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Wyoming Venus and Pollux shine brightly in the skies over Lower Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park during astronomical twilight. Steam rises up from Celestine Pool as Fountain Geyser and other geysers in the Fountain Geyser Complex (such as Jet Geyser and Clepsydra Geyser) let off steam and erupt. Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/skyrise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0692_07122015.jpg Skyrise The Milky Way over Monument Mountain, Yellowstone National Park, Montana The Milky Way core rises into the sky above Monument Montana in Yellowstone National Park. Monument Mountain, Yellowstone National Park, Montana https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/midway-starlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0687_07122015_B.jpg Midway Starlight The Milky Way over the Firehole River and Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The spiral arm of the Milky Way rises over the Firehole River as airglow illuminates the skies above. Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/steamland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0683_20180604.jpg Steamland Venus setting behind Celestine Pool and Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Steam bellows from Celestine Pool in Yellowstone National Park's Lower Geyser Basin as as Venus sets in the night sky, sneaking behind the ridge in the distance. Celestine Pool, Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rising-in-the-dark-2/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0666_20180604.jpg Rising in the Dark Celestine Pool and the Fountain Geyser Complex of Lower Geyser Basin during Astronomical Twilight, Yellowstone National Park. Wyoming Steam rises from Celestine Pool and the Fountain Geyser Complex (Fountain Geyser, Jet Geyser and Clepsydra Geyser) as the stars shine brightly over Lower Geyser Basin during astronomical twilight. Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/night-bliss/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0721_07132015.jpg Night Bliss The Milky Way over Red Mountain, Yellowstone National Park, Montana The Milky Way core rises high into the skies above Red Mountain in Yellowstone National Park. Red Mountain, Yellowstone National Park, Montana https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/meeting-of-the-trees/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0718_07132015_B.jpg Meeting of the Trees The Aurora Borealis and Milky Way over Lodgepole Pines Pines, Yellowstone National Park, Montana The spiral arm of the Milky Way rises into the sky above Lodgepole Pines as the Aurora Borealis glows in the sky at the edge of the trees along the horizon. Northwest Section, Yellowstone National Park, Montana https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/paradise-ridge/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1585_07172015.jpg Paradise Ridge The Milky Way over the Madison River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Milky Way rises over Mount Haynes and the reflections in the Madison River as green airglow illuminates the night sky above. Madison River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/galactic-forest/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1588_07172015.jpg Galactic Forest The Milky Way over Lodgepole Pines, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The spiral arm of the Milky Way rises into the skies above Lodgepole Pines as airglow illuminates the night sky above. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lodgepole-eden/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0720_07132015_B.jpg Lodgepole Eden The Aurora Borealis and Milky Way over Lodgepole Pines and Black Butte, Yellowstone National Park, Montana The Aurora Borealis and Milky Way Spiral Arm rise into the sky above Black Butte and Lodgepole Pines in Yellowstone National Park. Northwest Section, Yellowstone National Park, Montana https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/night-splendor/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0732_07132015.jpg Night Splendor The Aurora Borealis over Firehole River and Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Aurora Borealis reflects off the waters of the Firehole River as Midway Geyser Basin spouts steam and water. Midway Gesyer Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/skyward/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0691_07122015.jpg Skyward The Milky Way over Monument Mountain, Yellowstone National Park, Montana The Milky Way core rises into the sky above Monument Montana in Yellowstone National Park. Monument Mountain, Yellowstone National Park, Montana https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wildwood/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0726_07132015.jpg Wildwood The Milky Way over Nez Perce Creek, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Milky Way Core rises high into the sky above Nez Perce Creek and Lodgepole Pines in Yellowstone National Park. Nez Perce Creek, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ghost/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0674_20180604.jpg Ghost Steam Rising from Red Spouter in Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Steam rises from Red Spouter in Yellowstone National Park's Lower Geyser Basin as the Milky Way begins to rise in the night sky above. Red Spouter formed after the 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake, which opened up a vent here. The hydrothermal features of Red Spouter change depending on he water table beneth the surface of Lower Geyser Basin. When the water table is high, it turns into a mud pot. When the water table is low, it reverts to a fumarole (seen in this photo). Red Spouter, Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ghost-in-the-darkness/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0670_20180604.jpg Ghost in the Darkness Venus Setting over Celestine Pool and the Fountain Geyser Complex of Lower Geyser Basin during Astronomical Twilight, Yellowstone National Park. Wyoming Steam rises from Celestine Pool and the Fountain Geyser Complex (Fountain Geyser, Jet Geyser and Clepsydra Geyser) as Venus sets over Lower Geyser Basin during astronomical twilight. Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/boiling-point/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0672_20180604.jpg Boiling Point Jupiter and Scorpius over Silex Spring and Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Steam rises from Silex Spring in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park while Jupiter and Scorpius shine brightly in the night sky as the Milky Way begins to rise. Silex Spring, Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/refracted/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0662_20180604.jpg Refracted Venus sets over Celestine Pool, Fountain Geyser and Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park. Wyoming Venus sets over Lower Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park during astronomical twilight as Pollux shines brightly above it. Steam rises up from Celestine Pool as Fountain Geyser and other geysers in the Fountain Geyser Complex (such as Jet Geyser and Clepsydra Geyser) let off steam and erupt. Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/black-mirror/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1580_07172015.jpg Black Mirror The Milky Way over Mount Haynes and the Madison River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Milky Way rises high into the skies over Mount Haynes and the Madison River as green airglow illuminates the skies above. Mount Haynes, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heavenly-rivers/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0727_07132015.jpg Heavenly Rivers The Milky Way over Nez Perce Creek, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Milky Way Core rises high into the sky above Nez Perce Creek in Yellowstone National Park as Perseid Meteors streak across the sky. Nez Perce Creek, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/woodland-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0719_07132015.jpg Woodland Glow The Aurora Borealis and Milky Way over Black Butte and Lodgepole Pines, Yellowstone National Park, Montana The Aurora Borealis and Milky Way Spiral Arm rise into the sky above Black Butte and Lodgepole Pines in Yellowstone National Park Northwest Section, Yellowstone National Park, Montana https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/faithful-starlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0668_07112015.jpg Faithful Starlight The Milky Way spiral arm rises over Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Old Faithful erupts as the Milky Way spiral arm rises into the sky while magenta from a faint Aurora Borealis begins to show on the horizon. Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/paradigm-shift/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0695_07122015_C.jpg Paradigm Shift Aurora Milky Way Sunrise, Yellowstone National Park, Montana The Milky Way spiral arm rises high into the sky above a rolling hillside while the greens of the Auroras fade, give way to blue colors as nautical dawn approaches in Yellowstone National Park. Northwest Section, Yellowstone National Park, Montana https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sky-dance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0731_07132015_B.jpg Sky Dance The Aurora Borealis and Andromeda Galaxy over the Firehole River and Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Aurora Borealis reflects off the waters of the Firehole River while the Andromeda Galaxy rises high in the sky above Midway Geyser Basin as it spots steam and water while the Milky Way spiral arm peaks out from behind the clouds. Midway Gesyer Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mysterious-reflections/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1587_07172015.jpg Mysterious Reflections The Milky Way over the Madison River and Mount Haynes, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Milky Way rises over Mount Haynes and the reflections in the Madison River as green airglow illuminates the night sky above. Madison River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/smoke-and-mirrors/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0729_07132015.jpg Smoke and Mirrors Firehole River Milky Way, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Milky Way Core rises above the clouds and into the sky above the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park. Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/radiant-starlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0728_07132015.jpg Radiant Starlight The Milky Way over the Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Milky Way Core rises high into the sky above the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park. Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/river-of-stars/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0724_07132015.jpg River of Stars The Milky Way over the Madison River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Milky Way Core rises high into the skies above the Madison River, faintly reflecting in the clear, crisp water of the river below. Madison River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/charmed/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0697_07122015_B.jpg Charmed Milky Way Sunrise over the Gallatin River, Yellowstone National Park, Montana The Milky Way spiral arm rises high into the sky above the Gallatin River while the greens of the Auroras fade, giving way to blue colors as nautical dawn approaches in Yellowstone National Park. Gallatin River, Yellowstone National Park, Montana https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/last-dance-first-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0745_20150713_B.jpg Last Dance, First Light The Aurora Borealis and Sunrise Glow over Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming A lone meteor streaks across the sky as the last remaining light of the Aurora Borealis dances in the skies above the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park. The last light of night fades and the first light nautical dawn begins to illuminate the morning skies. The last light of the Auroras reflects off the waters of the Firehole River from the Northwest as first light of the rising sun still far below the horizon reflects off the waters of the Firehole River from the Northeast as nautical twilight sets in. Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/purple-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0741_07132015_B.jpg Purple Magic The Aurora Borealis and Milky Way over Iron Spring Creek and Cliff Geyser, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Aurora Borealis reflects off the waters of Iron Spring Creek while the Andromeda Galaxy and Milky Way spiral arm rises high in the skies above Upper Geyser Basin. Water from Cliff Geyser glows as it flows into the creek while Spouter Geyser steams in the background, reflecting the colors of the Aurora Borealis from the skies above. Black Sand Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/phantom/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0730_07132015.jpg Phantom The Aurora Borealis and Andromeda Galaxy over Midway Geyser Basin and the Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Aurora Borealis reflects off the waters of the Firehole River while the Andromeda Galaxy rises high in the sky above Midway Geyser Basin as it spots steam and water while the Milky Way spiral arm peaks out from behind the clouds. Midway Gesyer Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/specter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0678-_90A0682_20180604.jpg Specter Steam Rising from Red Spouter in Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Steam rises from Red Spouter in Yellowstone National Park's Lower Geyser Basin as the Milky Way begins to rise in the night sky above. Red Spouter formed after the 1959 Hebgen Lake Earthquake, which opened up a vent here. The hydrothermal features of Red Spouter change depending on the water table beneth the surface of Lower Geyser Basin. When the water table is high, it turns into a mud pot. When the water table is low, it reverts to a fumarole (seen in this photo). Red Spouter, Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/hot-spot/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0711-_90A0712_20180604_16x20.jpg Hot Spot The Milky Way, Saturn and Scorpius over the Firehole River, Cascade Group, Westside Group and Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Milky Way Saturn and Scorpius rise into the skies above the Firehole River, the Cascade Group and the Westside Group of Geysers in Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park as airglow faintly illuminates the night sky. Firehole River, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/gateway/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1033_20180606.jpg Gateway The Milky Way, Saturn and Scorpius behind Roosevelt Arch, Yellowstone National Park, Montana The Milky Way and Scorpius rise behind Roosevelt Arch at the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner Montana as Saturn shines brightly through the arch opening. Roosevelt Arch, Yellowstone National Park, Montana https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/alive-at-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0697-_90A0708_20180604_stacked.jpg Alive at Night Milky Way, Saturn and Antares over the Firehole River Flood Geyser and Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, WyomingThe Milky Way as it rises over the Firehole River and Flood Geyser (part of the Flood Group of springs and geysers) in Midway Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. Near boiling water from Excelsior Geyser Crater pours down the slopes into the river, as airglow faintly illuminates the night sky. Firehole River, Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/verdigris/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5310_20140606.jpg Verdigris Sunset over Morning Glory Pool and Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The clear, orange, emerald and turquoise colored water of Morning Glory Pool reveals its deep chamber as sunset illuminates the storm clouds in the skies above. Cyclops Spring can be seen steaming on the hillside on the upper left, while Sentinel Geyser can be seen erupting behind the trees on the middle right. Morning Glory Pool, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/golden-steps/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0143_20180607.jpg Golden Steps Storm Clouds over Grassy Springs, Trail Springs and the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds roll in above the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, as Bacteria (Phormidium and Oscillatoria) create an orange colored mat in the thermal pools of Grassy Spring and Trail Springs on the travertine terraces of Yellowstone National Park. Upper Terraces, Mammoth Hot SpriaUpper Terraces, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/yellowstones-delight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3562-_90A356420140530_1.jpg Yellowstone's Delight Sunset over Lower Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunset bathes the skies over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Yellowstone River in soft pastel light as Lower Yellowstone Falls drops 308 feet over the cliffs in the late spring during the spring melt. Lower Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/firehole-sunrise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0823_20151117.jpg Firehole Sunrise Sunrise over the Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunrise ignites the skies above the Firehole River with color, reflecting warm hues in the water as it flows downstream. Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/floating-on-a-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0564_20150711.jpg Floating on a Dream The Cascades of the Firehole during Golden Hour, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Golden hour sunlight illuminates the clouds above and the rocks below as the Cascades of the Firehole on Firehole River flows downstream in Yellowstone National Park. Cascades of the Firehole, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/when-worlds-collid/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0108_20180607.jpg When Worlds Collid Mount Everts rises above Canary Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Mount Everts rises above the turquoise waters of Canary Spring and the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Mount Everts and Canary Spring, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/scars-of-the-past/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1451_20180610.jpg Scars of the Past Burnt Lodgepole Pines at Sunset; Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunset lights the clouds in the skies above a burnt Lodgepole Pine forest pink in Yellowstone National Park as the first colors of sunset come to life. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pastel-firehole-sunrise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0814_20150713_B.jpg Pastel Firehole Sunrise Sunrise over the Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park Sunrise lights the skies over the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park as a small tree, reminiscent of a Bonsai tree, grows from a rock in the middle of the river. Firehole River, Yellowstone NatiFirehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/washburn-gold/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3057_20140530.jpg Washburn Gold Golden Hour over Mount Washburn, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming A golden hue illuminates Mount Washburn, part of the Washburn Range in the Rocky Mountains, in Yellowstone National Park Mount Washburn, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/thermal-rust/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0129_20180607.jpg Thermal Rust Storm Clouds over Grassy Springs, Trail Springs and the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds darken the skies overhead as bacteria (Phormidium and Oscillatoria) create an orange colored mat in the thermal pools of Grassy Spring, Trail Springs and the travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Upper Terraces, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/long-flow-home/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3546_20140530_1.jpg Long Flow Home Lower Yellowstone Falls and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Lower Yellowstone Falls plunges 309 feet over cliffs into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone as sunset illuminates the skies above in a blanket of soft pastel light. Lower Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/serenitys-sunrise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0815_20150713.jpg Serenity's Sunrise Pink Sunrise over the Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Soft pastel colors illuminate the skies above the Firehole River at Sunrise in Yellowstone National Park, as the scene reflects in the water below. Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/orangesicle/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5143_20140606.jpg Orangesicle Clouds over Orange Spring Mound, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Travertine deposits form Orange Spring Mound, which is thermally cooler than most of the hot springs in Mammoth Hot Springs. Orange colored cyanobacteria thrive here in the cooler (approximately 170 degrees F) temperatures of this spring. Orange Spring Mound, Upper Terraces, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dueling-peaks/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3163_20140530.jpg Dueling Peaks Golden Hour over Dunraven Peak and Hedges Peak, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming A golden hue illuminates the clouds above Dunraven Peak and Hedges Peak of the Washburn Range in Yellowstone National Park. Dunraven Peak and Hedges Peak, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-meadows-brook/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2754-_90A275620140529_B.jpg The Meadow's Brook Lost Creek and Pleasant Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Lost Creek flows through the lush green meadows of Pleasant Valley as it makes its way towards the Yellowstone River. Pleasant Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-rivers-bend/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2965-_90A297120140530.jpg The River's Bend Calcite Springs and the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park. Wyoming The Yellowstone River weaves its way past Calcite Springs as it makes its journey through the lower end of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Calcite Springs gets its name from the milky white calcite crystals that adorn the walls of the canyon near the Yellowstone river. Calcite Springs, Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/trance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5346_20140606.jpg Trance Storm clouds at sunset over the Firehole River, Mortar Geyser, Fan Geyser, Spiteful Geyser and Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunset illuminates the storm clouds over the Firehole River, Morter Geyser, Fan Geyser and Spiteful Geyser (part of the Morning Glory Pool Group) in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park as god rays break through the clouds in the distance. Firehole River, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-isle/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5338_20140606.jpg Emerald Isle Sunset over Morning Glory Pool and Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storms clouds line the sky at sunset as the orange, emerald and turquoise colored water of Morning Glory Pool reveals its deep chamber. Cyclops Spring can be seen steaming on this hillside above. Morning Glory Pool, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/canary-terrace/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5797_20160608.jpg Canary Terrace Canary Spring, Yellowstone National Park Canary Spring in Yellowstone National Park gets its name from yellow color near the top of the spring. Water flows down the hillside creating an array of colors where different types of heat-resistant bacteria thrive. Canary Spring went dormant (for the 5th time in the park's history) in 2020 and remains dormant according to offical documentation. It may become active again but there is no way to predict when, making photos like this a piece of history until it springs can to life again. Canary Spring, Upper Terraces, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/stagger-step/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4493_20140604.jpg Stagger Step Spring Melt over Firehole Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Firehole Falls cascades 40 feet over the ledge as the Firehole River makes its way through Firehole Canyon in Yellowstone National Park. Firehole Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edge-of-darkness/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5270_20140606.jpg Edge of Darkness Storm clouds over Vent Geyser, Turban Geyser, Grand Geyser, Percolator Geyser, West Triplet Geyser and the Grand Geyser Complex of Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds darken the skies overhead as the Grand Geyser Complex erupts. Vent Geyser erupts 75 feet into the air as Turban Geyser erupts 20 feet. Steam bellows from the Grand Geyser pool, as Percolator Geyser, and West Triplet Geyser erupt. Old Faithful begins to steam in the background just before an eruption (the geyser erupting from the hill seen through the trees behind West Triplet). Rift Geyser's pool can be seen between Percolator and West Triplet in front of some trees. Grand Geyser Complex, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/uninvited/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0136_20180607.jpg Uninvited Storm Clouds over Grassy Springs, Trail Springs and the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds darken the skies overhead as bacteria (Phormidium and Oscillatoria) create an orange colored mat in the thermal pools of Grassy Spring, Trail Springs and the travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Upper Terraces, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/over-the-ledge-tower-falls-yellowstone-national-park/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A300420140530.jpg Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park Tower Creek runs through a small canyon as it drops 132 feet over the ledge into a canyon far below. Tower Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/writhing/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0022_20180607.jpg Writhing A Snag on Orange Spring Mound, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming A Snag at the edge of Orange Spring Mound near Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park Orange Spring Mound, Upper Terraces, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/eruption/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A464720140604.jpg Eruption Sunset over Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park Old Faithful erupts high into the air above Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sapphire-tiers/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A222020140529.jpg Sapphire Tiers Undine Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Undine Falls cascades 60 feet over a cliff along Lava Creek in Yellowstone National Park Undine Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/steam-horn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5258_20140606.jpg Steam Horn Grand Geyser, Turban Geyser, Vent Geyser and Upper Geyser Basin at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Warm hues at sunset begin to illuminate the storm clouds above as the Grand Geyser Complex erupts. Grand Geyser erupts 200 feet into the air while Vent Geyser erupts 75 feet into the air and Turban Geyser next to it erupts 20 feet. Geysers Visible (from left to right): Vent Geyser, Turbine Geyser and Grand Geyser. Grand Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/graceful-elegance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3431-_90A343220140530.jpg Graceful Elegance Spring Melt over Lower Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park Lower Yellowstone Falls and the Yellowstone River fall 308 feet over a 590,000 year old canyon Rhyolite lava flow in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone during the spring runoff. Lower Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/firehole-awakening/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0777_20150713.jpg Firehole Awakening Dawn over the Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Soft pastel colors illuminate the skies above the Firehole River at Sunrise in Yellowstone National Park, as the scene reflects in the water below. Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/grand-eruption/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1567_20180610_C.jpg Grand Eruption Grand Geyser Nautical Twilight, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Nautical twilight sets in over Grand Geyser in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park as it erupts 200 feet into the air. The first star of night begins to shine in the skies above as the blue hour draws to a close. With an eruption height of 200 feet, Grand Geyser is the tallest predicable geyser in the world. Grand Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/orange-slice/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0029_20180607.jpg Orange Slice Storm Clouds over Orange Spring Mound, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds roll in over Orange Spring Mound near near Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park as the skies begin to darken. Orange Spring Mound, Upper Terraces, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wild-waters/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0645-_90A0651_20150711.jpg Wild Waters Sunset over Kepler Cascades," Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Kepler Cascades on the Firehole River drops 50 feet at sunset as it rushes into a narrow gorge below. Kepler Cascades, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/beautiful-storm/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3471-_90A347320140530.jpg Beautiful Storm Storms over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunset illuminates the storm clouds over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park during the late spring. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/majestic-yellowstone/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3583-_90A358920140530_1.jpg Majestic Yellowstone Lower Yellowstone Falls at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park Sunset over the Yellowstone River illuminates the skies in soft pastel light as Lower Yellowstone Falls drops 308 feet over a 590,000 year old canyon rhyolite lava flow into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone below during the spring runoff. Lower Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/grand-yellowstone/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3647_20140530.jpg Grand Yellowstone Sunset over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunset casts a soft glow over in the skies above the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone as the Yellowstone River continues its journey downstream at the bottom of the canyon. Inspiration Point, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/grand-wiindow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5254_20140606_16x20.jpg Grand Wiindow Grand Geyser, West Triplet Geyser and Upper Geyser Basin Eruption, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Grand Geyser erupts towards the sky as West Triplet Geyser steams from a small eruption. Grand Geyser reaches heights of 200 feet during an eruption, while West Triplet Geyser reaches heights of 10 feet. Grand Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/gold-slide/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0008_20180607.jpg Gold Slide Storm Clouds over Orange Spring Mound, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds roll in over Orange Spring Mound near near Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park as the skies begin to darken. Orange Spring Mound, Upper Terraces, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/canarys-delight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0262_20180607.jpg Canary's Delight Canary Spring and the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Canary yellow filamentous bacteria lines the top of the travertine terraces of Canary Spring in Mammoth Hot Springs as the turquoise waters of the thermal pool let off steam. Canary Spring, Upper Terraces, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bonsai-of-the-firehole/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0806_20150713.jpg Bonsai of the Firehole Firehole River at Sunrise, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunrise lights the skies over the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park as a small tree, reminiscent of a Bonsai tree, grows from a rock in the middle of the river. Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/morning-revival/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0833_20150713.jpg Morning Revival Sunrise over Mount Haynes and the Madison River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunrise casts brilliant colors and a warm glow over the Mount Haynes and the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park as a new day begins. Mount Haynes and the Madison River, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/another-dimension/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5330_20140606.jpg Another Dimension Sunset over Morning Glory Pool and Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storms clouds line the skies above at sunset as the orange, emerald and turquoise colored water of Morning Glory Pool reveals its deep chamber. Morning Glory Pool, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/gold-rush/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3702_20140530.jpg Gold Rush Sunset over Lower Yellowstone Falls, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds roll in above the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Yellowstone River as Lower Yellowstone Falls drops 308 feet over the rhyolite cliffs and into the canyon below. Artist Point, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mystic-vapors/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5286_20140606.jpg Mystic Vapors Storm clouds at Sunset over Giant Geyser, Mastiff Geyser, Catfish Geyser, Bijou Geyser and Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds at sunset line the skies above the Giant Geyser Group (from L to R: Bijou Geyser, Catfish Geyser, Mastiff Geyser, and Giant Geyser) as steam pours out from the geyser vents below. Giant Geyser's sinter cone is one of the most spectacular cones among all geysers, measuring a 6 foot inner diameter and 12 feet in height. Giant geyser is also the 2nd tallest geyser in the world at 250 feet, but its eruption patterns are highly erratic (sometimes it goes weeks or even year between eruptions). Grotto Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rolling-thunder/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0122_20180607.jpg Rolling Thunder Storm Clouds over Grassy Springs, Trail Springs and the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds darken the skies overhead as bacteria (Phormidium and Oscillatoria) create an orange colored mat in the thermal pools of Grassy Spring, Trail Springs and the travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Upper Terraces, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/blue-portal/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/A_90A0621-_90A0627_20150711_3x1.jpg Blue Portal Sunset over Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park Sunset bathes the clouds in the sky with soft hues above Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park. Grand Prismatic Spring is the 3rd largest hot spring in the world. Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/things-change/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0150-_90A0255_20180607_4x1.jpg Things Change Canary Spring and the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Canary yellow filamentous bacteria lines the top of the travertine terraces of Canary Spring in Mammoth Hot Springs as the turquoise waters of the thermal pool let off steam. Canary Spring, Upper Terraces, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/canarys-goodbye/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0304-_90A0367_20180607_3x1.jpg Canary's Goodbye Canary Spring and the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Canary yellow filamentous bacteria lines the top of the travertine terraces of Canary Spring in Mammoth Hot Springs as the turquoise waters of the thermal pool let off steam. Canary Spring, Upper Terraces, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ace-of-spades/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0113-_90A0158_20150707_3x1.jpg Ace of Spades Storm Clouds at Sunset over Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds at sunset dump rain over the mountains far across Yellowstone Lake as light breaks through clouds, to illuminate part of the sky and part of the water in golden light. Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/spring-melt/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1781-_90A1787_20140527.jpg Spring Melt Kelper Cascades at Sunset during the spring melt, Yellowstone National Park Soft sunset colors glow in the skies above as water from the spring snow melt rushes down the Firehole River, dropping 50 feet over Kepler Cascades as it makes its way into the narrow gorge below. Kepler Cascades, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/tumbling-waters/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4500_20140604_1.jpg Tumbling Waters Firehole Falls during spring melt, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Firehole Falls cascades 40 feet over the ledge as the Firehole River makes its way through Firehole Canyon in Yellowstone National Park. Firehole Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/genie-in-a-bottle/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1583_20180610.jpg Genie in a Bottle Grand Geyser at Sunset in Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Grand Geyser erupts 200 feet into the air at sunset as the last light of day reflects off the water as it erupts in Upper Geyser Basin. Grand Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/vortex/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1557_20180618.jpg Vortex Grand Geyser at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above at sunset as Grand Geyser erupts 200 feet into the air. while light from the setting sun reflects off the water spray of the eruption. With an eruption height of 200 feet, it is the tallest predicable geyser in the world. Grand Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/meandering-flow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3496-_90A350320140530_D.jpg Meandering Flow Upper Yellowstone Falls at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The Yellowstone River meanders through Yellowstone National Park as Upper Yellowstone Falls plunges 109 feet over the cliffs at the transition between rhyolite lava and glassy lava while sunset lights the skies above. Upper Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/roche-jaune/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3549_20150530.jpg Roche Jaune Sunset over Lower Yellowstone Falls, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Water rushes over Lower Yellowstone Falls during the spring melt as sunset casts a warm glow in the sky and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Roche Jaune is the name the early French Explorers gave to the area and the river. It translates to "Yellow Rock." Lower Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dying-of-the-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0412-20180607.jpg Dying of the Light Storm clouds over the Yellowstone River and Hayden Valley at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds fill the skies over the Yellowstone River and Hayden Valley at Sunset. The raging water from the spring melt and recent storms reflect a faint glow as the setting sun peaks through a small break at the edge of the squall line. Yellowstone River, Hayden Valley, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/painted-firehole/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0808_20150713.jpg Painted Firehole Sunrise Storm over the Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunrise lights the skies over the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park as a small tree, reminiscent of a Bonsai tree, grows from a rock in the middle of the river. Firehole River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bird-bath/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0276-_90A0290_20180607_2x1.jpg Bird Bath Canary Spring and the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Canary yellow filamentous bacteria lines the top of the travertine terraces of Canary Spring in Mammoth Hot Springs as the turquoise waters of the thermal pool let off steam. Canary Spring, Upper Terraces, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-last-unspoiled-place/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0187-_90A0194_20150707_2x1B.jpg The Last Unspoiled Place Sunset and Storm Clouds over Hayden Valley and the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The colors of sunset break through the storm clouds above Hayden Valley and the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park, as golden light reflects off the waters of the river as it meanders through the marshy terrain of Hayden Valley. Yellowstone River, Hayden Valley, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/canarys-canyon/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3478_20140530.jpg Canary's Canyon Sunset over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunset illuminates the storm clouds over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park during the late spring. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/into-the-mist/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3449-_90A345120140530.jpg Into the Mist Spring Runoff over Lower Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park Lower Yellowstone Falls and the Yellowstone River fall 308 feet over a 590,000 year old canyon Rhyolite lava flow in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone during the spring runoff. Lower Yellowstone Falls, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/faithful-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1475_20180610.jpg Faithful Magic Alpenglow on Old Faithful at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Old Faithful illuminates pink with alpenglow during an eruption at sunset in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming). Old Faithful's eruption can range from 106 to 184 feet, and can last anywhere from 1.5 to 5 minutes. Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/smoking-fortress/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1536_20180610.jpg Smoking Fortress Castle Geyser at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunset lights the skies behind Castle Geyser in Upper Geyser Basin at sunset, as the light from the setting sun illuminates the water spray from the geyser with a pink glow. Castle Geyser has a height of 90 feet during an eruption. Castle Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/blast/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5262_20140606.jpg Blast Storm Clouds above Grand Geyser, Turban Geyser, Vent Geyser and Upper Geyser Basin at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Warm hues at sunset begin to illuminate the storm clouds above as the Grand Geyser Complex erupts. Grand Geyser erupts 200 feet into the air while Vent Geyser erupts 75 feet into the air and Turban Geyser next to it erupts 20 feet. Geysers Visible (from left to right): Vent Geyser, Turbine Geyser and Grand Geyser. Grand Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowtone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/blowhole/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4640_20140604.jpg Blowhole Old Faithful at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Old Faithful erupts high into the air above Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cascading-wonders/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0638-_90A0644_20150711.jpg Cascading Wonders Kepler Cascades at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Kepler Cascades on the Firehole River drops 50 feet at sunset as it rushes into a narrow gorge below. Kepler Cascades, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/weeping-wall/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0390_20180607.jpg Weeping Wall Rustic Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Rustic Falls cascades 47 feet over columnar basalt cliffs in Yellowstone National Park during the spring melt. Rustic Fall, Golden Gate Canyon, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/steam-blast/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4643_20140604.jpg Steam Blast Old Faithful Sunset, Yellowstone National Park Light from the setting sun reflect off of Old Faithful as it erupts high into the air above Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park Old Faithful, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/water-twister/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1585_20180610_D.jpg Water Twister Grand Geyser at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunset illuminates the skies above Grand Geyser in Upper Geyser Basin as the light from the setting sun reflects off the water spray as Grand Geyser erupts 200 feet into the air. With an eruption height of 200 feet, it is the tallest predicable geyser in the world. Grand Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/golden-phantom/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5354_20140606.jpg Golden Phantom Storm clouds at Sunset over Grotto Geyser, Rocket Geyser and Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds light up at sunset as steam rises from Rocket Geyser (left) and Grotto Geyser (right). Grotto Geyser's unique shape is due to the geyserite coated tree trunks which help form its cone. The steam plumes from Bijou Geyser, Mastiff Geyser, Giant Geyser and the Giant Geyser Group can be seen behind the trees and boardwalk to the right. Grotto Geyser, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/earths-fury/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5278_20140606.jpg Earth's Fury A Rainbow Forms in Vent Geyser and Turban Geyser as a Storm Rages above Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds rage overhead as a rainbow forms in the 75 foot height erupting water of Vent Geyser, while Turban Geyser erupts to a height of 20 feet next it. Steam pours out from Percolator Geyser and West Triplet Geyser, while Grand Geyser (the largest member of the Grand Geyser Complex) has ceased erupting (though water in its pool is still visible next to Turban Geyser). Rift Geyser's pool can be seen in the back near the forest trees, visible between Percolator Geyser and West Triplet Geyser. The Grand Geyser Complex (geysers or their pools) visible from left to right: Vent Geyser, Turban Geyser, Grand Geyser, Percolator Geyser, Rift Geyser, West Triplet Geyser.Photographing Geysers outside of Old Faithful are always an exercise in patience. It paid off here as the storm clouds broke at just the right time, allowing a rainbow to form in the 75 foot high erupting waters of Vent Geyser. Turban Geyser (erupting to a height of 20 feet), Percolator Geyser, and West Triplet Geyser are all erupting as well. Timing was critical, it had to be that small window where they keep erupting after Grand Geyser stops, as the water spray from 200 foot Grand Geyser would be too great otherwise, washing out the view of these other geysers. Patience paid off, and I was greeted with a wonderful mix of light and shadows. The rainbow in the spray from Vent Geyser was a wonderful contrast with the storm clouds in the sky above. I've always loved how you can see the sunlight trying to illuminate some of the clouds at the edge of the storm. The entire scene was a beautiful reminder of the natural beauty of Earth, and of the unique beauty of Yellowstone. Grand Geyser Complex, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/angel-in-the-water/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4487_20140604_4.jpg Angel in the Water Gibbon Falls during Spring Flow, Yellowstone National Park Gibbon Falls cascades 84 feet down a slope along the Gibbon River as it makes it way towards the confluence with the Firehole River. Gibbon Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/end-over-end/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4498_20140604.jpg End Over End Firehole Falls Spring Flow, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Firehole Falls cascades 40 feet over the ledge as the Firehole River makes its way through Firehole Canyon in Yellowstone National Park. Firehole Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/awakening/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0824-_90A0830_20150713.jpg Awakening Sunrise over Mount Haynes and the Madison River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunrise casts brilliant colors and a warm glow over the Mount Haynes and the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park as a new day begins. Mount Haynes and the Madison River, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/tangerine-sunset/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0013_20150707.jpg Tangerine Sunset Hayden Valley at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunset casts a warm glow over the land, as faint sun rays shine through the clouds over Hayden Valley and the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone River, Hayden Valley, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/color-palette/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5705-_90A5711_NGM_20140608_1.jpg Color Palette Palette Spring, Yellowstone National Park Water flows down the hillside creating a palette of colors where different types of heat-resistant bacteria thrive. Palette Spring, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/aphrodites-playground/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0092_20180607.jpg Aphrodite's Playground Sunset over Aphrodite Terrace and the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Colors adorn the upper cliffs and formations of Aphrodite Terrace along the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park at sunset. Water collects in a small turquoise pool on the way down the travertine terraces. Aphrodite Terrace, Upper Terraces, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/creamsicle/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0001_20180607.jpg Creamsicle Storm Clouds over Orange Spring Mound, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds roll in over Orange Spring Mound near near Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park as the skies begin to darken. Orange Spring Mound, Upper Terraces, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/steam-bath/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0099_20180607.jpg Steam Bath Canary Spring and the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Canary yellow filamentous bacteria lines the top of the travertine terraces of Canary Spring in Mammoth Hot Springs as the turquoise waters of the thermal pool let off steam. Canary Spring, Upper Terraces, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/canary-flow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5769_20140608.jpg Canary Flow Canary Spring during a period of activity in 2014, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Yellowstone National Park got its name from yellow color near the top of the spring. Water flows down the hillside creating an array of colors where different types of heat-resistant bacteria thrive. Canary Spring went dormant (for the 5th time in the park's history) in 2020 and remains dormant according to official documentation. It may become active again but there is no way to predict when, making photos like this a piece of history until it springs can to life again. Canary Spring, Upper Terraces, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wasteland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0115_20180607.jpg Wasteland Storm Clouds over Grassy Springs, Trail Springs and the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds roll in above the Upper Terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, as Bacteria (Phormidium and Oscillatoria) create an orange colored mat in the thermal pools of Grassy Spring and Trail Springs on the travertine terraces of Yellowstone National Park. Upper Terraces, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/enchanted-forever/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5246_20140606.jpg Enchanted Forever Sun Rays over Shield Spring and Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Rays of sunshine filter through the trees, fog and mist and onto the clear turquoise waters of Shield Spring in Upper Geyser Basin.Over the years, I have spent more time in Yellowstone than I can count. It's one of those places I would often go, and I wouldn't end up leaving the area for months after. A career in photography has afforded me the ability to see countless beautiful things, and Yellowstone has always been among my favorite places. It has such a wide breath of beauty. Simple scenes like this are among my favorite things in Yellowstone. It's that simple beauty where everything comes together. The crystal clear turquoise waters of the thermal spring looks like an enchanted portal, one which you could seemingly stare into forever. The sunlight filtering through the trees, fog, steam and mist added a wonderful element of tranquility. It was a brief moment you can get lost in forever, enchanted by the beauty of nature. Shield Spring, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/beams/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1696_20140527.jpg Beams God Rays over Seismograph Pool, Bluebell Pool and West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunlight beams filter through the trees, steam and mist and onto the clear turquoise waters of Seismograph Pool and Bluebell Pool below. West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/through-the-canyon/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3661-_90A366720140530.jpg Through the Canyon Artist Point, Lower Yellowstone Falls and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River at Sunset, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunset illuminates the skies over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the Yellowstone River as Lower Yellowstone Falls drops 308 feet over the cliffs and down into the Canyon during the spring melt. Artist Point, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bliss/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2709_20150530.jpg Bliss Sunset over Pleasant Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Sunset bathes the skies above Pleasant Valley in soft, warm light as Lost Creek meanders its way through the peaceful meadow during the spring snow melt.I've spend more time in Yellowstone than I can count. I've photographed everything here from its famous waterfalls, geysers, and wildlife to an unexpected Aurora Borealis, the night sky and the hidden beauty of its vast landscape. This photo is the latter: the hidden beauty of its vast landscape. It's a stunningly simple scene, something Yellowstone is often filled with. A small creek running through a pristine meadow as the sun sets. When I took this, a hiker and his wife stopped on the trail as I was getting my composition set up. They asked "what are you taking a picture of?" I replied "the meadow, the stream and the sunset." They said "oh, that's it?" before turning around and walking off. That moment was indicative of the beauty of Yellowstone National Park: it's the simple beauty that's right in front of your face, yet so many people miss because they approached the park with predispositions of what they expect to see. Keep your eyes open, and look for the unexpected. You'll find there's all sorts of simple beauty you would have missed otherwise. Pleasant Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/hold-the-line/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0101_20150707.jpg Hold The Line Storm clouds over Pelican Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds form over Pelican Creek and the marshy meadows of Pelican Valley near sunset. Pelican Creek, Pelican Valley, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/as-it-always-was/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0087_20150707.jpg As It Always Was Storm clouds at Sunset over Pelican Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds form at sunset over Pelican Valley and the Yellowstone prairie. Pelican Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-chamber/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5322_20140606.jpg Emerald Chamber Sunset over Morning Glory Pool and Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming The clear, orange, emerald and turquoise colored water of Morning Glory Pool reveals its deep chamber as sunset illuminates the storm clouds in the skies above. Cyclops Spring can be seen steaming on the hillside on the upper left, while Sentinel Geyser can be seen erupting behind the trees in the middle.I love Yellowstone. I've spent almost 15 years visiting the park, exploring and photographing the wide variety of wonders found here. It's a diverse landscape with abundant wildlife, and no matter how many times I go there I always see something amazing. Morning Glory pool is one of Yellowstone's more famous thermal pools. It actually used to be more turquoise, but years and years ago people would throw things into it, which plugged the thermal vent and has caused the turquoise waters to change color out towards the edges. Unfortunately efforts to clear the vent have so far failed. Still, it's always an amazing sight to see. On this day, storm clouds rolled in as the golden hour set in. You never know which way it's going to go when that happens here, and thankfully it resulted in a wonderful mix of colors above, sort of mirroring the pool (golden on the edges, blue or turquoise in the middle). It was a wonderful parallel with the golden / blue skies above, against the golden / turquoise pool below. The crystal clear, emerald colored chamber right in the middle of the pool is always a sight to see, and the skies above made for a memorable backdrop for the entire scene. Morning Glory Pool, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/kaleidoscope/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0590-_90A0596_20150711.jpg Kaleidoscope Sunset over Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park Sunset lights the skies on fire above Grand Prismatic Spring and Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park. Grand Prismatic Spring is the 3rd largest hot spring in the world. Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/through-the-cracks/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_6484-_MG_6486_20131118.jpg Through the Cracks Upper Falls and the McCloud River, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California Upper Falls gracefully drops 30 feet in a tiered plunge into a basalt canyon along the McCloud River's path towards the Sacramento River. Upper Falls, Shasta Trinity National Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/last-flow-of-autumn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_6521_20131118.jpg Last Flow of Autumn Lower Falls and the McCloud River in the Autumn, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California Colors of fall line the banks of the McCloud River as is waves its way through the forest, dropping gracefully through an opening in the rocks where Lower Falls makes its grand entrance along the rivers path downstream. Lower Falls, Shasta Trinity National Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-frost/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7344-_MG_7349_20131207.jpg Winter's Frost Ice at Bridal Veil Falls in the Winter, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Winter snow and ice cling to the basalt cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge during a cold spell, as Bridal Veil Falls gracefully tumbles 118 feet over the cliffs and down into the snow covered basalt canyon below. Bridal Veil Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silver-steps/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6963_20140611_B.jpg Silver Steps Silver Staircase Falls, Glacier National Park, Montana Silver Staircase Falls gracefully cascades 40 feet down the cliffs in Glacier National Park, paint the tiered cliffs in silver paint made of water and the colors of the cliffs transform from brown into a glorious silver staircase. Silver Staircase Falls, Glacier National Park, Montana https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/trick-flow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7133_20140611.jpg Trick Flow Running Eagle Falls (Trick Falls), Glaicer National Park, Montana Running Eagle Falls (also known as Trick Falls) is a double waterfall resulting from two different water sources in Glacier National Park. The falls form where the two water sources converge. The 40 foot upper falls cascades over the 20 foot lower falls in the late spring during the snow melt. Surprisingly, it's the upper waterfall that disappears during lower water flow, a fact that often tricks viewers when first viewed in the late spring during high flow. Running Eagle Falls, Glacier National Park, Montana https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/paradise-falls/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_9461_20140427.jpg Paradise Falls Palouse Falls at Sunset, Palouse Falls State Park, Washington Colors rip across the skies above Palouse Falls and Palouse Falls State Park at Sunset as the setting sun casts a warm glow into the canyon below. Palouse Falls State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/forgotten-giant/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0007-_90A0008_20140525_normal.jpg Forgotten Giant Rainbow at Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, Idaho Shoshone Falls used to be known as the "Niagara Falls of the West," dropping over 212 feet across 1,000 feet of width along the Snake River in Idaho. Today, dams and water control on the river for irrigation render the falls much smaller. Still, even today there is beauty to be found here. When the sunlight hits the water at just the right angle it forms a waterfall rainbow in the falling mist, which combines with the emerald colored pool of water below to produce a stunning, beautiful sight. Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, Idaho https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/falling-into-the-mist/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8036-_90A8039_20140614_16x20.jpg Falling into the Mist Snoqualmie Falls in the Late Spring, Snoqualmie River, WashingtonMist flies up as the waters of the Snoqualmie River crash against the rocks as Snoqualmie Falls drops 268 feet over the cliffs and into a pool water in late spring during high flow. Snoqualmie Falls, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-sunlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0686-_90A0692_20151114_16x20.jpg Frozen Sunlight Lone Pine Creek Falls and Lone Pine Creek Frozen Over, Whitney Portal, California The setting sun peaks through the trees as the waters along Lone Pine Creek and Lone Pine Creek Falls (also known as Whitney Portal Falls) lay still, frozen in by the deep freeze of the approaching winter. Lone Pine Creek Falls, Whitney Portal, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/autumn-glass/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0566-_90A0572_20171112_C.jpg Autumn Glass Autumn along the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Sunset lights the skies above while Autumn colors fill the leaves of the trees along the Columbia River, as the entire scene reflects in the still waters of the Columbia River. Mosier, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wrath-of-the-clouds/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1136-_90A1140_20150423_3X1.jpg Wrath of the Clouds Columiba Gorge Storm, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Storm clouds brew over the Columbia River and Crown Point in the Columbia River Gorge near Portland, Oregon Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/serenitys-window/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0371-_90A0374_2x1.jpg Serenity's Window Columbia River Sunset Moonrise, Cape Horn, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Washington Pastel colors ignite the clouds in the sky above the Columbia River at sunset on New Years Day, as the full moon rises over the Columbia River Gorge. Cape Horn, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/multnomah-icefall/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7027-_MG_7032_20131206_2.jpg Multnomah Icefall Ice at Multnomah Falls in the Winter at Sunset, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Winter ice clings to the basalt cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge during a cold spell, as Multnomah Falls gracefully tumbles 620 feet over the cliffs and down into the partially frozen pool of water below. Evergreen trees of the forest high above cling to the tops of the cliffs, as soft colors at sunset bathe the skies above in pastel light. Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dream-flow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5215_20210506.jpg Dream Flow Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington Surrounded by trees hidden deep in the forest, the turquoise water of Spirit Falls flows over the ledge, into the pool and through the narrow channel in a canyon along the Little White Salmon River. Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/autumn-tranquility/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0514-_90A0520_20171112.jpg Autumn Tranquility Autumn along the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Sunset lights the skies above while Autumn colors fill the leaves of the trees along the Columbia River, as the entire scene reflects in the still waters of the Columbia River. Mosier, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/horsetail-ice/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7201-_MG_7206_20131206_2.jpg Horsetail Ice Ice at Horsetail Falls in the Winter at Sunset, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Winter ice clings to the basalt cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge during a cold spell, as Horsetail Falls gracefully tumbles over the cliffs and down into the pool of water below. Evergreen trees of the forest high above cling to the tops of the cliffs, as soft colors at sunset bathe the skies above in pastel light. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/turquoise-reality/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5160_20210506.jpg Turquoise Reality Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington Deep in the forest, the turquoise glacial water of Spirit Falls flows over the cliffs into a turquoise pool below along the Little White Salmon River. Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/columbia-mystery/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0380_20150101.jpg Columbia Mystery Moonrise at Sunset over Cape Horn and the Columbia River Gorge, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Washington Sunset of the year brings the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus to the skies above the Columbia River as the moon rises into the evening sky. Cape Horn, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/falling-through-the-brush/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7666_20131206.jpg Falling Through the Brush Ice at Shepperd's Dell Falls and Young Creek in the Winter, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Winter ice clings to the basalt cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge during a cold spell, as the lower tier of Shepperd's Dell Falls and Young Creek gracefully cascade down the cliffs and down into the frozen winter wonderland below. Shepperd's Dell Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/through-the-forest/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_8060_20120715.jpg Through the Forest Shepperd's Dell Falls and Youngs Creek, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon The middle tiers of Sheppard's Dell Falls gracefully make its way through the lush green forest and over the basalt cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge, falling through the forest as Youngs Creek elegantly makes its way towards the Columbia River below. Shepperd's Dell Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/behind-of-the-fall/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_0081_20131021.jpg Behind of the Fall Ponytail Falls in the Autumn, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Ponytail Falls plunges 88 feet over the basalt cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge into a pool of water along Horsetail Creek, as soft light filters through the trees of the forest. Ponytail Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/over-the-edge/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_0086_20131021.jpg Over the Edge Ponytail Falls in the Autumn, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Ponytail Falls plunges 88 feet over the basalt cliffs in the Columbia Gorge as light fog covers the cliffs and the forest above. Fall colors mix with the evergreen trees of forest, producing a brilliant display of colors as Horsetail Creek makes its way towards the Columbia River below. Ponytail Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/chilled-tranquility/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7597-_MG_7599_20131207.jpg Chilled Tranquility Ice at Shepperd's Dell Falls and Young Creek in the Winter, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Ice lines the cliffs next to Shepperd's Dell Falls and Youngs Creek during a winter deep freeze which plunged temperatures in the area down to around 14°F for several weeks. Shepperd's Dell Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-horsetail/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7214_20131206_B.jpg Frozen Horsetail Ice at Horsetail Falls in the Winter at Sunset, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Winter ice clings to the basalt cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge during a cold spell, as Horsetail Falls gracefully tumbles over the cliffs and down into the pool of water below. Evergreen trees of the forest high above cling to the tops of the cliffs, as soft colors at sunset bathe the skies above in pastel light. Horsetail Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ice-queen/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7045-_MG_7097_20x30.jpg Ice Queen Multnomah Falls Winter Sunset, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Colors of Sunset light the skies above Multnomah Falls in the winter as a deep freeze causes Multnomah Falls to begin to freeze over. Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mystic-emerald/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5153_20210506.jpg Mystic Emerald Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington Turquoise glacial water flows over the cliffs into an emerald blue pool deep in the forest. Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cold-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7476-_MG_7481_20131207.jpg Cold Beauty Winter on Bridal Veil Creek, Columbia River Gorge, OregonSnow lines the shores of Bridal Veil Creek as ice forms upstream towards Bridal Veil Falls, a result of a deep freeze which plunged temperatures in the area down to around 14°F for several weeks. Bridal Veil Creek, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cold-flow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7362-_MG_7367_20131207.jpg Cold Flow Ice at Bridal Veil Falls in the Winter, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Winter snow and ice cling to the basalt cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge during a cold spell, as Bridal Veil Falls gracefully tumbles 118 feet over the cliffs and down into the snow covered basalt canyon below. Bridal Veil Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/liquid-turquoise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5218_20210506.jpg Liquid Turquoise Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington Surrounded by trees hidden deep in the forest, turquoise water flows over the ledge into the pool and through the narrow channel of the canyon Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/escape-reality/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5079_20210506.jpg Escape Reality Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington Surrounded by trees hidden deep in the forest, turquoise water flows over the ledge into the pool and through the narrow channel of the canyon Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/double-trouble/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0626_20170529_B.jpg Double Trouble Double Rainbow over Hood River and the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, OregonA double rainbow forms over Hood River and the Columbia River at the beginning of the golden hour as soft pastel colors illuminate the clouds in the sky. Hood River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/autumn-mirror/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0559-_90A0565_20171112_B.jpg Autumn Mirror Autumn along the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Sunset lights the skies above while Autumn colors fill the leaves of the trees along the Columbia River, as the entire scene reflects in the still waters of the Columbia River. Mosier, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/red-white-and-blue/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0732-_90A0738_20180121_B.jpg Red, White and Blue John Day Dam at Night, Rufus, Oregon The red, white and blue lights of the John Day Dam reflect off the waters of the Columbia River at night as the red lights of the Windmills line the slopes of the Columbia River Gorge above. John Day Dam, Rufus, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/columbias-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0716-_90A0721_20180121.jpg Columbia's Glow Dusk over Bonneville Dam, Columbia River Gorge Civil Twilight draws to a close as dusk sets in over Bonneville Dam and the Columbia River Bonneville Dam, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-symphony/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7169-_MG_7196_C_16x20.jpg Winter Symphony Multnomah Falls Winter Deep Freeze, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon A December deep freeze plunged temperatures down into the teens for several weeks, causing Multnomah Falls to begin to freeze over Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/seasons-of-change/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0483_20171112-GP.jpg Seasons of Change Autumn colors reflect in the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Fall colors line the shore of the Columbia River as the scene reflects in the still water of the river. Mosier, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pot-of-gold-in-the-gorge/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0650-_90A0651_20170529_2x1.jpg Pot of Gold in the Gorge Rainbow over Hood River and the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon A rainbow forms over over Hood River and the Columbia River at the beginning of the golden hour as soft pastel colors illuminate the clouds in the sky. Hood River, Columbia River Gorge https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-mystery/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0211-_90A0214_20141228_2x1.jpg Emerald Mystery Rock Creek in the Winter, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington Rock Creek flows through the evergreen forests above the Columbia River Gorge during the winter. Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/gates-of-heaven/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_8280_MG_8284_20130902.jpg Gates of Heaven Maryhill Stonehenge at Sunset, Maryhill, Washington Sunset bathes the sky in soft light, as a warm glow shines between the pillars reflecting a soft glow onto the stone as it covers the hills of the Columbia River Gorge in a soft, golden hue. Maryhill Stonehenge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-veil/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7431-_MG_7433_20131207.jpg Frozen Veil Ice at Bridal Veil Fall in the Winter, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Winter snow and ice cling to the basalt cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge during a cold spell, as Bridal Veil Falls gracefully tumbles 118 feet over the cliffs and down into the snow covered basalt canyon below. Bridal Veil Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cliffside-curtain/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0876_90A0938_20140823_normal.jpg Cliffside Curtain Sunset over Burney Falls, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, California Burney Falls drops 129 feet over 250 feet of width as the sun sets through the trees above the falls. Burney Falls, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/waters-whisper/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_6513_20131118.jpg Water's Whisper Lower Falls and the McCloud River in the Autumn, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California Colors of fall line the banks of the McCloud River as is waves its way through the forest, dropping gracefully through an opening in the rocks where Lower Falls makes its grand entrance along the rivers path downstream. Lower Falls, Shasta Trinity National Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/riverflow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8850_20140803.jpg Riverflow Lower Lewis River Falls, Gifford Pinchot National Forest Water flows over Lower Lewis River Falls, creating a series of small terraces as it flows over the rocky cliffs of the Lewis River deep in the heart of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Lower Lewis River Falls, Gifford Pinchot National Forest https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/behind-the-curtain/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7986_2014614.jpg Behind The Curtain Snoqualmie Falls from Below, Snoqualmie River, Washington Mist flies up as the waters of the Snoqualmie River crash against the rocks as Snoqualmie Falls drops 268 feet over the cliffs and into a pool water in late spring during high flow. Snoqualmie Falls, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/into-the-funnel/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7935-_90A7937_20140612.jpg Into The Funnel Sunset over Yaak Falls and the Yaak River, Kootenai National Forest, Montana The sunset casts an array of colors in the skies above Yaak Falls during the spring snow melt, as the Yaak River roars to life as it makes its way through the lush forests of the Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana. Yaak Falls, Kootenai National Forest. Montana https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-rainbow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0002_20140525.jpg Emerald Rainbow Rainbow in the Mist at Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, Idaho Shoshone Falls used to be known as the "Niagara Falls of the West," dropping over 212 feet across 1,000 feet of width along the Snake River in Idaho. Today, dams and water control on the river for irrigation render the falls much smaller. Still, even today there is beauty to be found here. When the sunlight hits the water at just the right angle it forms a waterfall rainbow in the falling mist, which combines with the emerald colored pool of water below to produce a stunning, beautiful sight. Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, Idaho https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-path/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0228_20141228.jpg Emerald Path Docs Drop, Washougal River, Washington Turquoise glacial water cascades 17 feet over a sloping ledge along the Washougal River on as it makes its way downstream towards the Columbia River. Docs Drop, Washougal River, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-river/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7915-_90A7920_20140612_2x1.jpg Emerald River Kootenai Falls, Montana The turquoise waters of glacial fed Kootenay River rush over Kootenai Falls during the spring melt at over 27,000 cubic feet per second, a moment where tranquil beauty meets the power of nature and where the sound of rushing water makes time stand still. Kootenai Falls, Kootenai National Forest, Montana https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-pools/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8855-_90A8858_140803_2x1.jpg Emerald Pools Lower Lewis River Falls, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington Water flows over Lower Lewis River Falls, creating a series of small terraces as it flows over the rocky cliffs of the Lewis River and into an emerald pool of water deep in the heart of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Lower Lewis River Falls, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1017-_90A1023_as_20151114_SQ.jpg Frozen Lone Pine Creek Falls Frozen Over, Whitney Portal, California Lone Pine Creek Falls (also known as Whitney Portal Falls) and Lone Pine Creek freeze over as winter sets in at Whitney Portal high up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Lone Pine Creek Falls, Whitney Portal, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/flow-2/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0620_20161028.jpg Flow Cascade Falls (The Cascades) at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Cascade Falls (also known as The Cascades) combines with Tamarack Creek as its upper tiers plunge down the granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park towards Merced Canyon below. Cascade Falls (The Cascades), Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/angels-hair/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8173_2014705.jpg Angel's Hair Youngs River Falls on the Oregon Coast, Astoria, Oregon Youngs River Falls drops 54 feet over the cliffs in a lush forest along the Oregon Coast, forming a veiling horsetail waterfall reminiscent of angel's hair. Youngs River Falls, Astoria, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/water-staircase/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6961_20140611.jpg Water Staircase Silver Staircase Falls, Glacier National Park, Montana Silver Staircase Falls gracefully cascades 40 feet down the cliffs in Glacier National Park, painting the tiered cliffs in silver paint made of water as the colors of the cliffs transform from brown into a glorious silver staircase. Silver Staircase Falls, Glacier National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-chute/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0221_20141228.jpg The Chute Washougal River, Washington Turquoise glacial water funnels through a narrow channel of rocks along the Washougal River on as it makes its way downstream, creating a breathtaking scene of warm and cool colors mixed with small twists and turns. Washougal River, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-escape/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8049_2014614_2.jpg The Escape Fall into the Wall, South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, Washington In a spot known as Fall into the Wall, the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River in Washington plunges 22 feet over a ledge, narrowly missing the wall in a small, narrow gorge where it must make a sharp bend before its clear, clean water can keep flowing over the rocky riverbed below. Fall into the Wall, Snoqualmie Pass, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/hidden-gem-of-rainier/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7977_2014613.jpg Hidden Gem of Rainier Falls Creek Falls on Mount Rainer, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington Falls Creek Falls drops 30 feet through the lush green forests on the lower slopes of Mount Rainier as Falls Creek as it makes its way towards the Ohanapecosh River below. Falls Creek Falls, Mount Rainier National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sky-burn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7143-_90A7145-NGD_20140611.jpg Sky Burn Running Eagle Falls (Trick Falls) and Rising Wolf Mountain at Sunset, Glacier National Park, Montana Rising Wolf Mountain towers over Running Eagle Falls (also known as Trick Falls) in the late springtime at the colors of sunset ignite the storm clouds above in glorious light. Running Eagle Falls is a double waterfall which forms at the point where two different water sources converge. The 40 foot upper falls cascades over the top of the 20 foot lower falls in the late spring during the snow melt. Surprisingly, it's the upper waterfall that disappears during lower water flow, a fact that often tricks viewers when first viewed in the late spring during high flow. Running Eagle Falls, Glacier National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/river-mist/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7980_2014614.jpg River Mist Snoqualmie Falls Mist, Snoqualmie River, Washington Mist flies up as the waters of the Snoqualmie River crash against the rocks as Snoqualmie Falls drops 268 feet over the cliffs and into a pool water in late spring during high flow. Snoqualmie Falls, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sanctuary/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0204-_90A0211_20150609.jpg Sanctuary Big Spring Creek Falls, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington Surrounded by lush green forests of trees and moss covered fallen logs, Big Spring Creek Falls flows down the hillside dropping of 49 feet across three different tiers, creating a stunning sanctuary of water and moss deep in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Big Springs Creek Falls, Gifford Pinchot National Forest https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/forest-glen/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0212-_90A0218_20150609.jpg Forest Glen Big Spring Creek Falls, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington Set deep within a forest glen surrounded by lush green trees and moss covered fallen logs, Big Spring Creek Falls flows down the hillside dropping of 49 feet across three different tiers, creating a stunning sanctuary of water and moss deep in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Big Springs Creek Falls, Gifford Pinchot National Forest https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/falling-through-the-forest/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0219-_90A0223_20150609.jpg Falling Through the Forest Big Spring Creek Falls, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington Surrounded by lush green forests of trees and moss covered fallen logs, Big Spring Creek Falls flows down the hillside dropping of 49 feet across three different tiers, creating a stunning sanctuary of water and moss deep in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Big Springs Creek Falls, Gifford Pinchot National Forest https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/autumn-meander/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_6516_20131118_2.jpg Autumn Meander Lower Falls and the McCloud River in the Autumn, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California Colors of fall line the banks of the McCloud River as is waves its way through the forest, dropping gracefully through an opening in the rocks where Lower Falls makes its grand entrance along the rivers path downstream. Lower Falls, Shasta Trinity National Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/autumns-goodbye/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0854_20191021.jpg Autumn's Goodbye Hazelnut Tree Tunnel in the Autumn, Willamette Valley, Oregon Autumn brings fall colors to a Hazelnut tree tunnel in Oregon Willamette Valley, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/autumn-gold/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2287_20161006_B.jpg Autumn Gold Boardman Tree Farm in the Autumn, Boardman, Oregon The golden glow of the setting sun shines through the Pacific Albus Hybrid Poplar Tree Forest of the Boardman Tree Farm, illuminating the autumn colored leaves, bark, and the ground a golden color where it shines through the trees. Sadly, this sight is no more: Greenwood Tree Farms sold the Boardman Tree Farm to a pair of agricultural companies. The trees have all been harvested without re-planting, erasing this once 30,000 acre Poplar forest from existance. The land is now used for agriculture crops. Now, the only way to peer into this man made forest is through photographs like this one. Boardman Tree Farm, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/golden-autumn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0141-_90A0147_20161006.jpg Golden Autumn Boardman Tree Farm in the Autumn, Boardman, Oregon Autumn colors grace the leaves of Pacific Albus Hybrid Poplar Trees of the Boardman Tree Farm in Boardman, Oregon as the warm glow of the setting sun shines through the trees. These trees stood evenly spaced and of equal height and stretched for 30,000 acres. Sadly, this sight is no more: Greenwood Tree Farms sold the Boardman Tree Farm to a pair of agricultural companies. The trees have all been harvested without re-planting, erasing this once 30,000 acre Poplar forest from existance. The land is now used for agriculture crops. Now, the only way to peer into this man made forest is through photographs like this one. Boardman Tree Farm, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/crimson-web/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0717_JapanseMaple2.jpg Crimson Web Japanse Maple in the Autumn, Lake Oswego, Oregon Fall brings crimson colored leaves to a Japanese Maple, as it looks like a crimson web against the backdrop of a blue sky.This photo was actually taken in my backyard, looking straight up through the autumn colored leaves of our 50+ year old Japanese Maple. My parents planted this tree before I was born, and it followed us here to it's present location when I was much younger. This view was always a beautiful sight, one I always appreciated each fall as I sat on the bench we have under it. I took this photo during peak fall color as I sat on the bench, staring up through the crimson web of leaves. Unfortunately, this view that will never quite be the same. The gorgeous 30 foot high crown was broken off during an ice storm in late winter 2021 which took down a neighbors 80 foot spruce tree, which fell and broke this tree in half. The lower half somehow survived, still producing wonderous fall colors but no before it completely lost the gorgeous crown. Nature's resilience is amazing though. The leaves still continue to turn their brilliant shades of color each and every autumn, a different but still beautiful view up into the wonderous web of leaves. Lake Oswego, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/autumns-whisper/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0872_20191021.jpg Autumn's Whisper Hazelnut Tree Tunnel in the Autumn, Willamette Valley, Oregon Autumn brings fall colors to a Hazelnut tree tunnel in Oregon The transition to fall is always an amazing time of year. The way the leaves change colors before they begin to fall off the trees is always magical to witness. It can be hard to find a "tree tunnel" in the fall, but when you do find one it's always amazing to see. It's as if autumn is looking back at you, whispering "isn't this beautiful?" The magic colors of fall is such a short window, but I've always thought that was what makes it so much more special. It's that short whispering beauty, a beautiful burst of color. I used a super telephoto for this image to create strong depth of field. It compresses the image from front to back, creating a look and a feeling of being right there, surrounded by autumn's whisper. One of my favorite things about photography is its ability to freeze those short moments like this, preserved forever to look at whenever you need a smile. Willamette Valley, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/last-fall/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0573_20171112.jpg Last Fall Boardman Tree Farm at Sunset in the Late Autumn, Boardman, Oregon The leaves of autumn have fallen from the very last remaining grove of Pacific Albus Hybrid Poplar Trees left at the Boardman Tree Farm as the colors of sunset show through the trees.The leaves of autumn had fallen for the last time from the Pacific Albus Trees of the Boardman Tree Farm near Boardman, Oregon as the colors of sunset showed through the nearly empty trees. I've always believed photography has the ability to freeze a moment in time forever, to forever capture it and it's wonderful beauty for people to enjoy for all of eternity. That's exactly what we're looking at here, a moment long gone yet still forever frozen in time. It was the last fall of the leaves in the last fall season this man-made Forest would ever see. This was the very last of the tree groves waiting to be cut down after it sold to a large dairy operation. Within a month or two of taking this photograph, it was gone and they were no more. Even though this view is long gone, it will forever stick with me. The leaves covering the forest floor as rows of symmetrical trees seemingly head off into eternity will always be one of the most beautiful sights I've even seen in Autumn. There's something about this photo being the "Last Fall" of the leaves in the "Last Fall" the trees would ever see that makes it special. This was the very last view of autumn this beautiful place ever saw. This one last grove of the former 25,000 tree farm remained, waiting to be cut down soon to make way for a large dairy (which would be shut down two years later). Months later, no traces of it remained. This was always such a beautiful sight to see, and now and forever it lives on through photography. That's perhaps the most powerful aspect of photography: it's ability to freeze a moment in time forever so that it will never be forgotten. Boardman Tree Farm, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/into-the-forest/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0085-_90A0091_20161006_fall.jpg Into the Forest Boardman Tree Farm in the Autumn, Boardman, Oregon Autumn in the Pacific Albus Hybrid Poplar Tree Forest of the Boardman Tree farm in Boardman, Oregon. These trees stood evenly spaced and of equal height. It was quite a sight to see. Standing at the edge of this evenly spaced forest, evenly spaced rows of poplars had even paths between them which went on for 30,000 acres. When the warm light of the golden hour approaches, the leaves, bark, and ground below began to illuminate with a warm golden glow.This used to be my favorite sight every fall. The Pacific Albus Poplar trees which used to form a forest on the Boardman Tree farm in Boardman, Oregon stood evenly spaced and of equal height. It was quite a sight to see with literally endless symmetrical rows of autumn beauty. Standing at the edge of this evenly spaced forest, evenly spaced rows of poplars had even paths between them which went on for acres. Wildlife found home in the trees, and if you were lucky you might see deer or something else. When the warm light of the golden hour approached, the leaves, bark, and ground below begin to illuminate with a warm golden glow. The 25,000 acres of these trees was always a favorite sight in when fall colors made an appearance, preserved now only though the wonders of photography. That's always been my favorite part of photography: it's ability to freeze a moment in time forever, as it's done here. This forest may be gone, but I can still see myself standing at the edge, feeling that cool breeze brushing against my face as I gaze into it's unique autumn beauty, now preserved though photography As for what became of this place: Greenwood Tree Farms sold the Boardman Tree Farm to a pair of agricultural companies. The trees have all been harvested without re-planting, erasing this once 25,000 acre Poplar forest from existence. The land is now used for agriculture crops. Now, the only way to peer into this man made forest is through photographs like this one, which preserve the beauty of fleeting moments in time forever. Boardman Tree Farm, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/autumn-at-the-mill/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0274_20141005.jpg Autumn at the Mill Autumn at Cedar Creek Grist Mill, Woodland, Washington Built in 1876, the Cedar Creek Grist Mill still stands frozen in time where it was built in the 19th century. The leaves above the mill begin to change as the fleeting fall colors arrive. Cedar Creek Grist Mill, Woodland, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silence-of-autumn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_6522_20131118_B.jpg Silence of Autumn Lower Falls and the McCloud River in the Autumn, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, California Colors of fall line the banks of the McCloud River as is weaves its way through the forest, dropping gracefully through an opening in the rocks where Lower Falls makes its grand entrance along the rivers path downstream. Lower Falls, Shasta Trinity National Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/orange-crush/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/PumpkinPatchFall2013_20131024.jpg Orange Crush Fall Sunset over a Pumpkin Patch, Portland, Oregon Sunset brings about beautiful pastel colors over The Pumpkin Patch in Portland, Oregon on a cool, crisp Autumn evening.I've always enjoyed the sight of a sunset over a pumpkin patch. It's something I look forward to each and every autumn. I took this one over a decade ago, but it's always been an fall favorite. I always loved how the pastel colors at sunset here seemingly match the orange of the pumpkins and the yellows of the pumpkin patch in which they all lay. It's vintage autumn, a sight which immediately takes you back to Halloween, Thanksgiving and the cold, crisp air of fall. The magenta in the lower left side of the photo near the horizon is the Belt of Venus, and the bluish - purple line below it is the earth's shadow as night creeps in. It's many of my favorite things mixed together: a vintage autumn scene mixed with the warm colors of Sunset and the colors of the Belt of Venus. Autumn has long been one of my favorite times of year. I love the cold, crisp air. Haze tends to clear out as the weather gets colder, which can lead to some spectacular sunsets. When you mix that in with the colors and hues of autumn it's always a sight to remember. One of my favorite things about this scene was the orange of the pumpkins, stretching as far as the eye can see towards the horizon and the colors of sunset. It's almost a mirror reflection of color, without the water or the mirror. It's a moment frozen in time and preserved forever. That's always my favorite thing about photography: its ability freeze that perfect moment in time, so that it can be enjoyed and preserved forever. The Pumpkin Patch, Portland, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/tunnel-of-fall/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0842_20191021_B.jpg Tunnel of Fall Hazelnut Tree Tunnel in the Autumn, Willamette Valley, Oregon Autumn brings fall colors to a Hazelnut tree tunnel in OregonThere's something about a tunnel of trees in the autumn that always captures the imagination of people. It took a bit of work finding a tree tunnel that had all the characteristics I wanted, while being something "new" and "different." Once I found what I wanted, then came waiting for the peak fall colors to arrive. It wasn't time lost though, it was a wonderful adventure traveling around, trying to find something which fit the look I was going for. I wanted a tree tunnel as unique as Oregon. 99% of all hazelnuts grown in the United States are from Oregon, so this fit my vision perfectly. I really love how the line of trees starts wide at the base and quickly slants upwards, closing together near the top of the frame. It's a unique take on an fall classic, the perfect picture of autumn for my beloved home state. Willamette Valley, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/changing-of-the-seasons/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0275_20141005.jpg Changing of the Seasons Autumn along Cedar Creek in the Pacific Northwest, Woodland, Washington Fall colors to arrive along Cedar Creek in Washington as the colors in the forest change to the brilliant oranges and yellows of autumn. Cedar Creek, Woodland, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/colors-of-the-past/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0273_20141005.jpg Colors of the Past Cedar Creek Grist Mill in the Autumn, Woodland, Washington Built in 1876, the Cedar Creek Grist Mill still stands frozen in time where it was built in the 19th century. The leaves around the mill begin to change as the fleeting fall colors arrive.The colors of fall are fleeting, which adds to the incredible sense of wonder when you look out at this over 149 year old grist mill. Built in 1876, it's as if you're peering straight into the past. The leaves around the mill and the creek begin to change color creating a truly magical sight. I've always loved the harmony at this location in the fall, as the leaves take on a shade similar to the wood the mill is built from when the colors begin to turn. At times the Big Leaf Maples and trees here take on a yellow hue, at other times they take on a more orange hue. Either way, it's a moment frozen in time forever. The clarity of the water is always a sight to see, and as you look straight through to the bottom of the creek bed you can't help but think of what memories this place must hold from yesteryear. It's always feels like a moment straight from the past, a moment frozen in time. Cedar Creek Grist Mill, Woodland, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pastel-palette/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0250_20141230.jpg Pastel Palette Winter Sunset over Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington Pastel colors softly illuminate the sky at sunset as Cape Disappointment Lighthouse sits perched on the cliffs high above the Pacific Ocean.For such a beautiful place, the name Cape Disappointment may seem odd. It actually got its name in 1788 when English Captain John Meares went looking for the mouth of the Columbia River. However, he could not locate the river's entrance, only this Cape. So he named it Cape Disappointment, a reflection of his feelings. Ironically, if Meares would have sailed around the Cape he would have found the mouth of the Columbia River. I've been going to this place for most of my life, though recently due to social media it's become en vogue to come here during the king tides and rough seas. However, I've always loved the serenity this place offers outside of that. This is a beautiful spot any time of year, but it's especially wonderful when it's cold outside. Cold nights on the coast have always been my favorite. The pastel colors at sunset come alive in the cold weather, and the crisp air lacks the haze you see when it's warmer outside. The pastel colors of sunset work well against the lighthouse perched on the headlands high above the ocean water. It's a very serene setting, one which I could just stare at for hours. The name of this place may be Cape Disappointment, but the only disappointment I've ever experienced here is when it's time to leave. Cape Disappointment, Ilwaco, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/llaos-starlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0352_06262015.jpg Llao's Starlight The Milky Way Spiral Arm, Airglow and Andromeda Galaxy over Llao Rock, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Green airglow and the spiral arm of the Milky Way light up the skies above Llao Rock in Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wizards-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0354_06262015.jpg Wizard's Night The Milky Way Spiral Arm, Airglow and the Andromeda Galaxy over a Whiteback Pine, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Green airglow and the spiral arm of the Milky Way light up the skies over a Whitebark Pines in Crater Lake National Park Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-magicians-prism/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0976_06252015.jpg The Magician's Prism The Aurora Borealis, Andromeda Galaxy and Milky Way over Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The magentas and greens of the Aurora Borealis light up the skies above Crater Lake and Wizard Island as the spiral arm of the Milky Way rises into the night skies above. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/last-dance-with-aurora/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0377_06242015.jpg Last Dance with Aurora Sunrise Auroras over Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The light from the rising sun still far below the horizon can be seen just above the caldera rim as astronomical twilight sets in. The stars in the night sky above hang on while the purples of Aurora Borealis reflect off the waters of Crater Lake as night begins to transition to day.This was taken during a huge geomagnetic storm which produced Auroras over Crater Lake. This was the last dance with Aurora before night faded and the light of dawn began to creep in. The light from the rising sun can be seen on the horizon as night fades and twilight gets closer. The stars in the night sky above hang on while the rare purples of the Aurora Borealis reflect off the waters of Crater Lake. Night slowly begins to transition to day. This is one single image. I've always loved capturing "transition photos" in nature, that brief period of time when the conditions are just right to capture the sky as it transitions from day to night or night to day. It's tricky to catch. There's a very brief window when the conditions are right, and that's what I aim for with these photos. In this photo, you can see the purples of the Aurora Borealis in the sky and reflecting off the lake. The stars in the sky are still visible, as the light from the rising sun below the horizon can be seen as it slowly begins to rise. Daytime begins to creep up on the horizon while night hangs on for a brief few moments in the sky above. It's a brief moment of transition, as the dark of night begins to fade and give way to the light of day. For that brief moment, Aurora decided to give one last dance before slowly fading into the light of day. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ice-sheath/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4099-_90A4102_20210214.jpg Ice Sheath Dogwood Tree covered in ice in the Winter, Oregon A winter ice storm covers a Dogwood Tree in a thick layer of ice Lake Oswego, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-diamonds/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4094-_90A4098_20210214.jpg Winter Diamonds Dogwood Tree covered in ice in the Winter, Oregon A winter ice storm covers a Dogwood Tree in a thick layer of ice Lake Oswego, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/downfall/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4088-_90A4092_20210214.jpg Downfall Dogwood Tree covered in ice in the Winter, Oregon A winter ice storm covers a Dogwood Tree in a thick layer of ice Lake Oswego, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ice-storm/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4146-_90A4150_20210214.jpg Ice Storm Plants covered in ice in the Winter, Oregon A winter ice storm covers everything in a thick layer of ice, leaving the plants covered in ice balls. Lake Oswego, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ice-marbles/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4133-_90A4136_20210214.jpg Ice Marbles Plants covered in ice marbles in the Winter, Oregon A winter ice storm covers everything in a thick layer of ice, leaving the plants covered in ice balls resembling marbles. Lake Oswego, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-drips/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4163_20210214.jpg Frozen Drips Plants covered in ice in the Winter, Oregon A winter ice storm covers everything in a thick layer of ice, leaving the plants covered in ice balls. Lake Oswego, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/diamond-dust/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4151-_90A4156_20210214.jpg Diamond Dust Plants covered in ice in the Winter, Oregon A winter ice storm covers everything in a thick layer of ice, leaving the plants covered in ice balls. Lake Oswego, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/icefield-2/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4141-_90A4145_20210214.jpg Icefield Plants covered in ice in the Winter, Oregon A winter ice storm covers everything in a thick layer of ice, leaving the plants covered in ice balls. Lake Oswego, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ice-crystal/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4164-_90A4166_20210214.jpg Ice Crystal Plants covered in ice in the Winter, Oregon A winter ice storm covers everything in a thick layer of ice, leaving the plants covered in ice balls. Lake Oswego, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ice-diamond/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4167-_90A4171_20210214.jpg Ice Diamond Plants covered in ice in the Winter, Oregon A winter ice storm covers everything in a thick layer of ice, leaving the plants covered in ice balls. Lake Oswego, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silver-bells/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4157-_90A4158_20210214.jpg Silver Bells Plants covered in ice balls in the Winter, Oregon A winter ice storm covers everything in a thick layer of ice, leaving the plants covered in ice balls. Lake Oswego, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mysterious/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1520_20191121.jpg Mysterious Winter Storm and Temperature Inversion over the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow lines the top of the Grand Canyon during a winter storm as fog and clouds begin to form in the canyon, forming a temperature inversion (thermal inversion, cloud inversion). Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/eternal-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1579---_90A1585_20191121_SQ.jpg Eternal Beauty Winter Temperature Inversion, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow lines the tree tops and cliff tops along the South Rim as a temperature inversion causes clouds to fill the Grand Canyon below. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/obscured/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1532_20191121_16x20.jpg Obscured Winter Temperature Inversion forming, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow lines the top of the Grand Canyon during a winter storm as a temperature inversion begins to form in the canyon below. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/into-the-unknown/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1524_20191121_16x20.jpg Into the Unknown Winter Storm and Temperature Inversion over the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow lines the walls of the Grand Canyon during a winter storm as a temperature inversion (thermal inversion, cloud inversion) begin to partially fill the canyon below. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-grip/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1538_20191121_16x20.jpg Winter's Grip Winter Snow Storm and Temperature Inversion, Grand Canyon Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow blankets the South Rim of the Grand Canyon during a winter snow storm as a clouds fill the canyon below. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/between-worlds/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1494-_90A1497_20191121.jpg Between Worlds Winter storm at sunrise over the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Slight color illuminates the skies over the Grand Canyon at sunrise as a winter storm blankets the North and South Rim with snow. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/canyon-in-the-fog/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1535_20191121.jpg Canyon in the Fog Winter Storm and a Temperature Inversion in the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow lines the top of the Grand Canyon during a winter storm as a temperature inversion begins to obscure the canyon below. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/darkness-falls/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1513_20191121.jpg Darkness Falls Winter Storm at the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Storm clouds darken the skies above the Grand Canyon as the South Rim and North Rim lay covered in Snow. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/threshold-of-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1545_20191121.jpg Threshold of Winter Winter Snow Storm and Temperature Inversion, Grand Canyon Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow blankets the South Rim of the Grand Canyon during a winter snow storm as a clouds fill the canyon below. