November 11, 1989, after deteriorating for many years.  It was opened in 1876.

"Multnomah Falls-"

Spectacular Multnomah Falls is the largest and most magnificent waterfall on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. It is located near Interstate 84 and serves as an icon of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Of course Fall is the best time to see it.   

Firey Sky at Lake Cushman 

 I caught this fiery sky at Lake Cushman early this spring.  Lake Cushman is nestled in the Olympic Mountains just northwest of Hoodsport. Washington. This wonderful lake provides power to the City of Tacoma and countless recreational opportunities to us all.

"Enjoying the Sunset" 

This last summer I went up to Point Wilson to photograph the lighthouse.  As it turned out there was much more there to photograph than just the lighthouse.  I was lucky enough to catch this little seagull standing on the rocks watching the sun go down.  I think I enjoyed him watching the sunset as much as he did.

"Skokomish Barn Reflection"

 The residents of the Skokomish Valley are not strangers to flooding.  In the early morning after the river receded, all that was left was standing water in places.  One of those pools produced this sublime reflection.

“The Satsop Silo"

 Along the old route between Elma and Montesano near the little community of Satsop is this old wooden silo.  As it stands magnificently alone in this field, it reminds us of a simpler time.

In April of 1980, Mt St Helens had awoken with earthquakes, small ash eruptions, and a big bulge in the side of the mountain.  A friend and I flew in a  Cessnaa 172 down to the mountain to take a look. The FAA hasdestablished a no fly zone within 10 miles of the summit.  As we circled the volcano, we witnessed this eruption.  O giI guess you know this waste a thrill to experience this eruption and get to photograph it too. 

"The Lonely Oak"

This stately old oak stands alone in a field near Satsop, Washington, at the end of a winter day. It waits stoically for the return of spring and the return of its leaves little realizing the beauty it displays here. 

"Wintertime for Tollie"

 Simpson Logging Company Engine #7, once named Ed Elliot, stands as a symbol to the glory days of logging in Mason County.  Tollie served Simpson until 1957 and was later placed on display in downtown Shelton at Brewer Park.  Today it and its caboose serve as headquarters for the Chamber of Commerce on Railroad Avenue in Shelton, WA.

"Attention Criminals" 

This art deco inspired building was completed in 1929 and has been dispensing justice to criminals since that time. This aging old structure still stands tall with a recent restoration on the outside.  People who work in this building have a special relationship with it, trying to reconcile its outside beauty with its age, size and its inability to house all of the officers, employees and citizens who use it on a daily basis. In this image Criminals are warned that their life may be changing very soon.

"A Stormy Day at the Mason County Courthouse" 

This art deco inspired building was completed in 1929 and has been dispensing justice to criminals since that time. This aging old structure still stands tall with a recent restoration on the outside.  People who work in this building have a special relationship with it, trying to reconcile its outside beauty with its age, size and its inability to house all of the officers, employees and citizens who use it on a daily basis.

"Last Light at the Narrows Bridge"

 The Tacoma Narrows Bridge as served as a Northwest Icon for over 75 years.  It has had quite a history with its collapse in 1940 and its rebuild being finished in 1950.  In 2007, the second span became operational because of increased population and traffic.  It still presents a beautiful and graceful addition to the Northwest landscape.  On this evening, I faced west toward the Olympic Mountains catching the light of the sunset and the traffic trails from the cars crossing both spans.

“Orcas in Hammersley Inlet”

 From time to time transient orcas while visiting Puget Sound, explore Hammersley Inlet.  This Orca was caught breaching just off Walker Park, near Shelton, Washington, in May of 2017

Waterfall near the Wynoochee

I was out exploring the back roads in the Olympic National Forest and ran across this beautiful waterfall near the roadway.

"Moonrise of Mason County" 

Most people do not think of a Moonrise as beautiful as a sunrise or sunset.  In this image I set out to change that perception.  I used a telephoto lens to bring the moon closer and enhance its detail.  This moonrise captures the rising moon as it elevates itself just above the tree line east of Oakland Bay.

 A Moment of Reflection 

This little female Mallard Duck pauses at the Mclane Creek Pond to reflect about the wonderful life she has here to be with her friends and raise her ducklings.

  "Early Morning on the Columbia"

Crown Point is the Crown Jewel of the Columbia River Gorge. This magnificent vista never ceases to reveal new and beautiful glimpses of the Columbia River Gorge and Beacon Rock. Each morning and each evening provides a new surprise.

  "The Great Blue Heron”

During the late summer of 2013 I was trying to photograph some of the local bird population at Capitol Lake in Olympia. I was specifically looking to capture a Great Blue Heron. These birds are very skittish. They are much less afraid of humans in this area because of the walking trails. I was very grateful to have encountered this handsome guy.

  "Portrait of a Happy Bear"

This contented old bear takes a look around and surveys his surroundings having finished a breakfast of nuts and berries. With a full stomach he is about to retire for a daytime nap.

"What are you Looking At?"

This little drake was sitting on a railing surveying the pond when suddenly he looked back at me with an apparent attitude. I was lucky enough to catch his expression. Priceless!

"The Angry Lynx"

This beautiful little native cat is not happy, for I have disturbed him by transgressing into his territory. I took his warning seriously, snapped the shutter a couple of times and left without incident.

 "Commencement Bay at the Golden Hour"

Tacoma, Washington, is blessed by Puget Sound on one side and Mt. Rainier on the other side. In this image I was able to capture it all.

"Dalby Waterwheel"

The Dalby Waterwheel has been an icon of Mason County for over 100 years. It now sits quietly nestled among the tress along Highway 106 near the Alderbrook Resort. 

"Eagles Standing Watch"

November and December on the Skagit River is the time for the Salmon Run but it’s also the time the bald eagles come to feed on the dying salmon. Here a pair of bald eagles stand watch for their next meal.

"Haystack Rock Glows"

Haystack Rock is the icon of the Oregon Coast located at Cannon Beach, Oregon.  Lewis and Clark visited this iconic and gorgeous location.  Since that time people have flocked here to enjoy the scenery of the Oregon Coast.  on this particular evening my wife, Leona, and I enjoyed watching the sky change color as the sun settled in the west.

"Early Evening Miracle at Tipsoo Lake"

Tipsoo Lake is one of the many lakes around Mt. Rainier.  It is a truly sublime place that changes every time I pass it.  On this particular evening my wife Leona and I were privileged to witness God perform this miracle of beauty at Tipsoo Lake.  I think you will agree.

"Condemned"

A guilt ridden man, brought to justice after a lifetime of crime will atone for his crimes.  The consequences of his choices will be paid for one day at a time for many years to come.  This image was taken in 2012, in the old Mason County Jail located on the third floor of the Mason County Court House.

“Night time at the Log Monument”

This image is a unique view of the old sawmill band saw wheel located on the hill overlooking the Shelton Waterfront.  The viewer looks through the past and into the present as traffic and time pass.