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/blank-slate/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1537_20191121.jpg Blank Slate Thermal Inversion during a Winter Snow Storm, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona A thermal inversion during a winter snow storm covers the grand canyon in clouds and fog as a lone formation rises up out of the clouds as snow falls. When people think of the Grand Canyon, cold, a snowstorm and a thermal inversion which shrouds the landscape in a layer of pure white is not what comes to mind. It might not be common or expected, but it's a truly beautiful sight. I often find the most beautiful sights in nature are the unexpected ones. Going down just a bit below the top of the rim, I was greeted with a lone formation rises up from the clouds of the inversion while snow fell all around in a flurry of white. The snow falling is visible in this photo as white streaks, a testament to how strong and fast the slow was coming down. It mixes with the inversion to form a blank slate with one lone formation rising up out of the sea of white. It was an incredibly unique sight, and it's one many people will often just pass on by without a thought as it's not what they expected to see. The most beautiful sights in nature as often the unexpected, which we only see when we open our minds to the blank slate of nature which lays before us. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/suppressed/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1508_20191121.jpg Suppressed Winter Snow at the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Storm clouds darken the skies above the Grand Canyon as the South Rim and North Rim lay covered in snow. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/curtain-call/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1523_20191121.jpg Curtain Call Winter Temperature Inversion, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow lines the walls of the Grand Canyon during a winter storm as a temperature inversion (thermal inversion, cloud inversion) begin to partially fill the canyon below. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/touched-by-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1563-_90A1577_20191121_20x30.jpg Touched by Winter Winter Temperature Inversion, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow lines the tree tops and cliff tops along the South Rim as a temperature inversion causes clouds to fill the Grand Canyon below. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-curtain/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1527_20191121.jpg Winter's Curtain Winter Temperature Inversion, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow lines the top of the Grand Canyon during a winter storm as a temperature inversion begins to fill the canyon below. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/into-the-shadows/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1498_20191121.jpg Into the Shadows Winter Storm at the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Storm clouds darken the skies above the Grand Canyon as the South Rim and North Rim lay covered in snow. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cold-chill/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1541_20191121.jpg Cold Chill Winter Snow Storm and Temperature Inversion, Grand Canyon Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow blankets the South Rim of the Grand Canyon during a winter snow storm as a clouds fill the canyon below. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/blurred-vision/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1528-_90A1529_FS_20191121.jpg Blurred Vision Winter Storm and Temperature Inversion over the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow lines the top of the Grand Canyon during a winter storm as a temperature inversion begins to fill the canyon below. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rage/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1517_20191121.jpg Rage Winter Storm over O'Neill Butte, Wotans Throne, Vishnu Temple and the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Storm clouds darken above the skies above Wotans Throne and Vishnu Temple almost 10 miles away as snow begins to fall at O'Neill Butte and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/whisper-of-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1511_20191121.jpg Whisper of Winter Winter Snow at the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Storm clouds darken the skies above the Grand Canyon as the South Rim and North Rim lay covered in snow. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wrath-of-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1482-_90A1484-20191121.jpg Wrath of Winter Winter storm over the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona A winter storm begins to pound Point Sublime on the North Rim as storm clouds darken the sky overhead while snow blankets the ground and trees on the South Rim. Standing at the edge of the snow covered South Rim of the Grand Canyon as a winter storm hammers Point Sublime 13.5 miles across the canyon is a sight I'll never forget. The dark and foreboding clouds were a stark contrast to the peaceful snow covered landscape which lay before me. Looking out into the depths of the canyon, the layers of the inner canyon grew covered in dark shadows as looked across, a sign of the storm miles and miles away on the North Rim. The North Rim averages 142" of snow per year, a stark contrast to the 58" per year the South Rim receives on average. Looking out across the rim, it was easy to see why the North Rim receives almost 84 more inches of snow per year on average. The storm came down on the North Rim with fury, yet it hardly glanced the South Rim 13.5 miles away and 1000 feet lower in elevation. The South Rim lay covered in a beautiful, serene blanket of snow as North Rim dealt with the wrath of winter. As the storm came down far in the distance, I couldn't help but stand there and marvel at the mixing of two different kinds of beauty, coming together in the most unique of ways. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-crown/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1477-_90A1479_20191121.jpg Winter's Crown Utah Juniper and the Grand Canyon covered in snow at Sunrise, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow covers a Utah Juniper and the south rim of the Grand Canyon as the golden color of sunrise peeks through the clouds on the horizon, while Wotans Throne peaks through from between the trees.This snow covered Utah Juniper stood on the edge of the Grand Canyon covered in a crown of winter, rising up from the rim as the colors of sunrise peek through behind it in the distance. It was an incredibly wonderous sight seemingly straight out of a winter in heaven. There's something magical about the warm rocks mixing with the cold colors of winter that will always take my breath away, and seeing the trees and plant life rise up covered in a crown of winter is icing on the cake. Time seems to stands still in moments like this, as you're transported to a thin place which seems to blur the lines between heaven and earth. Beauty in nature can be found in the most unexpected of ways, and seeing the warm and cold tones in nature mix together in such perfect harmony is a sight that will never get old. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/in-the-clouds/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1546_20191121.jpg In the Clouds Winter Temperature Inversion, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow lines the trees and the south rim of the Grand Canyon as a window looking down towards the canyon below forms in the temperature inversion.The mix of snow and clouds here was truly a magical sight. On rare occasion when the conditions are right, the Grand Canyon can fill with a thermal inversion. Here a small break formed in the inversion, showing a glimpse of a section of the canyon far below as the formations on the rim stand showing just out of the clouds. It was an amazing sight, one which felt as if you were standing in the clouds of heaven looking down at the landscape far below. There's an ethereal element to scenes like this. It's an otherworldly beauty that almost seems too perfect for this world. These are the moments I truly live for. Those rare moments where nature produces something so spectacular that time seems to stand still. It's easy to get lost in moments like this. Thermal inversions are so incredibly unique, there is something about standing high above and looking down through the clouds below that never gets old. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/enveloped/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1531_20191121.jpg Enveloped Winter Temperature Inversion, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow lines the walls and south rim of the Grand Canyon during a winter storm as a temperature inversion begins to fill the canyon below. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/off-in-dreamland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1560_20191121.jpg Off in Dreamland Winter Temperature Inversion, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow lines the tree tops and cliff tops along the South Rim as a temperature inversion causes clouds to fill the Grand Canyon below. When a Thermal Inversion in the winter transforms the Grand Canyon into a layer of white snow and clouds with hints of trees and rocks showing a splash of color, you can't help but think I surely must have fallen asleep and woken up somewhere in Dreamland. It's a truly unique sight in a place seemingly filled with endless unique sights. The blanket of winter which shrouds the Canyon in a beautiful veil seems too perfect for this world, and it's a sight few who visit this grandest of canyons will see. This place is filled with unique beauty in literally every direction, but seeing the thermal inversion and snow transform this place from a deep canyon full of warm colors into a place filled with a magical blanket of winter is a sight I will never forget. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-veil/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1549_20191121.jpg Winter's Veil Winter Temperature Inversion, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow lines the south rim of the Grand Canyon as a temperature inversion partially obscures the canyon below.Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon as formations rise up from a thermal inversion is a sight glorious enough to make your jaw drop. The edges of the rim rose up from the clouds, as a small break in the inversion showed through to layers of the inner canyon far below. Add in snow covering the tops of the formations and rim and it's enough to make you wonder if this is what the cliffs of heaven look like. It's a beautiful veil of winter, a moment in a thin place where the lines between heaven and earth are seemingly blurred. Life just makes sense in moments like this. The power of nature washes over you, making you truly appreciate everything all around you. That's the true gift of nature and scenes like this. It's a brief glimpse into the heavens, seeing the beauty that lays before us when we open our eyes and and pierce the veil of clouds to see the beauty that's all around us. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/spark-of-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1401_20191121.jpg Spark of Winter Winter Sunrise over Wotans Throne, Vishnu Temple and the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow covers the south rim of the Grand Canyon as sunrise illuminates the sky and clouds above Wotans Throne and Vishnu Temple. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/window-to-another-world/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1339-_90A1340-FS_20191121.jpg Window To Another World Winter Sunrise over Wotans Throne, Vishnu Temple and the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snow and ice cover the rim of the Grand Canyon. Light from the rising sun illuminates the clouds at sunrise as Wotans Throne and Vishnu Temple peak through a window between two bushes. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-at-the-brink/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1435_20191121.jpg Winter at the Brink Winter Sunrise over the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Soft pastel colors illuminate the clouds over the Grand Canyon at sunrise as snow from a winter storm covers the south rim, creating a beautiful winter wonderland. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-land-time-forgot/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1437_20191121.jpg The Land Time Forgot Winter Sunrise over the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Soft pastel colors illuminate the clouds over the Grand Canyon at sunrise as snow from a winter storm covers the south rim, creating a beautiful winter wonderland.I've always thought of the Grand Canyon as the land that time forgot. The Grand Canyon is a landscape filled with old, eroded, weathered rock forming wonderful looking formations.  It's a vast landscape, with the heart of the North Rim 10 miles across the Canyon from here and some of the formations and plateaus in the distance to upwards of 25 miles away. It's incredibly beautiful, and it's at sunrise and sunset when this landscape truly comes to life. When it snows, the blanket of white which covers the rims transforms this landscape into something entirely different. The cold snow contrasts against the warm colors of sunrise and the warm reds and browns of the rocks in the canyon. It's incredibly peaceful to stand here at the edge, looking out at the vast beauty which seems to go on forever in an array of shapes, formations, colors, plateaus and sub canyons. It's incredibly humbling to look at and think about just how old the Grand Canyon is. The oldest rocks here deep in the canyon are 1.84 billion years old. Yet here the Grand Canyon stands, filled with beautiful rocky remnants of eras long gone, yet somehow still here in this magical place. Time may march on elsewhere, but every time I look out at the Grand Canyon it feels as if I'm looking out at the land that time forgot. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/magic-window/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0385_20191104.jpg Magic Window Sunset over Angels Window, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona Sunset brings color to the skies above Angels Window, the Palisades of the Desert and Vishnu Temple in Grand Canyon National Park as San Francisco Peaks rise up in the distance above the South Rim. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fractured/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1328-_90A1330_20191119_16x20.jpg Fractured Storm Clouds over the Grand Canyon and Colorado River at Sunset, South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Storm clouds line the skies above the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River as the colors of sunset peak through on the horizon. A rainstorm drops onto Powell Plateau, Muav Saddle and Muav Canyon in the distance. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/boundary/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0203-_90A0213_20191103_SQ.jpg Boundary Sunset over Nankoweap Mesa, Saddle Mountain, Boundary Ridge and Nankoweap Creek, North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The Belt of Venus shows in the skies over Nankoweap Mesa, Saddle Mountain, Boundary Ridge and Nankoweap Creek at Sunset on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/vastness/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0161-_90A0189_20191103.jpg Vastness Sunset over Mount Hayden, Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, Ehrenberg Point, Nankoweap Creek and Nanokoweap Mesa, North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Sunset illuminates the skies above Mount Hayden, Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, Ehrenberg Point, Nankoweap Creek and Nanokoweap Mesa along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Visible in this photo: Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Atoko Point, Siegfried Pyre, Comanche Point, Cedar Mountain, Alsap Butte, Mount Hayden, Colter Butte, Gunther Castle, Painted Desert, Cape Solitude, Little Colorado River, Desert Facade, supergroup rocks, Nankoweap Creek, and Nankoweap Mesa. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peace-be-with-you/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0392_20191104.jpg Peace Be With You Sunset over Angels Window, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona Sunset brings color to the skies above Angels Window, the Palisades of the Desert and Vishnu Temple in Grand Canyon National Park as San Francisco Peaks rise up in the distance above the South Rim. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/gold-on-the-edge/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0699_20191105.jpg Gold on the Edge A Pinyon Pine, Jupiter Temple and the Cliffs of the Grand Canyon at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona A Pinyon Pine grows sideways below the edge of the Grand Canyon as the Belt of Venus shows in the skies above at sunset. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/touch-of-gold/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0348_20191104.jpg Touch of Gold Sunset over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona Light from the setting sun casts a golden glow onto the Palisades of the Desert and the South Rim as soft pastel colors begin to show in the skies far above the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fade/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0222_20191103.jpg Fade Sunset over Mount Hayden, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, and Ehrenberg Point, North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The Belt of Venus begins to show at Sunset above Mount Hayden, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, and Ehrenberg Point along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Visible in this photo: Comanche Point, Cedar Mountain, Alsap Butte, Mount Hayden, Colter Butte, Gunther Castle, Painted Desert, Cape Solitude, Little Colorado River, and Desert Facade North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peaceful-window/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0406_20191104.jpg Peaceful Window Sunset over Angels Window, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona Sunset brings color to the skies above Angels Window, the Palisades of the Desert and Vishnu Temple in Grand Canyon National Park as San Francisco Peaks rise up in the distance above the South Rim. North Rim, Grand Canyon National https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/great-escape/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0685_20191105.jpg Great Escape Pinyon Pine and the Cliffs of the Grand Canyon at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona A Pinyon Pine grows sideways below the edge of the Grand Canyon as the Belt of Venus shows in the skies above at sunset. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pinnacle/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0076-_90A0104_20191103.jpg Pinnacle Crescent Moon at Sunset over Mount Hayden, Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, Ehrenberg Point, Nankoweap Creek and Nanokoweap Mesa, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona Sunset illuminates the skies above Mount Hayden, Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, Ehrenberg Point, Nankoweap Creek and Nanokoweap Mesa along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Visible in this photo: Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Atoko Point, Siegfried Pyre, Comanche Point, Cedar Mountain, Alsap Butte, Mount Hayden, Colter Butte, Gunther Castle, Painted Desert, Cape Solitude, Little Colorado River, Desert Facade, supergroup rocks, Nankoweap Creek, and Nankoweap Mesa. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pink-majesty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0432_20191104.jpg Pink Majesty Alpenglow during Civil Twilight over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Alpenglow after sunset illuminates the skies over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River with beautiful pastel colors as the day draws to a close. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/time-expanded/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0736-_90A0748_20191105.jpg Time Expanded Belt of Venus over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The pastels of the Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above after sunset as the last orange and yellow colors of sunset cast a warm glow over Jupiter Temple, Venus Temple, Apollo Temple, Cape Final, Freya Castle and the other formations of Grand Canyon North Rim. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/canyon-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0237_20191103.jpg Canyon Magic Nautical Twilight over Brady Peak, Saddle Mountain and the Painted Desert, North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Long after sunset, the stars begin to come out as afterglow during Nautical Twilight illuminates the skies over Brady Peak and Hancock Butte along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/watchtower-for-the-painted-sky/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0783_20161106.jpg Watchtower For The Painted Sky Desert View Watchtower and the Grand Canyon at Dusk, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Alpenglow lights the skies above Desert View Watchtower at the edge of the Grand Canyon as the last colors of the sunset hang on at dusk as nautical twilight sets in. Desert View Watchtower rises up from the edge of the Grand Canyon at Desert View in Grand Canyon National Park, keeping watch over the Painted Skies. The Palisades of the Desert stretches along the East Rim as far as the eye can see, as far below the Colorado River cuts through the Tanner Canyon section of the Grand Canyon. Ochoa Point and Lava Butte can be seen in the distance. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/a-canyons-depth/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0759-_90A0764_20161106_Rep_C.jpg A Canyon's Depth Desert View, the Colorado River and the Palisades of the Desert at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The colors of the Grand Canyon spring to life above the Colorado River and the beautiful Desert View of Grand Canyon National Park. The Colorado River has cut 6,000 feet deep through the sandstone and other sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks of the Grand Canyon over the course of more than 6 million years, leaving in its wake a wonder of geologic formations stretching into the depths of the Canyon far below the rim. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sunken-mesa/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0220_20191103.jpg Sunken Mesa Sunset over Mount Hayden, Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, Ehrenberg Point, Nankoweap Creek and Nanokoweap Mesa, North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The colors of sunset come alive as the Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above Mount Hayden, Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, Ehrenberg Point, Nankoweap Creek and Nanokoweap Mesa along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Visible in this photo: Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Atoko Point, Siegfried Pyre, Comanche Point, Cedar Mountain, Alsap Butte, Mount Hayden, Colter Butte, Gunther Castle, Painted Desert, Cape Solitude, Little Colorado River, Desert Facade, supergroup rocks, Nankoweap Creek, and Nankoweap Mesa. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lookout/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0111_20191103.jpg Lookout Sunset over Mount Hayden, Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, Ehrenberg Point, Nankoweap Creek and Nanokoweap Mesa, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona Sunset illuminates the skies above Mount Hayden, Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, Ehrenberg Point, Nankoweap Creek and Nanokoweap Mesa along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Visible in this photo: Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Atoko Point, Siegfried Pyre, Comanche Point, Cedar Mountain, Alsap Butte, Mount Hayden, Colter Butte, Gunther Castle, Painted Desert, Cape Solitude, Little Colorado River, Desert Facade, supergroup rocks, Nankoweap Creek, and Nankoweap Mesa. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dragons-tail/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0463_20191105.jpg Dragon's Tail Sunrise over Wotan's Throne and Cape Royal, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Sunrise casts a warm glow onto Wotan's Throne, Cape Royal and the south rim of the Grand Canyon in the distance as a new day begins.The warm glow of sunrise in the late Autumn on Walton's Throne and Cape Royal has long been one of my favorite things. Services at the north rim have long stopped by this point in the year, the road only staying open until the first snow closes the gates for the year. You definitely want a sat phone or spot locator late in the year out at the north rim, as you may end up being the only person for 40 miles. It becomes a truly desolate place, filled with all sorts of beauty and wonder. At moments like these it's always easy to imagine what the first explorers here felt like when they laid eyes on it, long before the crowds arrived. I've always loved sunrises here, as the Golden Glow of the Sun illuminates the backside of Wotan's Throne with a beautiful Golden Glow as the front side sits in shadows. There's a soft color in the sky, with a beautiful band of warm light on the horizon. It's a true moment of peace and serenity, which provide a sense of solitude that's hard to find these days in our often busy and crowded world. Scenes such as this always make you contemplate things, as you begin to appreciate all the little things and wonders of life that are often overlooked. All too often in life, people are in such a hurry they walk right past some of the most beautiful things without a second thought. The way the rocks and formations rise up out of the canyon here, perfectly carved and chiseled is a true thing of beauty. It's a scene that has its fullest impact on you when you simply sit there and appreciate it, slowly looking over everything and taking it all in. The view from here is vast, as you're looking out towards the south rim over 11 miles away. Late in the year here, long after the crowds have dissipated, it's easy to just let life slow down and take in all the beauty of nature as it surrounds you in perfect solitude. I always come away from this place with a unique sense of wonder, and an appreciation for how unique and healing nature truly is. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/twilight-in-the-canyon/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0732_20191105.jpg Twilight in the Canyon The Belt of Venus over Cape Final, Unkar Creek and the Grand Canyon at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above Jupiter Temple, Venus Temple, Apollo Temple, Cape Final and the other formations of Grand Canyon just after sunset. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/distance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0224_90A0231_CYL_20191103.jpg Distance Sunset over Mount Hayden, Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, Ehrenberg Point, Nankoweap Creek and Nanokoweap Mesa, North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The sun fades in the west and Belt of Venus begins to show in the east at Sunset above Mount Hayden, Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, Ehrenberg Point, Nankoweap Creek and Nanokoweap Mesa along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Visible in this photo: Hancock Butte, Brady Peak, Atoko Point, Siegfried Pyre, Comanche Point, Cedar Mountain, Alsap Butte, Mount Hayden, Colter Butte, Gunther Castle, Painted Desert, Cape Solitude, Little Colorado River, Desert Facade, supergroup rocks, Nankoweap Creek, and Nankoweap Mesa. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-great-beyond/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0709_20191105.jpg The Great Beyond Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Pastel colors illuminate the skies over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River as the last colors of the setting sun illuminate Venus Temple, Apollo Temple and the cliffs along the Palisades of the Desert. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/back-of-the-beyond/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1177_20191118.jpg Back of the Beyond Grand Canyon and the Colorado River at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The warm glow of sunset bathes the buttes and temples of the Grand Canyon at sunset as the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus illuminate the skies above the inner canyon and Colorado River. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/evanescent/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1247_20191119.jpg Evanescent Temperature Inversion, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona A temperature inversion (thermal inversion, cloud inversion) creates a rare sight as clouds fill the Grand Canyon while storm clouds line the skies high above. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/slither/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0751-_90A0754_20191105.jpg Slither Alpenglow during Civil Twilight over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona Alpenglow illuminates the skies over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River a beautiful pastel color as Rayleigh scattering from after sunset illuminates the Palisades of the Desert along the east rim and south rim of the Grand Canyon. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/morning-gold/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0478-_90A0492_20191105_16x20.jpg Morning Gold Sunrise over Wotans Throne and Cape Royal, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Sunrise casts a warm glow onto Wotan's Throne, Cape Royal and the south rim of the Grand Canyon in the distance as a new day begins. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/just-a--peak/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1654-_90A1661_20191121.jpg Just a Peak Partial Thermal Inversion forming at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona A partial thermal inversion begins to form in the Grand Canyon as sun shines through a spot in the clouds above at sunset. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/halfway/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1626-_90A16240_20191121_16x20.jpg Halfway Partial Thermal Inversion forming at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona A partial thermal inversion begins to form in the Grand Canyon as the clouds in the skies above light at sunset high above the inner canyon and the Colorado River. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/beacon/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0133_20191103.jpg Beacon Sunset over Mount Hayden, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, and Ehrenberg Point, North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Sunset illuminates the skies above Mount Hayden, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, and Ehrenberg Point along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Visible in this photo: Comanche Point, Cedar Mountain, Alsap Butte, Mount Hayden, Colter Butte, Gunther Castle, Painted Desert, Cape Solitude, Little Colorado River, and Desert Facade. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/trickle/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0371_20191104.jpg Trickle Sunset over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona Soft pastel colors at sunset begin to show in the skies above the Palisades of the Desert, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River as soft light glows on the upper reaches of the east rim and south rim far across the Grand Canyon. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/twilight-under-the-moon/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0444-_90A0448_20191104_A.jpg Twilight Under the Moon The Moon at Dusk over Vishnu Temple and Freya Castle, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona The Moon shines brightly overhead as pastel colors illuminate the skies over Vishnu Temple, Freya Castle and the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park at dusk. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/levels/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0425_20191104.jpg Levels Belt of Venus over Angels Window, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The pastels of the Belt of Venus illuminate the sky at sunset over Angels Window, Apollo Temple and the other formations of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona as Unkar Creek makes its way towards the Colorado River below. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/vanishing-act/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1243_20191119.jpg Vanishing Act Temperature Inversion, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona A temperature inversion (full thermal inversion, total cloud inversion) creates a rare sight as clouds fill the Grand Canyon while storm clouds line the skies high above. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/interlude/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1194_20191118.jpg Interlude Grand Canyon and the Colorado River at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The warm glow of sunset bathes the buttes and temples of the Grand Canyon at sunset as the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus illuminate the skies above. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/window-of-opportunity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0413_20191104.jpg Window of Opportunity Sunset over Angels Window and San Francisco Peaks, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona Sunset brings color to the skies above Angels Window, the Palisades of the Desert and Vishnu Temple in Grand Canyon National Park as San Francisco Peaks rise up in the distance above the South Rim. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sidewinder/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0686_20191105.jpg Sidewinder Pinyon Pine and the Cliffs of the Grand Canyon at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona A Pinyon Pine grows sideways below the cliffs of the Grand Canyon as the Belt of Venus shows in the skies above at sunset. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peeking-through/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1647_20191121_16x20.jpg Peeking Through Partial Thermal Inversion forming at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona A partial thermal inversion begins to form in the Grand Canyon as sun shines through a spot in the clouds above at sunset. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/beyond-infinity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0755-_90A0760_20191105.jpg Beyond Infinity Dusk over the Grand Canyon, Freya Castle, Vishnu Temple and Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona Alpenglow at Dusk illuminates the skies over the Grand Canyon, Freya Castle, Vishnu Temple, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River as Rayleigh scattering from after sunset illuminates the Palisades of the Desert along the east rim and south rim of the Grand Canyon.The North Rim of the Grand Canyon has long been one of my favorite places. It's extremely isolated and sees less than 10% of the visitors that the South Rim does, but views are equally stunning in their own way. When you go exploring off the beaten path, you'll often find views like this that really put into scale how grand this vista is. It's incredibly remote there. It's 18 miles across to the Palisades of the Desert from here. The Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim is 21 miles from here. It really puts the solitude you can find at this place in perspective. The Grand Canyon's North Rim is remote place where the closest hint of civilization other than the lodge and cabins might well be the 18 miles straight across the canyon, as Jacob Lake is 55 miles the other direction with a whole lot of remote landscapes in between. The remote landscape of the North Rim is some of the most beautiful I've ever seen, especially at sunrise and sunset when that magic light illuminates the canyon and the rocks, seemingly bringing them alive as a warm, ethereal glow stretches out across the landscape. Time always stands still out here. It's easy to get lost in the moment when you're this isolated, and that's always been one of my favorite things about this magical place. It's one of those places I'll always return to, no matter how many times I've been. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/a-rivers-power/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0755_20161106_16x20.jpg A River's Power Desert View, the Colorado River and the Palisades of the Desert at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The powerful Colorado River cut through the sandstone and other igneous and metamorphic rocks of the Grand Canyon at sunset. This powerful, mighty river has carved its course over millions of years to form the Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon National Park. The beautiful Desert View from here cuts along the Escalante Route and the Tanner Trail, as The Palisades of the Desert lines the East Rim while Ochoa Point, Lava Butte and other formations rise up from Canyon below. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/precipice/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0751-_90A0754_11052019-Vert.jpg Precipice Alpenglow during Civil Twilight over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona Alpenglow illuminates the skies over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River a beautiful pastel color as Rayleigh scattering from after sunset illuminates the Palisades of the Desert along the east rim and south rim of the Grand Canyon. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-air-up-there/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1598_90A1615_20191121-2X1.jpg The Air Up There Partial Thermal Inversion forming at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona A partial thermal inversion begins to form in the Grand Canyon at Sunset above the Colorado River and the inner canyon far below. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/time-and-time-again/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0736-_90A0748_20191105_2x1.jpg Time and Time Again Belt of Venus over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The pastels of the Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above after sunset as the last orange and yellow colors of sunset cast a warm glow over Jupiter Temple, Venus Temple, Apollo Temple, Cape Final, Freya Castle and the other formations of Grand Canyon North Rim. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/spine/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0449_20191104.jpg Spine Nautical Twilight over Wotans Throne and Cape Royal, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Soft pastel colors illuminate the horizon as Nautical Twilight sets in over Wotans Throne, Cape Royal and the Grand Canyon. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/breakthrough-2/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0427_20181104.jpg Breakthrough Grand Canyon and the Colorado River at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Sunset over the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River brings a warm glow to the clouds in the sky as the red colors of the canyon's temples and walls come to life. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/kiss-the-rim/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0278-_90A02341_20191104.jpg Kiss the Rim Sunset over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona Light from the setting sun casts a golden glow onto Cape Final, the Palisades of the Desert, Rama Shrine and Vishnu Temple as soft pastel colors begin to show in the skies far above the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/stand/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0118_20191103.jpg Stand Sunset over Mount Hayden, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, Ehrenberg Point, and Nankoweap Creek, Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim, Arizona Sunset illuminates the skies above Mount Hayden, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, Ehrenberg Point, and Nankoweap Creek along the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Visible in this photo: Atoko Point, Siegfried Pyre, Comanche Point, Cedar Mountain, Alsap Butte, Mount Hayden, Colter Butte, Gunther Castle, Painted Desert, Cape Solitude, Little Colorado River, Desert Facade, supergroup rocks, and Nankoweap Creek. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/zoroasters-transition/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0098_20171104.jpg Zoroaster's Transition Nautical Sunset over the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Nautical Sunset over the Grand Canyon as day transitions to night. The stars begin to shine and the last light of day begins to fade as a trace of sunlight still illuminates the horizon. Formations Visible: Zoroaster Temple, Brahma Temple, Sumner Butte, Bradley Point, Demaray Point, Oza Butte, Buddha Temple and The Colonnade Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/moonrise-of-the-gods/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0111_20171104.jpg Moonrise of the Gods Full Moonrise over the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The full moon rises between Wotans Throne and Vishnu Temple in the Grand Canyon, lighting the night sky around it a brilliant orange as the foreground darkens in the shadows. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sun-slips-away/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0565_20191105.jpg Sun Slips Away Sunset over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Light from the setting sun casts a golden glow onto Jupiter Temple, Venus Temple, Apollo Temple, Cape Final, and the Palisades of the Desert as soft pastel colors begin to show in the skies far above the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-slow-goodnight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0735_20191105.jpg The Slow Goodnight The Belt of Venus over Cape Final, Unkar Creek and the Grand Canyon at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above Jupiter Temple, Venus Temple, Apollo Temple, Cape Final and the other formations of Grand Canyon just after sunset. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/a-river-runs-through-it/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0431_20191104.jpg A River Runs Through It Alpenglow during Civil Twilight over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Alpenglow after sunset illuminates the skies over the Grand Canyon, Unkar Creek and the Colorado River with beautiful pastel colors as the day draws to a close. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/eternity-in-twilight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0420-_90A0424_20191104.jpg Eternity in Twilight Belt of Venus over the Grand Canyon at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The pastel colors of the Belt of Venus illuminate the sky at sunset over Jupiter Temple, Venus Temple, Apollo Temple, Cape Final, Freya Castle and the other formations of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona as Unkar Creek makes its way towards the Colorado River below. North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/canyon-temple/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0221_20191103.jpg Canyon Temple Sunset over Mount Hayden, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, Ehrenberg Point, and Nankoweap Creek, North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The Belt of Venus begins to show at Sunset above Mount Hayden, Alsap Butte, Colter Butte, Ehrenberg Point, and Nankoweap Creek along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Visible in this photo: Atoko Point, Siegfried Pyre, Comanche Point, Cedar Mountain, Alsap Butte, Mount Hayden, Colter Butte, Gunther Castle, Painted Desert, Cape Solitude, Little Colorado River, Desert Facade, supergroup rocks, and Nankoweap Creek.I've always loved the soft pastel colors of sunset as the Belt of Venus begins to show in the show in the sky. There's something about the soft pastel colors which always takes my breath away, especially against the red rocks of the Grand Canyon. Mount Hayden rises up from the Canyon reminiscent of praying hands and a temple, which I always thought was a fitting sight at one of nature's grand temples. In the distance, Nankoweap Creek snakes its way toward the Colorado River, the only water visible in the vast landscape carved by it. It's such a majestic sight. It's one of those moments where time seems to stand still. Note: The Belt of Venus is the pink glow in the sky which occurs around sunrise and sunset. It occurs opposite the sun and is caused by sunlight from below the horizon scattering and reflecting back in the atmosphere. The blue section below the Belt of Venus is the Earth's shadow from night creeping in (or fading away at sunrise). North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cloaked/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1589_90A1593_20191121-20x30.jpg Cloaked Thermal Inversion at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona A partial thermal inversion fills the Grand Canyon at Sunset as the Colorado River far below formations rising up through the clouds of the inversion.Thermal inversions are one of the most spectacular sights I've ever seen at the Grand Canyon. They're incredibly rare, and I've been fortunate enough to see them on several occasions. They form when a warmer layer of air sits the top a layer of colder air. A late Autumn snowstorm had given way to warmer temperatures as the day went on, leaving colder air filling the Canyon 5000 feet below as the light from the setting Sun warmed up the rim and the skies above. This resulted in perfect conditions for a thermal inversion. The depths of the canyon filled with clouds, as the formations and walls of the Grand Canyon rose up out of the sea of white. It was almost as if I was standing at the edge of heaven, looking out into the clouds as brief glimpses of earth show through far below. It's a stunning and unique sight, which often lasts for a brief few moments before the clouds below begin to dissipate. Although the moment may be brief, time always seems to stand still at moments like this as you seemingly get lost in this beauty forever. One of my favorite things about photography is its ability to freeze a moment in time, so that these brief moments of unique beauty can last forever and be shared with others. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-beauty-below-the-beauty-above/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0756_20161106.jpg The Beauty Below, The Beauty Above Desert View, the Colorado River and the Palisades of the Desert at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona The colors of the Grand Canyon come alive at sunset. Over the course of millions of years, the Colorado River has cut through the sandstone and other igneous and metamorphic rocks to create of the Grand Canyon. In its wake it has left a stunning array of beauty below, a striking sandstone cathedral full of color which comes to life at sunset when the skies above light up with a beautiful palette of color. Here, the Colorado River can be seen cutting through the Tanner Canyon area of Grand Canyon National Park along the Escalante Route and the Tanner Trail. The Palisades of the Desert lines the East Rim, stretching towards Marble Canyon as Ochoa Point, Lava Butte, the Basalt Cliffs and other formations rise up below.The Grand Canyon is one of those places that really has to be seen in person to be appreciated. The vast landscape which opens up before you below the rim is stunning. Over the course of millions of years, the Colorado River has cut through Sandstone to create of the Grand Canyon. In its wake it has left a stunning array of beauty below, a striking sandstone cathedral full of color which come to life at sunrise and sunset when the skies above light up with a beautiful palette of color. Here, the Colorado River can be seen cutting through the Tanner Canyon area of Grand Canyon National Park along the Escalante Route and the Tanner Trail. The Palisades of the Desert lines the East Rim, stretching towards Marble Canyon as Ochoa Point, Lava Butte, the Basalt Cliffs and other formations rise up below. It is simply amazing to stand at the rim and take in the vastness of the Grand Canyon as you marvel at the beauty below and the beauty above. The canyon is a true masterpiece of nature, with the earliest forming of the canyon now estimated to be 70 million years and the main carving by the Colorado River starting 6 million years ago. Standing here, it's simply amazing to think that water and erosion is what caused this vast, mighty beautiful landscape. It's a true testament to the power of water and time.  It's one of those sites that makes you contemplate things, and it's one where I always seem to walk away relaxed and totally at peace. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/obscurity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0950_20191116.jpg Obscurity Haze over the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River at Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Haze from a prescribed burn envelopes the Grand Canyon as sunset produces a brilliant ray of sunlight through the haze in the canyon.There's something beautiful about the way the light at sunset catches the haze when it fills the Grand Canyon. Even though the haze can obscure the view to a certain extent, the way the sun's rays can light the layer of haze can produce some beautiful scenes. The landscape here is like a whole different world. You can see vast distances from the Canyon Rim, to the point it's almost mind-boggling. In this photo Great Thumb Mesa (the back gap in the distance in the middle of the photo) is 27 miles away. It's absolutely mind-boggling to think you can stare out at something so beautiful and see for 27 miles. The way the formations have been carved into the inner Canyon is truly a thing of beauty. The Colorado River sits 1 mile below, the mighty river rendered almost insignificant by the grandeur of the surrounding landscape. Perhaps that's always been my favorite thing about this magical place, the vast beauty stretching for tens of miles has a way of putting everything in perspective, and when that magical light hits at the beginning or the end of the day it's like you're staring out into a small slice of heaven. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/autumn-zen/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1646-_90A1652_2x1.jpg Autumn Zen Moon Bridge, Upper Pond and Japanese Maples in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Fall brings beautiful orange and red colors to the Japanese Maple trees surrounding Moon Bridge and Upper Pond at the Portland Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/shades-of-autumn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1675-_90A1680_20201106_16x20.jpg Shades of Autumn Lace Leaf Japanese Maples and a Pond on a foggy Autumn Morning, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Fall brings beautiful orange and red colors to the lace leaf Japanese Maple trees surrounding a stream and pond on a foggy morning at the Portland Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/medusa/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1608_20201106.jpg Medusa Lace Leaf Japanese Maple after the Autumn leaves have fallen, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon The branches of this famous Lace Leaf Japanese Maple in the Portland Japanese Garden lay bare in the late fall after the autumn leaves have fallen. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/hat-trick/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1668_20201106.jpg Hat Trick Lace Leaf Japanese Maple in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon A Lace Leaf Japanese Maple turns a brilliant shade of orange and red as peak fall color sets in at the Portland Japanese Garden Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peaceful-stroll/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1637_20201106.jpg Peaceful Stroll Moon Bridge, Upper Pond and Japanese Maples in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Fall brings beautiful orange and red colors to the Japanese Maple trees surrounding Moon Bridge and Upper Pond at the Portland Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/all-that-glitters/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1747_20201106.jpg All That Glitters Portland Japanese Garden in the Autumn, Oregon Fall brings yellow, orange and red to Japanese maple trees rising above the banks of a stream in the Portland Japanese Garden. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winding-along/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1742_20201106.jpg Winding Along Portland Japanese Garden in the Autumn, Oregon A Lace Leaf Japanese Maple turns a brilliant shade of fiery red and orange in the fall along the banks of a stream in the Portland Japanese Garden Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/hanging-on/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1683_20201106.jpg Hanging On Lace Leaf Japanese Maple reflecting in a Pond, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon A lace leaf Japanese Maple tree reflects in pond as autumn transforms the trees into fiery orange and red during peak fall colors at the Portland Japanese Garden. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/state-of-mind-2/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1719_20201106.jpg State of Mind Heavenly Falls in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Water tumbles down Heavenly Falls and into the pond as fall color begins to adorn the surrounding trees with shades of autumn. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/a-whole-lot-of-red/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1724_20201106.jpg A Whole Lot of Red Lace Leaf Japanese Maple in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon A Lace Leaf Japanese Maple turns brilliant shades of orange and red as fall colors sets in at the Portland Japanese Garden. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/twister/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1655_20201106.jpg Twister Lace Leaf Japanese Maple in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon A Lace Leaf Japanese Maple turns brilliant shades of orange and red as fall colors sets in at the Portland Japanese Garden. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/a-little-bit-of-peace/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1716_20201106.jpg A Little Bit of Peace Golden Japanese Maple in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Golden colors adorn the leaves of a Japanese Maple next to a pond in the Strolling Pond Garden of the Portland Japanese Garden. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/autumn-stoll/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1639-_90A1645_20201106_20x30.jpg Autumn Stoll Moon Bridge, Upper Pond and Japanese Maples in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Fall brings a beautiful orange and red color to the Japanese Maple trees surrounding Moon Bridge and Upper Pond at the Portland Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/transformation/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1694_20201106.jpg Transformation Lace Leaf Japanese Maples and a Pond in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Lace leaf Japanese Maple trees stand guard next to a pond as fall color transforms the trees into a fiery orange-red. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/flow-of-autumn-2/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1714_20201106.jpg Flow of Autumn Japanese Maples and Heavenly Falls in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Water tumbles down Heavenly Falls and into the pond as the surrounding Japanese Maples turn brilliant shades of color during peak fall color. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/whisper-in-the-garden/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1751_20201106.jpg Whisper in the Garden Japanese Maples and Heavenly Falls in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Water tumbles down Heavenly Falls and into the pond as the surrounding Japanese Maples turn brilliant shades of color during peak fall color. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/red-lace/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8610-_90A8612_20211021.jpg Red Lace Lace Leaf Japanese Maple during peak color in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Leaves of a Lace Leaf Japanese Maple burst with color during peak fall color at the Portland Japanese Garden. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ruby-flame/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8810-_90A8814_20211021_FS.jpg Ruby Flame Lace Leaf Japanese Maple at peak color in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon A Lace Leaf Japanese Maple turns a brilliant red during peak fall color at the famed Portland Japanese Garden. The red colors Japanese Maples turn during peak color in the fall are always a stunning sight. It's like a soft ruby flame raising up from the ground, greeting you in the most peaceful and serene of ways. Although there is one main famous tree in the Portland Japanese gardens, the entire Garden is filled with beauty and many more wonderful Japanese Maples and other foliage. The way this one twists then turns and then goes out to one side really caught my eye. It was a magnificent sight to see the red crown of the tree rising up from a soft bed of grass and moss. It's easy to see why many people find a stroll through Japanese Gardens such a peaceful and relaxing experience. The sight of red leaves on the Japanese Maples in the autumn it is something that will never get old to see. The wonderful peak colors there in the autumn add to that, and create a beautiful moment you can get lost in forever. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wings-of-the-phoenix/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8760-_90A8761_20211021_FS.jpg Wings of the Phoenix Lace Leaf Japanese Maple at peak color in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Leaves on a Lace Leaf Japanese Maple turn a brilliant orange during peak fall color at the famed Portland Japanese Gardens. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bridge-of-destiny/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8741_20211021.jpg Bridge of Destiny Moon Bridge in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Moon Bridge leads across the Strolling Pond towards the brilliant red, amber and gold fall colors which line the trees around the Tea Garden at the Portland Japanese Gardens in Portland, Oregon. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/flames-of-autumn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8527-_90A8528_20211021.jpg Flames of Autumn Lace Leaf Japanese Maple during peak color in the Autumn, Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Peak color during the Autumn brings brilliant orange and red colors to the leaves on this world famous Lace Leaf Japanese Maple as it grows from a small mound rising up from a soft bed of grass and moss at the Portland Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon. The waters of the upper pond (strolling pond) behind it reflect colors of the plants lining the shoreline. This tree needs no introduction. It's billed as one of the most famous trees in the world, and rightfully so. People come from all over the world to photograph it, but as a lifelong Oregonian who lives fairly close by, I've been going to this place for as long as I can remember and I've seen this tree well before it gained fame. The tree itself was planted in the early 1970s, and it's now around 70 years old give or take 5 years. It's one of those delicate scenes that's much smaller in real life than in print. Peak color here can be fleeting, as the Pacific Northwest rains will knock off the delicate lace leaves as soon as they begin to turn. As a result, some years peak color never comes, some years it's fleeting and some years it hangs around. I've seen it and photographed with everything from green leaves to golden to the peak colors of orange and red. On this occasion, this famous Japanese Maple had some of the most glorious colors I've ever seen on it. It was almost like a two for one deal: the leaves covering the outside where a brilliant shade of red, while the leaves on the underside were a brilliant hue of orange. This two-toned peak color reminded me of fire, whose flames often flicker between red and orange. These brilliant flames of Autumn were truly a stunning sight, and thanks to being the first one in the gate after a long wait and sprinting up the hill I had the place to myself for a brief few minutes. I've always loved how the waters of the strolling pond can be seen through the leaves, as the vibrant green grass and moss of spring give way to more the more muted greens of autumn. It's the perfect contrast to the vibrant peak colors nature put on display with this Japanese Maple. Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/goodnight-pacific/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/110712_2082613_b20131009.jpg Goodnight, Pacific! Sunset over the Pacific Ocean, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaA golden glow is cast mere seconds after an autumn sunset over the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Klamath River in Northern California. Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pacific-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_0852_20121107.jpg Pacific Light Sunset over the Pacific Ocean, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaSunset lights the skies over the Pacific Ocean and the mouth of the Klamath River near Klamath California in the late Autumn. Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/breakthrough/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_0792_20121107.jpg Breakthrough God Rays at Sunset over Redwood Creek Valley and Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaSunlight shines through the cloud cover at sunset, creating brilliant rays of light which shine down on the old-growth Redwood Forests of the Redwood Creek Valley in Redwood National Park in California. Redwood National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/evergreen-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_0794-_MG_0795_20121107_2x1.jpg Evergreen Light God Rays at Sunset over Redwood Creek Valley and Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaLight breaks through the clouds and shines down on the Evergreen Redwood Forests of Redwood National Park in Northern California Redwood National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-lonely-road/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_0665-_MG_0667_20121106.jpg The Lonely Road Redwood Trees along Avenue of the Giants, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, CaliforniaA lonely section of highway cuts through a grove of Redwoods along the Avenue of the Giants on the Northern California Coast Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sunshine-through-the-canopy/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_0644-_MG_0646_20121106.jpg Sunshine Through the Canopy A Sun Star Shining through a Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, CaliforniaSunlight filters through canopy of towering Redwood trees in an old-growth Redwood Forest along the Northern California Coast during late Autumn. Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/forest-sky-view/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_0626-_MG_0628_20121106.jpg Forest Sky View Old-Growth Redwood Forest in the Late Autumn, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaThe blue sky shines through the canopy of trees in the old-growth Redwood Forests of Redwood National and State Parks in California Redwood National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/forest-twilight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0185_20161111.jpg Forest Twilight Sunset Through the Canopy of Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaPastel colors at sunset peak through the forest canopy of old-growth Redwood Forests in Northern California Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/through-the-trees/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_0623-_MG_0625_20121107_16x20.jpg Through the Trees The Canopy of Old-Growth Redwood Forest in the Late Autumn, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaLight shines through the canopy of trees in the old-growth Redwood Forests of Redwood National and State Parks in California Redwood National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ethereal-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0182_20161111_16x20_C.jpg Ethereal Glow A Wooden Bridge Glows at Sunset in Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Redwood National and State ParksAn ethereal beauty emanates from the old-growth Redwood Forest as the wooden bridge at Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood National Park glows at sunset. Redwood National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/through-the-redwoods/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0135-_90A0141_20161111.jpg Through the Redwoods Towering Redwood Trees Grow Next to a Creek in Dense Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaA small creek winds its way through the dense old-growth Redwood Forests of Redwood National Park along the Northern California coast. Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-three-sages/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0094-_90A0100_20161111.jpg The Three Sages Three Towering Redwood Trees in an Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaThree giant Coastal Redwood trees grow close together in old-growth Redwood Forest, standing tall as they watch over the forest like three wise sages as the colors of sunset filter through the canopy Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/forest-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0087-_90A0093_20161111.jpg Forest Glow Sunset through a Hole in the canopy of old-growth Redwood Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, California The warm glow of sunset illuminates the skies behind a giant tree in the old-growth Redwood Forests of Redwood National Park in Northern California. Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/eternal-growth/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0073-_90A0079_20161111.jpg Eternal Growth Sunset Faintly Glows through the Canopy of Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaYounger Redwood trees grow next to larger, older Redwood trees as the cycle of life continues in the old-growth Redwood Forests of Redwood National Park in Northern California Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-leaning-giant/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0103-_90A0109_20161111.jpg The Leaning Giant Sunset Peaking through the Canopy of an Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaThe base of a giant Coastal Redwood tree leans as it rises up high into the sky in the old-growth Redwood Forests of Redwood National Park. Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-test-of-time/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0080-_90A0086_20161111.jpg The Test of Time Two Giant Redwood Trees in an Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaFire scares surround the base of a giant Coastal Redwood which has withstood the test of time in an old-growth Redwood Forest as the colors of sunset filter through the canopy. Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-forest-bench/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0015-_90A0021_20161111.jpg The Forest Bench Fallen Redwood Trees among Giant Old-Growth Redwood Trees, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaFallen Redwood trees line the floor of an old-growth Redwood Forest, providing benches of Redwoods for weary travelers traversing the forest floors of the old growth forests of Redwood National Park in Northern California Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wisdom-and-youth/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0121-_90A0134_20161111.jpg Wisdom and Youth A Grove of Redwood Trees in an Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaSeveral younger Coastal Redwood trees grow next to three wise, old Redwood trees which have withstood the test of time as they stand tall and proud in the old-growth Redwood Forests of Redwood National Park. Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-redwood-path/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0029-_90A0056_20161111.jpg The Redwood Path A Forest Path through an Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaSunset filters through the forest canopy as a narrow forest path winds between giant Redwood trees in a stately grove of old-growth Redwood trees in the old-growth Redwood Forests of Redwood National Park in Northern California Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/redwood-skyline/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0057-_90A0064_20161111.jpg Redwood Skyline Sunset Shines through the Canopy of an Old-Growth Redwood Forest in the Late Autumn, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaGiant Coastal Redwoods rise high up into the sky, as the canopies and tree tops merge with the skies above to form a Skyline of Redwood trees in the old-growth Redwood Forests of Redwood National Park in Northern California Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/elegant-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0173-_90A017920161111.jpg Elegant Beauty Towering Redwood Trees Grow Next to a Creek in Dense Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaA small creek winds between two giant Redwood trees in the dense old-growth Redwood forests of Redwood National Park in California. Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/redwood-canopy/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_0629-_MG_0631_B_20121106.jpg Redwood Canopy The Canopy of Old-Growth Redwood Forest in the Late Autumn, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaLight shines through the canopy of an old-growth Redwood Forest along the Northern California Coast during late Autumn. Redwood National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heavens-radiance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_0791_20121107.jpg Heaven's Radiance God Rays at Sunset over Redwood Creek Valley and Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaSunlight shines through the cloud cover at sunset, creating brilliant rays of light which shine down on the old-growth Redwood Forests of the Redwood Creek Valley in Redwood National Park in California. Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sunshine-through-the-giants/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_0662-_MG_0664_20121106_B.jpg Sunshine Through the Giants A Sun Star Shining through a Old-Growth Redwood Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, CaliforniaSunlight filters through the canopy of giant Redwood trees, creating a sun star in an old-growth Redwood Forest along the Northern California Coast during late Autumn. Redwood National and State Parks, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fairyland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0700-_90A0706_20190217.jpg Fairyland Alpenglow at Sunset over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow at sunset illuminates the snow covered granite slopes of Yosemite Valley, as fog cloaking El Capitan lights with a faint pink hue from the setting sun. The soft pastel hues of sunset illuminate the cloud cover in the sky above as Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the cliffs towards snow covered Yosemite Valley below, as it transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-enchantment/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0679-_90A0685_20190217.jpg Winter Enchantment Winter Sunset over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the tips of snow covered Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires gold, as a pink hue illuminates the face of El Capitan. Fog cloaking El Capitan lights with a pink hue from the setting sun, as the pinks, yellows and orange of sunset illuminates the cloud cover in the sky above Yosemite Valley as Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the cliffs towards the snow covered valley below. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/natures-radiance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0546_20190219.jpg Nature's Radiance Alpenglow at Sunset on a High Ridge over 3200 Feet above the Yosemite Valley Floor, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow from the winter sunset casts a brilliant magenta glow on the snow covered slopes and trees of a high ridge over 3200 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor as the sky above illuminates with soft pastel hues. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-serenity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1248-_90A1290_20190224.jpg Winter Serenity Sunset over Half Dome and Ahwahnee Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings pastel color to the skies over Half Dome and Ahwahnee Meadow as snow blankets the Yosemite Valley floor. This one was interesting. It was the middle of winter well into the month of February and autumn had long since passed. Yet, the colors of fall still hung on along the trees at the edge of the meadow as snow blanketed the valley. Sometimes nature brings us the most unexpected beauty, and this was definitely something I didn't expect to see in the middle of winter. But it was beautiful seeing the snow of winter contrast against the last colors of autumn trying to hang on long after the season had passed. Half Dome rises above it all, a sentinel keeping watch over the meadow and the valley. It was very surreal, seeing the mix of seasons like this deep into the heart of winter. It was a very unique beauty, and it's a reminder that nature tends to do what it wants when it wants. That's always been one of my favorite things about nature, the unexpected things which comes together in the most unexpected of manners and present us with a beauty we couldn't have imagined when we arrived. It was one last grasp from autumn trying to hang on, and winter brings about its own unique serenity. Ahwahnee Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/a-cut-above/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0881_201090823_16x20.jpg A Cut Above Golden Hour over the Merced River Canyon, Yosemite National Park, California The Merced River cuts through snow covered Merced River Canyon in Yosemite National Park as sunlight illuminates the clouds and the snow on the cliffs high above. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fading-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0221_20190218.jpg Fading Magic Winter sunset over the Three Brothers and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California The setting sun illuminates the top of the Three Brothers high above the Merced River as snow blankets Yosemite Valley in the winter. Three Brothers, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ethereal-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0651-_90A0657_20190217.jpg Ethereal Beauty Full Moon and Alpenglow at Sunset over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California The full Moon rises as sunset begins to illuminates the valley fog and snow covered granite slopes of Yosemite Valley. Alpenglow illuminates the fog cloaking El Capitan and the valley as the colors of sunset illuminate the cloud cover in the sky above. Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the cliffs towards snow covered Yosemite Valley below, as the valley transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/when-the-cathedral-calls/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1384_20190224.jpg When the Cathedral Calls Golden Hour Sunset over Cathedral Rocks and Spires, Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings soft pastel colors to the skies above the Merced River, Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires as Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the granite cliffs and towards snow covered Yosemite Valley below. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fading-beacon/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0214_20190218.jpg Fading Beacon Winter sunset over the Three Brothers and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California The setting sun in the winter illuminates the top of the Three Brother as trees along the shore reflect in the still waters of the Merced River while snow blankets Yosemite Valley. Three Brothers, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/muirs-valley/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1233_20190224.jpg Muir's Valley Grizzly Peak, Mount Star King and Ahwahnee Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite Valley, California The skies darken above Grizzly Peak (middle) and Mount Star King (right) as snow blankets Ahwahnee Meadow and Yosemite Valley below. Pine trees rise up from the snow covered meadow, displaying a brilliant green contrasting against the white snow covered meadows and slopes of Yosemite. Ahwahnee Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edens-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0693-_90A0693_20190217.jpg Eden's Glow Full Moon and Alpenglow at Sunset over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California The full Moon rises as alpenglow at sunset illuminates the snow covered granite slopes of Yosemite Valley. Fog cloaking El Capitan lights with a faint purple hue from the setting sun, as the colors of sunset illuminate the cloud cover in the sky above. Bridelveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the cliffs towards snow covered Yosemite Valley below, as the valley transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. Tunnel View, Yosemite National P https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silent-hideaway/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0862_20190217.jpg Silent Hideaway Yosemite Falls and the Merced River by Winter Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Yosemite Falls as it tumbles 2425 feet over the snow covered granite cliffs above the Merced River and Yosemite Valley in the winter. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/enchanted-water/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0577_20190219.jpg Enchanted Water Alpenglow at Dusk above Cathedral Rocks and Spires, Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates the skies above the Merced River, Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires as Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the granite cliffs and towards snow covered Yosemite Valley below. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/granite-citadel/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1426_20190224.jpg Granite Citadel Golden Hour over Yosemite Valley, El Capitan and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset approaches as beautiful colors begin to show in the skies above Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and the Merced River in the winter while snow blankets the ground. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/twilight-bride/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0578_20190219.jpg Twilight Bride Alpenglow at Dusk above Cathedral Rocks and Spires, Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates the skies above the Merced River, Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires as Bridalviel Fall tumbles 620 feet over the granite cliffs and towards snow covered Yosemite Valley below. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/majestic-wonder/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0311_90A0313_20190218.jpg Majestic Wonder Sunset over Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires and a Freezing Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the clouds and skies overhead as Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires reflect in a calm, partially frozen Merced River. A deep blanket of snow blankets the shores and Yosemite Valley on a cold winter evening. Cathedral Rocks, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/golden-kiss/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1566_20190224.jpg Golden Kiss Sunset over Sentinel Rock and Cook's Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the skies above as the setting sun casts a warm glow on the slopes of Sentinel Rock high above Cook's Meadow. Snow blankets the Yosemite Valley and the meadows below as the day draws to a close. Cooks Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/marvelous-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0263-_90A0269_20190218.jpg Marvelous Light Sunset over El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights color across the skies above El Capitan and Yosemite Valley as a lone cloud on it's tip lights orange like fire. El Capitan, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/crowns-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0207_20190218.jpg Crown's Glow Winter sunset over the Three Brothers and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California The setting sun illuminates the top of the Three Brothers high above the Merced River as snow blankets Yosemite Valley in the winter. Three Brothers, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peace-chaser/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0001-_90A0007_20190220.jpg Peace Chaser Sunset over Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires and Wosky Pond in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates the clouds over Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires high above Yosemite Valley in the winter. Middle Cathedral Rock, Cathedral Chimney and Higher Cathedral Rock stand prominently above the snow covered valley floor as a fallen tree stands guard in front of Wosky Pond. Wosky Pond, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/muirs-view/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1447-_90A1453_20190224.jpg Muir's View El Capitan and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California El Capitan rises high above the waters of the Merced River as snow blankets Yosemite Valley below. El Capitan, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/paradise-daydream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1049-_90A1053_20190220.jpg Paradise Daydream Sunset Reflections over Sentinel Rock and Cook's Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the skies above as the setting sun casts a warm glow on the slopes of Sentinel Rock high above Cook's Meadow and Yosemite Valley. Snow blankets the valley and meadows below as the scene reflects in an ephemeral pond of water. Cooks Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/patchwork-2/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1318-_90A1353_20190224.jpg Patchwork Snow and Ice Covered Slopes above Ahwahnee Meadow and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Snow and ice cover the slopes and sheer granite rock faces in a frozen patchwork high above snow covered Ahwahnee Meadow and Yosemite Valley. Ahwahnee Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/freeze/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0860_20190223.jpg Freeze Snow and Ice Covered Granite Rock Faces, Yosemite National Park, California Snow covers the slopes as ice clings to the sheer granite rock face of the cliffsides high above Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/forest-snow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0186_20190218_B.jpg Forest Snow Snow Blankets the Trees and Forest Floor in Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Snow blankets the trees, branches, and valley floor of Yosemite Valley as warm sunlight shines through the canopy faintly illuminating the snow. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/forest-chill/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0008-_90A0014_20190216.jpg Forest Chill The Cascading Waters of the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Snow from a winter storm blankets the rocks, trees and hillside of Yosemite as the waters of the Merced River flow downstream between the snow covered rocks of the Merced River Canyon in Yosemite National Park. Merced River Canyon, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cold-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0846_20190223.jpg Cold Magic Snow Covered Slopes and Ice Covered Granite Rock Faces, Yosemite National Park, California Snow covers the slopes as ice clings to the sheer granite rock face of the cliffsides high above Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/majesty-of-the-valley/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0560_20190219.jpg Majesty of the Valley Sunset over Bridalveil Fall, the Merced River and the Leaning Tower, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the clouds in the sky over Bridalveil Fall, The Leaning Tower, Bridalveil Meadow and the Merced River as snow blankets the meadows of the Yosemite Valley and the granite cliffs high above. Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-majesty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0772_20190217.jpg Winter Majesty Winter Alpenglow after Sunset over Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires and Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates the clouds and snow covered cliff tops of Cathedral Rocks and Spires with a faint magenta glow, as Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the snow covered granite cliffs towards the winter wonderland of Yosemite Valley below. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/magic-of-the-valley/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0256-_90A0262_20190218.jpg Magic of the Valley Sunset over El Capitan and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the tip of El Capitan orange like fire as sunset lights the skies above the Merced River and Yosemite Valley. El Capitan, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/elysium/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1780_20190224.jpg Elysium Winter Sunset over Half Dome and Cook's Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California Snow blankets Cook's Meadow and Yosemite Valley as Half Dome reflects in an ephemeral pond at sunset.Some of my favorite light is the soft pastel light which can show up after sunset. Like one last parting gift before the last light fades away, this soft alpenglow can kiss the cliffs above and the clouds in the sky with a soft, indirect light. As I photographed this scene, I imagined this was what it must look like when a cold winter snow blankets the Elysian Fields of classical mythology.  One of the definitions of Elysium is a place of perfect happiness, a paradise. I've always thought of Yosemite as heaven on earth, one of those thin places where the line between heaven and earth is blurred. As I stood there marveling in this stunning beauty, I thought to myself what an amazing paradise this was. Cooks Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/brilliance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0644-_90A0650_20190217.jpg Brilliance Full Moon at Sunset over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, CaliforniaThe full Moon rises as sunset illuminates the snow covered granite slopes of Yosemite Valley. Fog begins to cloak the lower portions of El Capitan as the pink, yellow and orange colors of sunset illuminate the cloud cover in the sky above. Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the cliffs towards snow covered valley below, as it transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/three-amigos/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0305_20190218.jpg Three Amigos Winter Twilight over the Three Brothers and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow lights the skies above the Three Brothers and the Merced River during twilight as dusk nears. Snow blankets the Yosemite Valley as a cold winters night sets in. Three Brothers, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glorious-rise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0611_20190220.jpg Glorious Rise A veil of clouds above Cathedral Rocks in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Clouds begin to cover the top of Cathedral Rock high above Yosemite Valley in the winter as a thick coat of snow covers the valley floor. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rejoice/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0193_20190218.jpg Rejoice Sunset over Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires and the Merced River in the winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the clouds and skies overhead as Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires reflect in a calm waters of the Merced River. A deep blanket of snow covers Yosemite Valley on a cold winter evening as it transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. Cathedral Rocks, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cathedrals-bride/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0008_20190220.jpg Cathedral's Bride Sunset Illuminates the Skies above Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires, Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the clouds above the Merced River, Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires as Bridalviel Fall tumbles 620 feet over the granite cliffs and towards snow covered Yosemite Valley below. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-cloak/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0448-_90A0454_20190217.jpg Winter's Cloak Sunset over Snow-Bound Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires and Bridalveil Fall in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the clouds above Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires in the winter as Bridelveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the snow-covered granite cliffs towards snow-bound Yosemite Valley below. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wild-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0001-_90A0007_20190216.jpg Wild Winter The Merced River and the Granite Cliffs of Yosemite in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Snow from a winter storm blankets the rocks, trees and hillside of Yosemite as the waters of the Merced River flow downstream between the snow covered rocks of the Merced River Canyon in Yosemite National Park. Merced River Canyon, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silence-of-eden/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0270-_90A0297_20190218_2X1.jpg Silence of Eden Sunset reflections over El Capitan and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the tip of El Capitan and the skies above Yosemite Valley at the scene reflects in the still, crystal clear waters of the Merced River. El Capitan, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/alone-in-wonderland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0155-_90A0162-_90A0169_20190216_2x1.jpg Alone in Wonderland Trees rise up through a veil of fog over the snow covered Meadows of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Trees rise up through a veil of fog over the snow-covered Meadows of Yosemite Valley in the winter, as a winter snow storm transforms the valley into a winter wonderland. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mystic-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0284_20190216.jpg Mystic Beauty Fog envelopes Cathedral Rocks and Spires above Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Clouds in the winter envelope Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires as Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the snow-covered granite cliffs towards snow bound Yosemite Valley and the Merced River below. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-hideaway/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0264_20190216.jpg Winter Hideaway Snow Covered Yosemite Valley Chapel at Dusk in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Snow blankets the Yosemite Valley Chapel, the surrounding trees and meadow at dusk as fog clings to the snow-covered granite cliffs rising 3000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor transforming the valley into a beautiful winter wonderland. Yosemite Valley Chapel is the oldest structure in Yosemite, having been built in 1879 and moved to its current location in 1901. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and continues to hold services over 146 years after it was first built. Sentinel Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edens-brilliance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0972-_90A0978_20190220.jpg Eden's Brilliance Sunset Reflections over Sentinel Rock and Cook's Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the skies above as the setting sun casts a warm glow on the slopes of Sentinel Rock high above snowy Cook's Meadow and Yosemite Valley. Snow blankets the valley and meadows below as the scene reflects in an ephemeral pond of water. Cooks Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/eternity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0909-_90A0915_20190220.jpg Eternity Sunset Reflections over Stoneman Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings colors to the skies above snow covered Stoneman Meadow in Yosemite Valley as the scene reflects in an ephemeral creek surrounded by snow.John Muir repeatedly referred to Yosemite as a mountain cathedral, and it's easy to see why. In the winter when it snows, Yosemite Valley transforms into a wondrous winter cathedral. It's among the most beautiful places I have ever laid eyes on. I went snowshoeing in the valley and meadows looking for the hidden beauty, and this ephemeral stream cutting a channel through the snow was simply magical against the backdrop of the granite cliffs and sunset in the sky. Muir once said "going to the mountains is going home," and for me that's the feeling I get every time I return to Yosemite. It's such a wonderous place of incredible beauty, and every time I'm there I'm so very thankful John Muir spent his life protecting it, so that the rest of us are able to enjoy it from here to Eternity. Stoneman Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-blanket/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0618-_90A0646_20190220.jpg Winter's Blanket Clouds Envelope the Top of El Capitan as Storm Clouds Roll In, Yosemite National Park, California A faint glow of color illuminates the storm clouds above El Capitan as they begin to envelope the granite monolith at sunset. Snow covers Bridalveil Meadow and Yosemite Valley as a few leaves still cling to the dogwood trees. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/promised-land/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0036-_90A0050_20190220.jpg Promised Land Sunset over Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California The full moon rises at Sunset behind the clouds as color from the setting sun lights the sky. El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks rise high above the Merced River as Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the ledge towards a snow covered Yosemite Valley below. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/magnetism/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1107-_90A1127_20190223.jpg Magnetism Winter Alpenglow at Sunset over Half Dome and El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, CaliforniaAlpenglow at sunset illuminates the face of Half Dome and its snow covered slopes and the last rays of sun bring brilliant pastel colors to the skies above as the winter day draws to a close. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/valley-guardian/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1777-_90A1779_20190221.jpg Valley Guardian Winter Sunset over Half Dome and Cook's Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California Snow blankets Cook's Meadow and Yosemite Valley as Half Dome reflects in an ephemeral pond at sunset Cooks Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/icefall/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0519_20190221.jpg Icefall Ice on Snow over Cliffs High above Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Icicles clings to the granite the cliffs of Yosemite National Park at night as snow blankets the granite slopes above. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rising-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0070-_90A0076_20190216.jpg Rising Magic Elephant Rock Rising above the Snow Covered Merced River Canyon and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Elephant Rock rises up from the fog and snow covered cliffs of the upper Merced River Canyon during a winter storm as the cold waters of the Merced River flow past the snow covered banks below in Yosemite National Park. Merced River Canyon, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/brides-veil/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0130-_90A0137_20190216.jpg Bride's Veil Bridaelveil Fall and the Leaning Tower cloaked in a veil of fog, Yosemite National Park, California Fog during a winter storm begins to cloak the Leaning Tower above Bridalveil Fall in a veil of fog as snow blankets Bridalveil Meadow and the trees of Yosemite Valley below, turning the valley into a winter wonderland. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/golden-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0846-_90A0853_20190220.jpg Golden Winter Sunset Reflections over Stoneman Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings colors to the skies over snow covered Stoneman Meadow in Yosemite Valley as the scene reflects in an ephemeral creek surrounded by snow. Grizzly Peak rises just above the tree line. Stoneman Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heavens-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0797-_90A0803_20190220.jpg Heaven's Glow Sunset Reflections over Stoneman Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings colors to the skies above snow covered Stoneman Meadow in Yosemite Valley as the scene reflects in an ephemeral creek surrounded by snow. Stoneman Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0853_20190223.jpg Frozen Magic Snow and Ice Covered Granite Rock Faces, Yosemite National Park, California Snow covers the slopes as ice clings to the sheer granite rock face of the cliffsides high above Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dragon-back/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0466_20190219.jpg Dragon Back Sunset on Eagle Peak over 3700 Feet above the Yosemite Valley Floor, Yosemite National Park, California Winter sunset casts a warm glow on the snow covered slopes of Eagle Peak rising over 3700 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor. The ridges catch the last golden light of the day, illuminating the jagged ridge which resembles a Dragon Back as it runs up the slope towards the peak.I've always loved staring up at the cliffs high above the valley floor in the winter. It's amazing to see the snow and ice cling to sometimes near vertical surfaces when the weather is cold and the snow has been coming down. This scene caught my eye, as it looked like the ridge on the back of a dragon going up. The mix of snow with the granite cliffs, with golden sunlight illuminating parts of the cliffs as the colors of sunset began to sit in was truly magical. Scenes like this are amazing, since they often capture beauty that is very easy for people to overlook. Most people don't spent countless hours staring up at seemingly nothing on the cliffs, but I suppose I'm not most people. Scenes like this are why I always try to keep my head on a swivel out in nature. You never know what you'll find. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-wonder/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0308-_90A0310_20190218.jpg Frozen Wonder Sunset over Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires and a Freezing Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the clouds and skies overhead as Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires reflect in a calm, partially frozen Merced River. A deep blanket of snow blankets the shores and Yosemite Valley on a cold winter evening. I love how the ice forms along the banks of the Merced River here, a perfect balance next to the snow and the reflection in the mirror like water. The towering trees perfectly frame the cliffs as sunset kisses the top of Cathedral Rocks with a touch of color. The pastel colors illuminating the sky are the finishing touch on this scene full of frozen wonder and beauty. I've always loved winter for this very reason, so much unique beauty comes together at once as ice and snow transform landscapes into something completely new. The magic of winter never ceases to amaze me. Cathedral Rocks, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/splendors-of-paradise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0307_20190218.jpg Splendors of Paradise Winter Twilight over the Three Brothers and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow lights the skies above the Three Brothers and the Merced River during twilight as dusk nears. Ice begins to form along the edges of the Merced River, while snow blankets Yosemite Valley as a cold winters night sets in.Winter has always been my favorite time of year. Snow can transform any landscape into a magical scene, and a place like Yosemite becomes particularly enchanting when the temps dip and the air takes on that wonderful, cold crisp feel. The snow was several feet deep, and the cold began to freeze over part of the water near the shore as the last hit of alpenglow kissed the peaks of the Three Brothers. Sunsets always feel a little bit more spectacular in the winter, when the cold crisp air is cleaner with minimal haze As a soft pastel color illuminated the sky as the day drew to a close, I couldn't help but think about how Yosemite has always felt like one of those thin places that blurs the lines between heaven and earth. It's always so magical in this uniquely beautiful place, and when you add in snow it's simply heavenly. Three Brothers, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mysterious-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0366_20190216.jpg Mysterious Dream Clouds at Night over a Moonlit Yosemite Falls and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight shining through cloud breaks in the night sky illuminates Yosemite Falls and the snow covered granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley as deep winter snowfall blankets Cook's Meadow and Yosemite Valley below. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/snowbound/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0434-_90A0440_20190217.jpg Snowbound A Veil of Clouds over Snow-Bound The Cascades (Cascade Falls) in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California The Cascades (also known as Cascade Falls) plunges 500 feet down the snow-covered granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park and into a snow-bound Merced Canyon during a deep winter snow storm. This final tier of The Cascades occurs just after the confluence of Cascade Creek and Tamarack Creek above. I love the almost overwhelming amount of snow in this scene. It's a snowbound wonderland capped by a veil of fog hugging the cliffs above as the waterfall plunges over the ledge. There was a cold chill of winter in the air, and you can almost feel it through the photo. A huge snowstorm dumped literal feet of snow, leaving snow covering everything everywhere. The hint of color from the rocks and trees really accent the muted color of the winter wonderland quite well. It's a subtle reminder of what was here before winter decided it was time to transform the landscape into something new. That has always been my favorite part of winter: it's ability to transform anything into a beautiful brand new scene. The beauty of a snowbound winter scene such as this is something that sticks with me long after the snow has melted. Merced Canyon, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/shrouded-mystery/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0218-_90A0224_20190216.jpg Shrouded Mystery Sunset through low clouds and fog over the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates a veil of fog covering the granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley as the scene reflects in the cold, clear waters of the Merced River. Deep snow from a winter storm blankets the valley floor, turning the valley into a beautiful winter wonderland. Merced River, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/capitans-veil/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0112-_90A0118_20190216.jpg Capitan's Veil Fog envelopes El Capitan at sunset, Yosemite National Park, California A veil of fog envelopes El Capitan at sunset as a winter storm covers the granite monolith, Bridalveil Meadow and the trees of Yosemite Valley in a fresh blanket of snow, turning the valley into a winter wonderland.There is something about snow and fog in Yosemite that is truly magical. It's one of those a "thin places," the rare places where the line between Heaven and Earth seemingly get blurred. The way the veil of fog envelops the giant granite monoliths, as the formations faintly shine through, is truly a slight to behold. The way to fog hugs the cliffs in a thin veil at the base which gets thicker as it rises towards the sky was truly stunning to see against the white, untouched blanket of snow covering the valley floor. Winter is by far my favorite time of year, and a magical winter wonderland such as this always stays with me like a moment frozen in time Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edens-twilight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0078_20190220.jpg Eden's Twilight Alpenglow after Sunset Illuminates the Skies above Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires, Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Long after a winter sunset, alpenglow illuminates the clouds above the Merced River, Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires as Bridalviel Fall tumbles 620 feet over the granite cliffs and towards snow covered Yosemite Valley below. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/veiled-cathedral/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0092_20190220.jpg Veiled Cathedral Fog Envelop El Capitan above the Merced River and Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California A veil of fog envelopes El Capitan as it rises above the Merced River and a snow covered Bridalveil Meadow. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-silence/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0049-_90A0055_20190216.jpg Winter Silence Fog above the Merced River and the Granite Cliffs of Yosemite in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Snow from a winter storm blankets the rocks, hillsides and trees of Yosemite. Fog envelopes the surrounding cliffs and hillsides as the waters of the Merced River flow down the Merced River Canyon in Yosemite National Park. Merced River Canyon, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/river-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0015-_90A0022_20190216.jpg River Dream Fog above the Merced River and the Granite Cliffs of Yosemite in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Snow from a winter storm blankets the rocks, hillsides and trees of Yosemite. Fog envelopes the surrounding cliffs and hillsides as the waters of the Merced River flow down the Merced River Canyon in Yosemite National Park. Merced River Canyon, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-window/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0518-_90A0524_20190217.jpg Winter's Window Winter Sunset over a Snow Covered Yosemite Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California Snow on a cold winter evening blankets Yosemite Valley, the trees and the snow covered granite cliffs rising above the valley as sunset illuminates the clouds in the sky. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/whisper/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0266_20190216.jpg Whisper Snow Covered Yosemite Valley Chapel at Dusk in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Snow blankets the Yosemite Valley Chapel, the surrounding trees and meadow at dusk as fog clings to the snow-covered granite cliffs rising 3000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor transforming the valley into a beautiful winter wonderland. Yosemite Valley Chapel is the oldest structure in Yosemite, having been built in 1879 and moved to its current location in 1901. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and continues to hold services over 146 years after it was first built.The Yosemite Valley Chapel surrounded by snow in the moonlight is a fitting image of Christmas and the New Year. It's vintage winter beauty. The way the warm colors of the chapel contrast the beautiful white snowscape is stunning. The snow clings to the trees as low clouds roll in, enveloping the cliffs high above in an ethereal mist. A snow covered pathway leads up to the doors of the chapel, as if inviting you inside to take a warm break from the cold outside. Yosemite Valley has always been one of those places that is filled with unique beauty, and this scene is no different. Seeing this beautiful chapel lit in a warm glow below the cold snow covered clips with the ethereal fog and mist enveloping the top of the cliffs is a truly stunning experience. Beauty like this always feels like you're at the edge of reality, as of Heaven or is at the top of the cliffs just out of reach beyond that thin veil of fog and mist Sentinel Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frigid-splendor/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0932_20190218.jpg Frigid Splendor Night over a Moonlit Yosemite Falls and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the night sky, Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley in the winter as snow blankets Cook's Meadow and the valley below. Cooks Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/whispering-chill/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0882_20190217.jpg Whispering Chill Yosemite Falls and the Merced River by Winter Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Yosemite Falls as it tumbles 2425 feet over the snow covered granite cliffs above the Merced River and Yosemite Valley in the winter. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sleeping-giants/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0602-_90A0608_20190217.jpg Sleeping Giants Sunset over tall Pine trees and a snow covered Yosemite Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California Snow on a cold winter evening blankets Yosemite Valley, the tall Pine trees and the snow covered granite cliffs rising above the valley as sunset illuminates the clouds in the sky. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-brilliance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0574-_90A0580_20190217.jpg Frozen Brilliance Winter Sunset over El Capitan and a snow covered meadow, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the cliff face of El Capitan a brilliant golden color, as fog begins to envelop the granite monolith in a soft golden veil. Snow covered trees rise up from a snow bound meadow in Yosemite Valley, transforming the valley into a beautiful winter wonderland.Yosemite has long been one of my favorite places on Earth, but when a blanket of snow covers the valley it transforms this magical place into a winter scene seemingly straight out of Heaven. A huge winter storm had blanked the valley floor in a deep layer of snow about 5 feet deep, and the fresh snowfall clung to the top of the trees creating a beautiful mix of green and white. Low clouds and fog near the cliffs created a very ethereal feeling, as the golden colors of sunset illuminated off the cliffs of El Capitan. Things always slow down in places like this, and everything always seems to make sense. Bundled up for winter while wearing snow shows, snowshoeing around the valley felt like I was snowshoeing in a winter landscape in heaven. I've long felt Yosemite is a thin place that blurs the line between Heaven and Earth, and that's certainly how it felt this day. The temperatures may have been around 14°F, but the feeling of peace and serenity I felt is something I'll never forget. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-in-camelot/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0818-_90A0824_20190220.jpg Winter in Camelot Sunset Reflections over Stoneman Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings colors to the skies above snow covered Stoneman Meadow in Yosemite Valley as the scene reflects in an ephemeral creek surrounded by snow.I've always loved winter in Yosemite. The way snow transforms the landscape into something entirely new is magical. The way the snow blankets the meadows and dusts the tree tops as the granite cliffs rise up above is a scene seemingly straight out of a fairytale, as if we've left earth and been transported to a new, far away land. There is something simple and perfect with how this small ephemeral creek flows through the meadow, showing reflections and a bit of vegetation as it flows through the snow covered meadows. It's nature at it's finest, a moment of perfection that always leaves me feeling relaxed and refreshed. It's a moment almost too perfect for this world. I've long felt Yosemite is a thin place, one of those rare places that blurs the lines between heaven and earth. As I looked out at the immense beauty unfolding in front of me, I couldn't help but think "if heaven has winter, surely this must be it." Stoneman Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/el-portal/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0874-_90A0880_20190220.jpg El Portal Sunset Reflections over Stoneman Meadow and Grizzly Peak in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings colors to the skies over snow covered Stoneman Meadow in Yosemite Valley as the scene reflects in an ephemeral pond surrounded by snow. Grizzly Peak rises in the background.This small, ephemeral pond sitting in a field of snow immediately caught my eye. It looked like a portal to another world, a brief glimpse into heaven. Surrounded by a beautiful blanket of snow as a small ephemeral creek snakes through the snow at the edge of the meadow, this scene felt like a thin place which blurs the lines between heaven and earth. Winter is such a beautiful time of year, and it's ability to transform nature into an entirely new kind of beauty has long been one of my favorite things. It's an ethereal beauty befitting of a place such as Yosemite. Winter scenes like this are always so peaceful. The soft blanket of snow clinging to the trees at the edge of the meadow was a perfect compliment to the snow covered meadow as the snow covered cliffs rise up high above. As I stood there looking out at the beauty which lay before me, I couldn't help but think that if heaven had winter, surely this would be it. Stoneman Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fantasyland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0779-_90A0787_20190217_2x1B.jpg Fantasyland Winter Alpenglow at Sunset over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires, Bridelvel Fall and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow at Sunset lights the clouds and the snow covered cliffs of El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires with color as Bridelveil Fall tumbles 620 feet towards the winter wonderland in Yosemite Valley below. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/royal-welcome/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0702-90A0758_20190220.jpg Royal Welcome North Dome veiled in Winter Storm Clouds over Royal Arch Cascade, Royal Arches, Washington Column, and Stoneman Meadow Yosemite National Park, California Storm clouds cover North Dome in a veil as Royal Arch Cascade flows down the cliffs towards Yosemite Valley. Royal Arches and Washington Column rise high above the valley as snow blankets the Stoneman Meadow below. Stoneman Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/brides-splendor/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0566-_90A0569_20190219.jpg Bride's Splendor Sunset over Bridalveil Fall, the Merced River and the Leaning Tower, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the skies over Bridalveil Fall, The Leaning Tower, Bridalveil Meadow and the Merced River as snow blankets the meadows of Yosemite Valley and the granite cliffs high above. Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-oasis/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0856-58-60_20190217.jpg Winter Oasis Yosemite Falls and the Merced River by Winter Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Yosemite Falls as it tumbles 2425 feet over the snow covered granite cliffs above the Merced River and Yosemite Valley in the winter. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/imaginations-daydream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0790-_90A0792_20190217.jpg Imagination's Daydream Winter Alpenglow at Sunset over Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires and Bridalvel Fall, Yosemite National Park, California Clouds light up with alpenglow as they cover the top of Cathedral Rocks and Spires at Sunset. Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the granite cliffs towards Yosemite Valley below, as Yosemite Valley transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/gates-of-wonderland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1419-_90A1425_20190224.jpg Gates of Wonderland Golden Hour Sunset over Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings soft pastel colors to the skies above Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River and the scene reflects in the waters below. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-delight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0818_20190223.jpg Winter Delight El Capitan, Half Dome and Sentinel Dome in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Snow blankets the tops of El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Dome and the cliffs of Yosemite in the winter. Yosemite National Park, Californ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heavens-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0630-_90A0636_20190217.jpg Heaven's Light Full Moon at Sunset over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California The full Moon rises as sunset illuminates the snow covered granite slopes of Yosemite Valley. Fog begins to cloak the lower portions of El Capitan as the pink, yellow and orange colors of sunset illuminate the cloud cover in the sky above. Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the cliffs towards snow covered valley below, as it transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. So many things I love came together in this photo. I absolutely love winter, the way snow can transform any landscape into something new and magical will always amaze me. The way fresh snow hugs the treetops after a fresh snowfall will always be one of my favorite things. Combining this with some of the best lighting I've ever seen from this spot was something else. As the clouds covered the cliffs and the sky, it actually looked like this was going to be a wash. I waited, and waited. Finally, the clouds began to break. Then the light showed. The way it looks illuminated the cliffs was amazing. The beautiful golden hues on the cliffs mixed with the magenta pastels was otherworldly, especially with the full moon rising between the clouds. It was perfect, easily some of the best light I've ever seen at this spot. I was in a thin place, one of those places which blurs the lines between Heaven and Earth. It was as if light from Heaven was shining down on this magical place. I've seen some beautiful light from here, but this one will always stick me. The way the light, moon, clouds and cliffs combined together is something I will never forget. Tunnel View, Yosemite National P https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/veiled-paradise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0270_20190216.jpg Veiled Paradise Alpenglow and fog over Cathedral Rocks, the Merced River and Bridalveil Fall during Winter Moonrise, Yosemite National Park, California Clouds and fog envelope Cathedral Rocks above Yosemite Valley while alpenglow and the rising moon in the east begins to illuminate the clouds on the horizon with color. Snow blankets Yosemite Valley and the granite cliffs above while the cold waters of the Merced River reflect a hint of color, as the valley transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/veiled-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0234-_90A0255_20190216_16x20.jpg Veiled Beauty Alpenglow through the Fog over the Merced River and Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow at sunset illuminates a veil of fog covering the granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley as the scene reflects in the waters of the Merced River, transforming the valley into a beautiful winter wonderland.No matter how many times I visit Yosemite, its beauty never ceases to amaze me. Yosemite always feels like something out of a dream. There is something truly magical about the way the fog and clouds can envelope the granite cathedral walls of Yosemite Valley. When it envelopes the cliffs, it's as if you are suddenly transported to a new land with only a slight hint through the veil of fog and clouds that you're surrounded by 3,000 foot granite walls. Almost all of the granite walls of this natural cathedral are veiled here, the only hint at their existence the small glimpse through two small windows in the veil of low laying clouds. When fog and clouds like this are thin enough to capture a soft pastel glow at sunset, it's a truly spectacular sight. I was amazed by the still reflections in the Merced River, despite the fast flowing water. Combined with the soft pastel glow in the sky against the blanket of fresh snow, it was a truly unique sight. The snow was a perfect compliment to a scene like this, and it felt like I'd been transported to winter in heaven. In a way for those brief few moments I suppose I had been. It felt like heaven was just beyond that veil of clouds, just out of reach yet close enough to share it's beauty with me, if only for a brief moment. Merced River, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/paradise-found/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0064-_90A0071_20190220.jpg Paradise Found Sunset over Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California The full moon rises at Sunset behind the clouds as color from the setting sun lights the sky. El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks rise high above the Merced River as Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the ledge towards a snow covered Yosemite Valley below. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/muir-reflection/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0873-_90A0900_20151116_2x1.jpg Muir Reflection Sunset above Snow Covered Yosemite Valley and the Merced River as Fog Rolls In, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the skies above Lower Brother, Cathedral Rocks and snow covered Yosemite Valley as fog and mist rise from the snowy banks of the Merced River and Leidig Meadow.I've always loved Yosemite Valley. It's such a peaceful, serene place filled with endless wonder and beauty. When snow covers the valley floor and sunlight illuminates the clouds, it's quite a sight. It's easy to see why this place was so special to John Muir, and why it has remained a special place to so many people. This has always been one of those spots that I've come to reflect, and I've always imagined John Muir sitting by the river deep in reflection as well. The mirror image in the water is fitting site for someone deep in reflection here. Yosemite is one of those places you can never visit enough. No matter how many times I've been to Yosemite, going to Yosemite is like going home. Leidig Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/elegant-grace/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0428-42_20160510_2x1.jpg Elegant Grace Yosemite Falls at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Yosemite Falls drops 2,425 feet over the granite cliffs and into Yosemite Valley below as sunset illuminates the granite next to the waterfall a golden hue. Yosemite Falls consists of Upper Yosemite Falls, the Middle Cascades and Lower Yosemite Falls. It is the tallest Waterfall in North America. Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/double-vision/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0394-_90A0399_20160510_3x1.jpg Double Vision Sunset above Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park, California Yosemite Falls drops 2,425 feet over the granite cliffs and into Yosemite Valley below as sunset illuminates the granite cliffs above a golden hue. Yosemite Falls consists of Upper Yosemite Falls, the Middle Cascades and Lower Yosemite Falls. It is the tallest Waterfall in North America. Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silence-of-tranquility/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1784_201911124.jpg Silence of Tranquility The Merced River in the late Autumn, Yosemite National Park, California The last colors of late fall line the shore of the Merced River as the trees, granite boulders and the sky reflect in the crystal clear waters below. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/autumns-blur/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1720_20191123.jpg Autumn's Blur Autumn Reflections in the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Fall foliage in Yosemite Valley reflects in the still waters of the Merced River. Yosemite National Park, Californiia https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-valleys-cloak/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1087_20151116.jpg The Valley's Cloak Dusk over El Capitan, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California El Capitan, Half Dome and Cathedral Rocks illuminate with the last light of day as dusk nears. Fog rolls into the valley below as snow begins to blanket the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley, signaling the transition from autumn to winter. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dogwood-autumn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0683_20171028.jpg Dogwood Autumn Dusk over El Capitan and Dogwood Trees in the Autumn, Yosemite National Park, California. Dusk sets in over El Capitan in fall as alpenglow illuminates the cliffs of the granite monolith. The leaves on the Dogwood trees of in the valley meadows turn orange as the colors of fall arrive in Yosemite Valley. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/watchman-of-the-valley/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0645-_90A0686_20151116_16x20.jpg Watchman of the Valley Sunset over Cathedral Rocks in the late Autumn, Yosemite National Park Sunset bathes the clouds above Cathedral Rocks in golden light as the first snow of late autumn blankets the Yosemite Valley floor. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-last-days-of-autumn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0610-_90A0613_20151116_B_16x20.jpg The Last Days of Autumn Sunset over El Capitan, Bridalveil Meadow and Yosemite Valley in the Late Fall, Yosemite National Park, California The setting sun illuminates the skies above El Capitan gold as the leaves of autumn and the first snow of the nearing winter lay on the valley floor below Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sentinels-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0812-_90A0818_20151116.jpg Sentinel's Glow Golden Hour above Sentinel Rock and Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset casts a golden glow onto the face of Sentinel Rock as the fresh snow of oncoming winter blankets the Yosemite Valley floor. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/majestic-el-cap/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0610_20160510.jpg Majestic El Cap El Capitan, the Merced River and Yosemite Valley at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California El Capitan stands tall above the Yosemite Valley floor and the Merced River as the sunset casts a warm glow onto the cloud in the skies above. El Capitan, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pace-of-nature/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1882_20191124.jpg Pace of Nature North Dome and the Merced River in the late Autumn, Yosemite National Park, California North Dome and the trees along the river bank of the Merced River reflect in its waters late in the fall. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sit-and-ponder/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1726_20191123.jpg Sit and Ponder Alpenglow over Yosemite Valley in the Autumn, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow illuminates the tops of the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley just after sunset in the late fall as a small patch of grass and a fallen tree trunk line the river bank along the Merced River. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mystery-falls/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0003_20160510.jpg Mystery Falls Sunset over The Cascades (Cascade Falls), Yosemite National Park, California The Cascades (also known as Cascade Falls) plunges 500 feet down the granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park and into Merced Canyon at sunset. This final tier of The Cascades occurs just after the confluence of Cascade Creek and Tamarack Creek above. Cascade Falls (The Cascades), Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/river-capitan/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0608_20160510.jpg River Capitan El Capitan, the Merced River and Yosemite Valley at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the clouds above El Capitan in soft pastel hues as the spring snowmelt causes heavy flow along the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. El Capitan, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-golden-face-of-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0788-_90A0794_20151116.jpg The Golden Face of Winter Golden Hour above Sentinel Rock and Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset casts a golden glow onto the face of Sentinel Rock as the fresh snow of oncoming winter blankets the Yosemite Valley floor. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/leaning-tower-of-granite/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0617-_90A0637_20151116.jpg Leaning Tower of Granite Golden Hour over the Leaning Tower and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California The Leaning Tower rises high above Yosemite Valley as the first snow of late autumn covers the valley floor and the granite cliffs above, as golden light illuminates the face of the Leaning Tower at sunset. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/whisper-falls/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0872_20151116.jpg Whisper Falls Golden Hour over Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Valley in the Autumn, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset casts a golden glow on the granite cliffs and trees of Yosemite Valley, as Yosemite Falls plunges 2,425 feet down into the valley below as the first snow of late autumn lines meadows of the valley. Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glass/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0236_20141117.jpg Glass Half Dome Sunset on the Merced River, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park Sunset illuminates the face of Half Dome in soft golden colors as it reflects in the calm, still waters of the Merced River below. Half Dome, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/valley-reflections/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0848-_90A0855_16x20_20151116.jpg Valley Reflections Golden Hour at Sunset over Yosemite Falls, the Merced River and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Yosemite Falls plummets 2,425 feet towards Yosemite Valley below while sunset illuminates the granite cliffs, the snow and the valley a golden hue as the season transitions from autumn to winter. Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/falling-mist/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0773-_90A0779_16x20_20151116.jpg Falling Mist Golden Hour over Yosemite Falls and a Snow Covered Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Yosemite Falls plummets 2,425 feet towards the Yosemite Valley floor in the late autumn as golden hour light illuminates the granite cliffs above a golden hue while the cold snow of the oncoming winter envelops the valley floor. Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-valley-of-eden/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1076-_90A1079_20151116.jpg The Valley of Eden Alpenglow over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, the Merced River and Bridalveil Fall at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates the skies above El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks with brilliant pinks and purples as they rise up from a layer of mist and fog covering the Yosemite Valley floor, while the scene reflects in the Merced River like a perfect mirror. Gates of the Valley, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dissolve/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1791_20191124.jpg Dissolve The Merced River in the late Autumn, Yosemite National Park, CaliforniaThe last colors of late fall line the shore of the Merced River as the trees, granite boulders and the sky reflect in the crystal clear waters below. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/crystal-clear-vison/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1706_20191123.jpg Crystal Clear Vison Sunset over El Capitan and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California The last bit of sunlight illuminates of nose of El Capitan a brilliant fire orange as pastel colors illuminate the skies above the Merced River and Yosemite Valley at sunset. The scene reflects in the cold, crystal clear waters of the Merced River as the last colors of fall hang on. Merced River, El Capitan, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/when-the-stars-come-out-to-play/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1743_20191123.jpg When the Stars Come Out to Play Nautical Twilight over Sentinel Rock and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Slight alpenglow hangs on during Nautical Twilight, illuminating the top of Sentinel Rock and the surrounding cliffs as the stars begin to come out high above Yosemite Valley and the Merced River. The last few leaves of fall lay in silence at the bottom on the river as the day draws to a close. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fallen-majesty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1731_20191123.jpg Fallen Majesty Alpenglow over Yosemite Valley, in the Autumn, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow illuminates the tops of the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley just after sunset in the late fall as a fallen tree trunk lays on the river bank along the Merced River. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silence-in-the-valley/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1699_20191123.jpg Silence in the Valley Sunset over Yosemite Valley and the Merced River in the Late Autumn, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow at sunset illuminates the granite cliffs high above Yosemite Valley as the last bit of fall color hangs on along the riverbank Merced River. Cathedral Beach, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/last-breath-of-autumn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1671_20191123.jpg Last Breath of Autumn Late Autumn Sunset over Yosemite Valley and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow at sunset illuminates the granite cliffs high above Yosemite Valley as the last bit of fall color hangs on along the riverbank Merced River. Cathedral Beach, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/natures-gift/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0820-_90A0847_20151116.jpg Nature's Gift Golden Hour above Sentinel Rock and Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset casts a golden glow onto the face of Sentinel Rock as the fresh snow of oncoming winter blankets the Yosemite Valley floor. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heavens-work/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0916_20151116.jpg Heaven's Work Half Dome at Sunset above the Merced River and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, CaliforniaPartially covered by wispy clouds, Half Dome and the trees of Yosemite Valley stand bathed in the golden glow of winter sunset as they reflect in the calm waters of the Merced River. Half Dome, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-golden-sentinel/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0120_20160509.jpg The Golden Sentinel Sentinel Rock, Sentinel Fall and Yosemite Valley at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset casts a golden glow on the top of Sentinel Rock and the cliffs above at sunset as Sentinel Fall flows 1,920 feet down from the tops of the granite cliffs towards Yosemite Valley below. Sentinel Rock, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/secerts-of-the-valley/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1713_20191123.jpg Secerts of the Valley Sunset over El Capitan and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California The last bit of sunlight illuminates of nose of El Capitan a brilliant fire orange as pastel colors illuminate the skies above the Merced River and Yosemite Valley at sunset. The scene reflects in the cold, crystal clear waters of the Merced River as the last colors of fall hang on. Merced River, El Capitan, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/artesian-well/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0362-_90A0368_20160510.jpg Artesian Well Springtime at Fern Spring in Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Fern Spring is a small, naturally occurring spring in Yosemite Valley. The water rises up from underground and creates a small series of cascades, which gently flow over the mossy covered rocks. Fern Spring, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mighty-yosemite/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0687-_90A0700_20151116_16x20.jpg Mighty Yosemite Sunset over El Capitan, Bridalveil Meadow and Yosemite Valley in the Late Autumn, Yosemite National Park, California Season Transitions: the season transitions from fall to winter in Yosemite Valley as the last colors of fall hang on while first snowfall of nearing winter arrives in Bridalveil Meadow below El Capitian. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/half-domes-veil/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0609_20161028_16x20A.jpg Half Dome's Veil Half Dome at Sunset through the Clouds and Fog, Yosemite National Park, California Clouds and fog begin to part at sunset as Half Dome comes into view, framed in a veil of clouds and fog as it rises high above the landscape below. Half Dome, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/beyond-the-falls/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0149_20160509_16x20.jpg Beyond the Falls Sunset over Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset over Yosemite Falls lights the clouds in the skies above Yosemite Valley a fiery orange as the waterfall tumbles 2,425 feet over the cliffs and down towards the valley below. Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/amour-yosemite/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1034-_90A1040_20151116.jpg Amour Yosemite Crescent Moon at Sunset over Sentinel Rock and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Snow covers the cliffs of Sentinel Rock at sunset while mist and fog rise from the snow covered Yosemite Valley floor as the crescent moon shines brightly in the skies above. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wonderland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0261_20141117.jpg Wonderland Half Dome Alpenglow Reflections on the Merced River, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park Alpenglow at sunset illuminates the face of Half Dome in soft orange and pink colors as it reflects in the calm, still waters of the Merced River below. Half Dome, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/autumns-majesty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0008-_90A0043_20181028sp.jpg Autumn's Majesty Autumn Reflections in the Merced River, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California The colors of Fall and the granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley reflect in the still, crystal clear waters of the Merced River in Yosemite National Park as the Golden Hour sunlight illuminates the tops of the trees and the top of the cliffs. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/water-curtain/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0616_20161028.jpg Water Curtain Cascade Falls (The Cascades) at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Cascade Falls (also known as The Cascades) combines with Tamarack Creek as its upper tiers plunge down the granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park towards Merced Canyon below. Cascade Falls (The Cascades), Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fire-dome/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1055_20151116.jpg Fire Dome Alpenglow on Half Dome at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Fiery alpenglow at sunset illuminates Half-Dome at sunset as it rises above the Yosemite Valley floor partially cloaked in clouds. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/majestic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0621_20160510.jpg Majestic Sunset over Wosky Pond and Cathedral Rocks and Spires, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow sets in at sunset above Yosemite Valley and Wosky Pond as the peaks of Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires get bathed in warm light as they rise up from the valley into the heavens above. Wosky Pond, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bridal-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0629_20160510.jpg Bridal Glow Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Valley at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Bridalveil Falls plunges 620 feet over the granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley as sunset passes and alpenglow sets in during the spring runoff fed by snowmelt. Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/illusion/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0448_20160510.jpg Illusion Lower Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Valley at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset above Lower Yosemite Falls bathes the sky in pastel light as spring runoff fed by snowmelt pours 2,425 feet over the granite cliffs high above and towards Yosemite Valley below. Lower Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-golden-dome/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0922-_90A0924_20151116.jpg The Golden Dome Half Dome at Sunset above the Merced River and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Half Dome illuminates gold at sunset as it rises above Yosemite Valley, the Merced River and the first snow of winter lining the valley floor as the scene reflects in the calm, serene waters of the river. Half Dome, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/muirs-memories/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0925_20151116.jpg Muir's Memories Autumn at Yosemite Falls and Cook's Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California The setting sun casts a golden glow in the clouds above Yosemite Falls in the autumn as it plunges 2,425 feet over the granite cliffs and down into Yosemite Valley below. Yosemite Falls, Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/crown-jewel/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0392_20181120.jpg Crown Jewel Light Beams above Cathedral Rocks and the Merced River in the Autumn, Yosemite National Park, California Light Beams shine from behind Cathedral Rocks and Spires as colors of fall line the banks of the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Late Autumn in Yosemite can be absolutely magical. The cold sets in and the last colors of autumn hang on as the crystal clear waters of the Merced River slow to a crawl and take on a beautiful reflection. It's a thin place which seems to blur the lines between Heaven and Earth, and it's moments like these where time always seems to stand still. Everything seems perfect as you get lost in the moment while the cold, crisp autumn air brushes against your face. I've always found serenity in nature, especially when the cold, crisp air arrives. Things always seem to slow down, and life just makes sense. I could sit for hours next to the riverbanks of the Merced River, staring out at the reflections and the beautiful scenery of nature as it unfolds in front of me. It's nature's cathedral at its finest. Nature has many grand cathedrals, and Yosemite is one of the grandest of them all. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/classic-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0392_20160510.jpg Classic Beauty Yosemite Falls through the Trees, Yosemite National Park, California Trees frame Yosemite Falls as it tumbles 2,425 feet down towards Yosemite Valley below as sunset illuminates parts of the cliffs above a golden hue. Yosemite Falls consists of Upper Yosemite Falls, the Middle Cascades and Lower Yosemite Falls. It is the tallest Waterfall in North America. This is one of those quintessential, classic views of Yosemite. I used the trees frame the falls, pulling together two classic elements of the valley to create the feeling of viewing the falls from the forest below. I love the depth this view creates, as you look through the layers of the forest towards the falls. This was taken during the Golden Hour a little before sunset, and you can see the warm glow of the sun cast a glow on the granite slope high above. At 2425 feet tall it's the highest waterfall in North America. The thundering roar of Yosemite Falls in the springtime can be quite a relaxing. It's one of those sights where time seems to stand still as you stand in awe, marveling at the beauty of nature. Waterfalls are always relaxing, but it's especially relaxing to witness a sight such as this in the springtime, when the snow melt transforms things to a whole different level of beauty.  Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/changing-of-the-guard/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1737_20191123.jpg Changing of the Guard Alpenglow at Dusk over Yosemite Valley and the Merced River in the Late Autumn, Yosemite National Park, California Long after sunset, alpenglow illuminates the skies above with soft pastel hues as the stars begin to come out. The last few leaves of fall cling to the trees as the scene reflects in the clear, calm waters of the Merced River in Yosemite Valley.I've always loved those sunsets where the color seemingly hangs on forever, gracing us with those beautiful pastel colors until dusk finally sets in. Late Autumn evenings often grace us with this beauty, as the cold air and the angle of the sun can combine for some of my favorite sunset light. I absolutely loved the mix in this scene of the tall, bare trees ready for winter as the smaller trees below hang on with the last vestiges of autumn color. The cliffs of Yosemite Valley where Yosemite Falls tumbles 2400 feet towards the valley floor are visible here, with dark traces against the granite all that remains of this waterfall for the year as it is long since run dry. It's a changing of the guard Yosemite Valley as autumn transitions to winter, with the Perfect blend of elements of each. The stillness of the water has always been among my favorite things to see here this time of year. The mirror reflections present in the water completely transformed the scene, as life seems to take on a slower pace. It's a moment of serenity and reflection, a beautiful reminder that despite the changing of the seasons nature will always remain beautiful and unique in its own manner. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/reflection-of-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1736_20191123.jpg Reflection of Light Alpenglow at Dusk over North Dome and the Merced River in the Autumn, Yosemite National Park, California Long after sunset, alpenglow illuminates North Dome and the skies above with soft pastel hues while the last few leaves of late fall cling to the trees. The scene reflects in the clear, calm waters of the Merced River in Yosemite Valley.There's something about those late autumn evenings which I've always captivated me, especially in a place like Yosemite National Park. The last Light from the setting Sun cast a warm glow on North Dome, as the entire scene reflects in the perfectly still waters of the Merced River. Most of the trees stand bare, ready for winter as the last few leaves hang on, providing a small glimpse of autumn one last time. Those cold, late Autumn evenings often take on some beautiful colors at sunset. The cold sky often has less haze, and it can result in some absolutely gorgeous pastel and magenta colors as the sun in south west sky reflects off the particles high in the atmosphere. It's a otherworldly mix of scenery and colors which transforms this already beautiful place into something seemingly straight out of Heaven. It's a true moment of peace and serenity, nature at its finest. It's easy to see why nature is so calming to so many people when you're in a place like this, witnessing a scene like this. Life often comes at us fast, and in places like this that all slows down and time seems to stand still. Perhaps that's the greatest gift nature can give us, its ability to slow things down and let us simply enjoy the moment. I could have sat on the shore here and staring out at this beautiful scene forever, and when I close my eyes I can still take myself back here. It's a moment frozen in time, and it's nature at its finest. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/flow-of-calm/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0098_20160509.jpg Flow of Calm Yosemite Falls and the Merced River at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the clouds in the sky a golden hue as Yosemite Falls drops 2,425 feet over the granite cliffs high above into Yosemite Valley as the scene reflects in the Merced River. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/twilight-at-the-chapel/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0213_20160510.jpg Twilight at the Chapel Yosemite Valley Chapel after Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Yosemite Valley Chapel stands at the edge of Cook's Meadow in the spring, as the granite cliff rise 3000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor. Built in 1879 near the base of 4 mile trail, the Yosemite Valley Chapel was moved to its current location in 1901. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and continues to hold services over 146 years after it was first built. Sentinel Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ribbon-of-the-valley/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0014_20160509_B.jpg Ribbon of the Valley Ribbon Fall and Yosemite Valley at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Ribbon Fall is the largest continuous uninterrupted drop waterfall in all of North America at 1,612 feet. Here, Ribbon Fall makes a 1,612 foot drop into Yosemite Valley and Bridalveil Meadow in the spring at sunset, as storm clouds line the skies above. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/daydream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0206_20160509_D.jpg Daydream Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Valley at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the clouds above Yosemite Falls as the spring runoff which feeds this waterfall pours over the granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park down into Yosemite Valley and the Merced River below. Yosemite Falls consists of Upper Yosemite Falls, the Middle Cascades and Lower Yosemite Falls and with a 2,425 foot drop, Yosemite Falls is the tallest Waterfall in North America. Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/reflection/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0071_20181028.jpg Reflection Half Dome Reflecting in the Merced River at Sunset, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow illuminates the face of Half Dome at sunset as the scene reflects in the clear, calm waters of the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. I've always loved the stillness of the Merced River in the autumn. It's transitioned from a fast flowing River with a swift current to a slow, meandering channel of water that takes on the beautiful reflections of everything around it. One of my favorite sights has long been the way Half Dome rises above it all. Half Dome is captivated me with his beauty since the moment I first laid eyes on a decades ago, and I've always loved how the trees perfectly frame it here, as the scene reflects a perfect mirror image into the water. The trees here form a beautiful mix of mostly green with a small hint of autumn, the perfect complement against the warm colors of Half Dome. As the sun sets, it illuminates the face of Half Dome a beautiful mix of gold and orange with a hint of magenta, of the scene reflects in the still waters. The water clarity this time of year is amazing, allowing you to see through to the rocks at the bottom of the river well at the same time seeing the aforementioned reflection. Yosemite is a thin place, and its beauty is seemingly straight out of Heaven. It's a beauty almost too perfect for this world. For a brief few moments, it seems like heaven is just beyond reach, within eyesight but just beyond the thin veil of nature. That's always been one of my favorite things about nature: for those brief few moments when everything comes together it feels like we've been graced with a brief window into heaven. Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/crystal-solitude/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0004_20181028.jpg Crystal Solitude Autumn Reflections in the Merced River, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California The colors of Fall and the granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley reflect in the still waters of the Merced River in Yosemite National Park as the Golden Hour sunlight illuminates the tops of the trees and the top of the cliffs. There's something about Yosemite Valley which always calms the soul. Worries always seem to melt away in this beautiful place. I've be always felt Yosemite is a thin place, a place which seemingly blurs the lines between Heaven and Earth. I absolutely love autumn in the Yosemite valley. The waters of the Merced River slow down, leaving you with spectacular reflections When those golden colors of autumn line the shore, it makes for an absolutely beautiful sight as everything reflects in the calm waters of the river. Yosemite is one of those places I could just stare at seemingly forever. Whenever I'm there, no matter what's going on, everything is perfect for those few moments as I look out at all the beauty and grandeur nature has to offer. I've spent a lifetime wandering around nature with my camera, and Yosemite has always had a special place in my heart. Perhaps that's why I will always find myself coming back to this magical place. The moments of serenity I find at in this thin place are truly life is all about. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peaceful-feeling/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0871_20151116.jpg Peaceful Feeling Golden Hour at Sunset over Yosemite Falls, the Merced River and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Yosemite Falls plummets 2,425 feet towards Yosemite Valley below while sunset illuminates the granite cliffs, the snow and the valley a golden hue as the season transitions from autumn to winter. Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/golden-capitan/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0729-_90A0756.jpg Golden Capitan Sunset over El Capitan, Bridalveil Meadow and Yosemite Valley in the Late Autumn, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset bathes the clouds above El Capitan in golden light as Dogwood trees rise above snow covered Bridalveil Meadow after the first snowfall of late autumn. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pristine/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0999-_90A1026_20151116_2x1.jpg Pristine A Crescent Moon Shines in the Sky over Sentinel Rock and Snow Covered Yosemite Valley at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the clouds above snow covered Yosemite Valley as mist and fog rise from the snow covered valley floor, while a crescent moon sets in the skies above Sentinel Rock. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/enchantment/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1066-_90A1075_20161115_2x1.jpg Enchantment Alpenglow over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, the Merced River and Bridalveil Fall at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates the skies above El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks with brilliant pinks and purples as they rise up from a layer of mist and fog covering the Yosemite Valley floor, while the scene reflects in the Merced River like a perfect mirror. Valley View, Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-grand-cathedral/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0631-_90A0636_20160510_2X1.jpg The Grand Cathedral Alpenglow at Sunset over Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow at sunset bathes the skies above in pastel light as Ribbon Fall cascades down the granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley to the north and Bridalveil Fall cascades over the granite cliffs to the south, perfectly framing El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks. Gates of the Valley, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mysteries-of-the-valley/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0641-_90A0646_20161028_2x1.jpg Mysteries of the Valley Alpenglow over Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome and Cathedral Rocks at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California A veil of fog rolls in cloaking Yosemite Valley at sunset as Cathedral Rocks and El Capitan frame Half Dome as it rises up out from the fog while the Belt of Venus bathes the skies above in pastel hues. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/autumns-flame/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0676_20171028.jpg Autumn's Flame Alpenglow at Dusk over El Captian and Dogwood Trees in the Autumn, Yosemite National Park, California. Dusk sets in over El Captian in fall as alpenglow illuminates the cliffs of the granite monolith. The leaves on the Dogwood trees of in the valley meadows turn orange as the colors of fall arrive in Yosemite Valley. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Vallley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-in-dreamland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1065_20151116.jpg Winter in Dreamland Alpenglow over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, the Merced River and Bridalveil Fall at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Yosemite Valley, El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks glow at sunset in the winter. Pink alpenglow illuminates the sky and reflections in the Merced River as a misty fog rises from the snow covered valley floor. Valley View, Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edens-cathedral/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0129-_90A0142_20141117_16x20-B.jpg Eden's Cathedral El Capitan and the Merced River at Sunset, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California El Capitan rises high above the Merced River and Yosemite Valley at sunset as the setting sun in the southwest illuminates the Dawn Wall of this giant granite Monolith as it reflects in the calm, clear water of the river below. El Capitan, Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-valleys-veil/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0627_20161028.jpg The Valley's Veil El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and Yosemite Valley at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after Sunset lights the skies above Tunnel View and Yosemite Valley with soft pastel hues as fogs rolls in and veils Yosemite Valley Below. Cathedral Rocks and El Capitan frame Half Dome as it rises up out from the fog. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/muirs-gates/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0640_20160510.jpg Muir's Gates Alpenglow after Sunset over Yosemite Valley in the Spring, Yosemite National Park, CaliforniaAlpenglow after sunset bathes the skies above in pastel light as Ribbon Fall cascades down the granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley to the north and Bridalveil Fall cascades over the granite cliffs to the south, perfectly framing El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks. Gates of the Valley, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/enchanted-flame/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0772-_90A0778_20190222.jpg Enchanted Flame Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the cliffs of El Capitan and the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/flare/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0387_20190221.jpg Flare Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like Lava. Wind kicks up spray from the waterfall, pulling it across the face of El Capitan as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/boil-over/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0425-_90A0431_20190221.jpg Boil Over Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall) and El Capitan over the Merced River at Sunset, Horsetail Falls, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings color to the sky as the upper cliffs of El Capitan illuminates orange from the last bit of sunlight. The waters of Horsetail Falls glow orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life high above the banks of the Merced River. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/magma-illusion/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0177-_90A0183_20190221.jpg Magma Illusion Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like Lava as the Yosemite Firefall comes to life.The Horsetail Falls "Firefall" in Yosemite National Park is one of nature's grandest optical illusions. Unlike the historic Yosemite Firefall (real fire dumped from Glacier Point) which the park stopped in 1968, this is 100% nature and all natural. It's an optical illusion created when light from the setting sun bounces off the cliffs of El Capitan and backlights Horsetail Falls orange like lava. So if there's no water or if the wrong clouds show up in the sky, you come away with no show and no photograph. There are only 2 weeks in February when it might show up. Key word here is MIGHT. Some years (like 2020), the optical illusion never makes an appearance. You need enough water for Horsetail Falls to be flowing (it's a very small ephemeral waterfall, so this is a big if). If it's too cold or there is not enough snow above it won't flow. If it's too warm or there's not enough snow, it won't flow. And even if it DOES flow, you need the weather to be JUST RIGHT. One rouge cloud in just the wrong spot can be enough to block the sunlight and ruin the entire thing. Even if the conditions look like they're lining up perfectly, you have to be prepared to go and come away with nothing. I hiked several miles in the deep snow (3+ feet deep easily) to get to this spot (quit the chore with 40 lbs of camera gear on your back). It's easy to see why people are enamored by this grand optical illusion of nature. It's a natural beauty our minds can't begin to imagine if we haven't seen it with our own eyes. It's nature at its finest, taking something already beautiful and transforming it into something unbelievable. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/magic-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0715-_90A0721_20190222.jpg Magic Light Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the cliffs of El Capitan and the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/vapor-of-fire/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0380_20190221.jpg Vapor of Fire Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like Lava. Wind kicks up spray from the waterfall, pulling it across the face of El Capitan as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/red-beacon/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0447-_90A0453_20190221.jpg Red Beacon Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall) and El Capitan over the Merced River at Sunset, Horsetail Falls, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings color to the sky as a sliver on upper edge of El Capitan illuminates orange from the last bit of sunlight. The waters of Horsetail Falls glow a deep orange like lava. Wind kicks up mist from the falling waters of Horsetail Fall, illuminating it red like a Beacon as the famous Yosemite Firefall illuminates with the last bit of color from the setting sun high above the banks of the Merced River. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fireside/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0530_20190219.jpg Fireside Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the cliffs of El Capitan and the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fire-and-ice/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0373_20190221.jpg Fire and Ice Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like Lava. Wind kicks up spray from the waterfall, pulling it across the face of El Capitan as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/spellbound/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0240-_90A0246_20190221.jpg Spellbound Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like Lava. Wind kicks up spray from the waterfall, pulling it across the face of El Capitan as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ignited/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0722-_90A0728_20190222.jpg Ignited Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the cliffs of El Capitan and the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/eternal-flame/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0527_20190219.jpg Eternal Flame Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the cliffs of El Capitan and the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edens-flame/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0432-_90A0438_20190221.jpg Eden's Flame Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall) and El Capitan over the Merced River at Sunset, Horsetail Falls, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings color to the sky as the upper cliffs of El Capitan illuminates orange from the last bit of sunlight. The waters of Horsetail Falls glow orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life high above the banks of the Merced River. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/natures-masterpiece/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0249-_90A0255_20190218.jpg Nature's Masterpiece Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall) Reflecting in the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings color to the sky as the upper cliffs of El Capitan illuminate orange from the last bit of sun. The waters of Horsetail Fall glow orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life high above the banks of the Merced River. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mysterious-illusion/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0743-_90A0749_20190222.jpg Mysterious Illusion Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the cliffs of El Capitan and the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sunsets-flame/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0729-_90A0735_20190222.jpg Sunset's Flame Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the cliffs of El Capitan and the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/captains-fire/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0765-_90A0771_20190222.jpg Captain's Fire Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the cliffs of El Capitan and the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lava-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0170-_90A0176_20190221.jpg Lava Light Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like Lava as the Yosemite Firefall comes to life. This is always a stunning sight to see. Nothing quite prepares you for witnessing the water make that turn from normal water, to gold, and then making that final turn to the color of pure lava. It's a truly stunning sight. It's a naturally occurring optical illusion that requires perfect conditions. The sun has to be in the correct position in the sky (which occurs during the last two weeks of February), the waterfall has to be flowing, and the weather has to be perfect. One rogue cloud with everything else perfect can block the sunlight and prevent this naturally occurring optical illusions from showing up. When everything lines up though, it's a stunning sight to see! Yosemite National Park is a truly stunning place, so perhaps it's fitting that one of nature's grandest optical illusions occasionally occurs there. This is one of those moments were time seemingly stand still, and you get lost in the beauty of nature. It's such a grand sight, it's one of those things that will always stick with you. I've always had my wife and son with me for this, and perhaps my favorite part of the whole thing is witnessing the smile on my son's face when that water makes its final turn to the color of pure fire. Those are the memories that will always stick with me, and they are the memories that will always stick with him as well. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/illuminated-wonder/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0418-_90A0424_20190221.jpg Illuminated Wonder Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall) and El Capitan over the Merced River at Sunset, Horsetail Falls, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings color to the sky as the upper cliffs of El Capitan illuminates orange from the last bit of sunlight. The waters of Horsetail Falls glow orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life high above the banks of the Merced River. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/optical-illusion/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0366-_90A0372_20190221.jpg Optical Illusion Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the cliffs of El Capitan orange as the water of Horsetail Fall like lava bringing the famous Yosemite Firefall to life. Wind creates a spray mist from the waters of Horsetail Falls as it sprays across the face of El Capitan, illuminating the mist orange and red like lava and fire. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/master-of-fire/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0219_20190221.jpg Master of Fire Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall) and El Capitan over the Merced River at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings faint color to the skies above El Capitan and the Merced River. The setting sun illuminates the face of El Capitan and the waters of Horsetail Falls orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. Wind creates a spray mist from the waters of Horsetail Fall as it whips water sprays across the face of El Capitan, illuminating the mist orange and red like lava and fire.It's always magical spending time in a place when it's covered in feet of snow. This was taken before the current restrictions were put in place (so this photo is no longer possible). It wasn't super crowded compared to what you see now, probably a product of the R2/R3 chain restrictions and snowshoes needed to get anywhere. I've seen and photographed this numerous times over the years from varying angles, and it's always been amazing (especially since my family is with me). My favorite part of this one was the perfectly times wind gust blowing the water across the face of El Capitan, illuminating the whole thing orange like fire. Seeing my son's face as it lit up was priceless. Being in places like this is always a treat, but being here with my family, experiencing the beauty together is what makes it a perfect moment in time. So many photographers in their time and places like this alone without their family, and I've always felt very fortunate that my wife and son have been with me almost everywhere I've gone, every step of the way. It makes me smile to know almost everything I've seen, my son and wife have also seen. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/illusion-of-fire/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0242-_90A0248_20190218.jpg Illusion of Fire Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall) Reflecting in the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings color to the sky as the upper cliffs of El Capitan illuminate orange from the last bit of sun. The waters of Horsetail Fall glow orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life high above the banks of the Merced River. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mysteries-of-the-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_4641-_MG_4646_11152013_2x1.jpg Mysteries of the Night Tioga Lake, Tioga Peak and Mount Dana under Full Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Snow begins to cover the shoreline around Tioga Lake in mid-November as Tioga Peak, Dana Plateau, and Mount Dana rise above it, illuminated by the full moon as a cold night sets in up near Tioga Pass. Tioga Lake, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peace-and-quiet/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0064_20181119.jpg Peace and Quiet Sunset over Lembert Dome, Tuolumne Meadows and partially frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California The Tuolumne River begins to freeze over for the winter as it flows through Tuolumne Meadows, as faint colors of sunset illuminate the clouds above Lembert Dome, Dog Dome and Mount Dana. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peaceful-breath/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0036-_90A0043_20181119.jpg Peaceful Breath Sunset over Lembert Dome, Tuolumne Meadows and a partially frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California A faint pastel glow illuminates the clouds above Lembert Dome and Tuolumne Meadows at sunset. Glacial Erratics line the Tuolumne River as it begins to freeze over as winter approaches. Visible (from left to right): Dog Dome, Lembert Dome and Mount Dana. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/calm-and-chaos/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0141-_90A0155_20191119_SQ.jpg Calm and Chaos Alpenglow at Sunset on Lembert Dome and Dog Dome over Tuolumne Meadows and a partially frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow at Sunset illuminates the top of Lembert Dome, Dog Dome and a small section of trees above Tuolumne Meadows as the Tuolumne River begins to freeze over for the winter. Glacial erratics from the last ice age line the riverbed of the Tuolumne River below. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/unspoiled/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0001-90A0022_20181119_SQ.jpg Unspoiled Sunset over Lembert Dome, Mount Dana, Tuolumne Meadows and a partially frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California A faint pastel glow illuminates the clouds above Lembert Dome and Tuolumne Meadows at sunset, as the Tuolumne River begins to freeze over as winter approaches. Visible (from left to right): Peaks on the crest above Granite Lakes, Dog Dome, Lembert Dome, Mount Dana and the slope of Mount Gibbs) Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/tuolumne-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_4648_20131115.jpg Tuolumne Night Mammoth Peak and the Tuolumne River at Night, Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park Mammoth Peak and the Tuolumne River are illuminated by the full moon and the starry sky up in the Yosemite High Country in mid November. Disappearing Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/last-chance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0339-_90A0344_20181119_20x30.jpg Last Chance Lembert Dome and a frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California The Tuolumne River begins to freeze over after a long cold spell as the first storm of winter nears. Lembert Dome reflects in the small patches of unfrozen water as the last light of day begins to fade. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/crystal-waters/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0902_20180826LS_16x20.jpg Crystal Waters Tenaya Lake at Sunset, Yosemite National Park Alpenglow at sunset illuminates the skies above as Polly Dome, Pywiack Dome, Mariuolumne Dome, Medlicott Dome, Dozier Dome, and (the slope of) Tenaya Peak as they reflect in the crystal clear waters of Tenaya Lake. Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/harmonious/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0071-_90A0099_20181119_16x20.jpg Harmonious Sunset over Lembert Dome, Tuolumne Meadows and partially frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California The Tuolumne River begins to freeze over for the winter as it flows through Tuolumne Meadows, as faint colors of sunset illuminate the clouds above Lembert Dome, Dog Dome and Mount Dana. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/skyfire/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1044-_90A1048_20171029_B.jpg Skyfire Half Dome at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset bathes skies above in brilliant light as alpenglow illuminates Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country of Yosemite National Park near Olmstead Point. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/chill-of-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0625_20181108.jpg Chill of Winter Sunrise over Lembert Dome and a freezing Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California A soft glow illuminates the skies above Lembert Dome at sunrise as the Tuolumne River begins to freeze over as winter nears. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heavens-window/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0912-_90A0918_20171029.jpg Heaven's Window Sunset over Fairview Dome, Tuolumne Meadows and the Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the clouds above Fairview Dome, the Tuolumne River and Tuolumne Meadows a golden color as the granite peaks reflect in the still waters of the river as it flows through the subalpine valleys of the Yosemite High Country. A small patch of blue sky shows through a small window in the clouds as if a window into heaven above. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/brisk/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0281_20181119.jpg Brisk Sunset over Fairview Dome, Daff Dome, Pothole Dome and a partially frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California Ice forms on the Tuolumne River as it begins to freeze over for the upcoming winter. Sunset lights the skies above Fairview Dome, Daff Dome and Pothole Dome as the colors of sunset reflect in the unfrozen water of the river Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/serenity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1037_20171029.jpg Serenity Half Dome at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset bathes skies above in brilliant light as alpenglow illuminates Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country of Yosemite National Park near Olmstead Point. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winding-down/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0057_20181119.jpg Winding Down Sunset over Lembert Dome, Tuolumne Meadows and partially frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California The Tuolumne River begins to freeze over for the winter as it flows through Tuolumne Meadows. Faint colors of sunset illuminate the clouds above Lembert Dome, Dog Dome and Mount Dana as the cold day draws to a close. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/artists-canvas/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0991_20171029_B.jpg Artist's Canvas Sunset over Half Dome and Quarter Domes, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset bathes skies above in brilliant light as alpenglow illuminates Half Dome, Quarter Domes, Tenaya Canyon and the Yosemite High Country of Yosemite National Park near Olmstead Point. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-fairytail/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0324_20181119.jpg Frozen Fairytail Sunset over Pothole Dome and a partially frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the skies above Pothole Dome, as the colors reflect in the waters of the Tuolumne River as it begins to freeze over for the winter. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-entrance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0308_20191119.jpg Winter's Entrance Sunset over Pothole Dome and a partially frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the skies above Pothole Dome, as the colors reflect in the waters of the Tuolumne River as it begins to freeze over for the winter. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rarified/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0162-_90A0162_20181119.jpg Rarified Alpenglow at Sunset on Lembert Dome and Dog Dome over Tuolumne Meadows and a partially frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow at Sunset illuminates the top of Lembert Dome, Dog Dome and a small section of trees above Tuolumne Meadows as the Tuolumne River begins to freeze over for the winter. Glacial erratics from the last ice age line the riverbed of the Tuolumne River below. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/blue-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0551_20180825.jpg Blue Magic Western Juniper and Jeffery Pine in the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park, California A Western Juniper and Jeffery Pine grow from cracks in the granite in the High Country of Yosemite National Park. Tiago Pass, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/endless-2/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0190_90A0267_20181119_2x1.jpg Endless Storm Clouds over Lembert Dome, Mount Dana, Dog Dome, Tuolumne Meadows and a Partially Frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California Storm clouds gather over Tuolumne Meadows and the Tuolumne River as Lembert Dome, Dog Dome, Mount Dana and Mount Gibbs rise high above the meadow and the glacial erratics lining the river. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/twisted/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0186-_90A0193_20181029_2x1.jpg Twisted Afterglow above a Western Juniper and Tenaya Peak after Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California A large granite glacial erratic rests next to the trunk of a twisted Western Juniper as it twists and turns, growing from the cracks in the granite cliffs and dome of the Yosemite High Country. Pastel afterglow colors caused by backscattering after sunset light the skies above as the Belt of Venus shows just below Tenaya Peak. Olmsted Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/half-domes-fury/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1026__90A1032_20171029_E.jpg Half Dome's Fury Half Dome at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset bathes skies above in brilliant light as alpenglow illuminates Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country of Yosemite National Park near Olmstead Point. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/expanded-stillness/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0642_20180825.jpg Expanded Stillness Alpenglow at Sunset on Mount Gibbs, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow at sunset illuminates the slopes of Mount Gibbs a brilliant shade of red as the scene reflects in a pond in quiet alpine meadow. Dana Meadow, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-gem/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0833_20171029_B.jpg Emerald Gem Tenaya Lake during the Golden Hour, Yosemite National Park, California The waters of Tenaya Lake take on a striking turquoise color as Golden Hour sets in above the many features surrounding the lake in the Yosemite High Country Peaks Visible (from left to right): Stately Pleasure Dome, Polly Dome, Pywiack Dome, Fairview Dome, Medlicott Dome, Mariolumne Dome, Dozier Dome, Tenaya Peak, Tresidder Peak, Mount Conness, Tiago Crest, North Peak, and Shepherd Crest East Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edge-of-dawn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0607_20181108.jpg Edge of Dawn Pre-Dawn Alpenglow on Mount Conness and White Mountain over Ellery Lake, Inyo National Forest, California Pre-Dawn Alpenglow illuminates the slopes of Mount Conness and White Mountain above Ellery Lake as the last stars in the sky fade away. Ellery Lake, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mornings-whisper/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0617_20181108.jpg Morning's Whisper Sunrise over Lembert Dome and the Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California A soft pastel glow illuminates the morning skies above Lembert Dome at sunrise as the shore and edges of the Tuolumne River begin to freeze over as winter nears. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fairview-reflections/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0926-_90A0932_20171029.jpg Fairview Reflections Sunset over Fairview Dome, Tuolumne Meadows and the Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the clouds above Fairview Dome, the Tuolumne River and Tuolumne Meadows a golden color as the granite peaks reflect in the still waters of the river as it flows through the subalpine valleys of the Yosemite High Country. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edens-ridge/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0173_20181029.jpg Eden's Ridge Cloud's Rest, Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon and a Jeffrey Pine at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Trees grow from cracks in the granite of the Yosemite High Country, as soft pastel colors at sunset illuminate the skies above Cloud's Rest, Quarter Domes, Tenaya Canyon and Half Dome. Olmsted Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glory/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0274_20181119.jpg Glory Sunset over Fairview Dome, Daff Dome, Pothole Dome and a partially frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California Ice forms on the Tuolumne River as it begins to freeze over for the upcoming winter. Sunset lights the skies above Fairview Dome, Daff Dome and Pothole Dome as the colors of sunset reflect in the unfrozen water of the river Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/tuolumne-oasis/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0856-_90A0862_20171029.jpg Tuolumne Oasis Lembert Dome during the Golden Hour, Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park, California The golden hour illuminates the skies above Lambert Dome, Dog Dome and the Tuolumne River in Tuolumne Meadows during late fall in the Yosemite High Country. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cotton-candy-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0181_20181029.jpg Cotton Candy Dream Sunrise Mountain, Clouds Rest, Tenaya Canyon, a Glacial Erratic and a Jeffrey Pine at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Soft cotton candy pastel colors illuminate the clouds in the sky above Sunrise Mountain, Clouds Rest and Tenaya Canyon at Sunset, as a Glacial Erratic rests next to a Jeffrey Pine growing from cracks in the granite of the Yosemite High Country. Olmsted Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fade-to-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0333_90A0335_20181119_20x30.jpg Fade to Winter Lembert Dome and a frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, Califor The Tuolumne River freezes over after a long cold spell as the first storm of winter nears. Lembert Dome reflects in the small patches of unfrozen water as the last light of day begins to fade. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dawns-early-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0612_20181108.jpg Dawn's Early Light Dawn over Tioga Lake and Tioga Peak, Yosemite National Park, California Rays from the rising sun kiss the top of Tioga Peak at Dawn as it rises above Tioga Lake while a soft pastel glow illuminates the skies above. Tioga Lake, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/stillness-in-the-meadow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0134_20181119.jpg Stillness in the Meadow Alpenglow on Lembert Dome and Dog Dome at Sunset over Tuolumne Meadows and a partially frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow at Sunset illuminates the top of Lembert Dome, Dog Dome and a small section of trees above Tuolumne Meadows as the Tuolumne River begins to freeze over for the winter. Glacial erratics from the last ice age line the riverbed of the Tuolumne River below. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/chill-of-an-early-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0614_20181108.jpg Chill of an Early Winter Sunrise over Mount Dana, Mount Gibbs and a Frozen Dana Fork Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California The Dana Fork Tuolumne River begins to freeze over for the winter as the warm glow of sunrise begins to light the sky. Light from the rising sun flares off the slopes of Mount Gibbs as the day begins anew. From left to right: Mount Dana, Mount Gibbs, Mammoth Peak.I absolutely love those late Autumn days in the Yosemite High Country. It gets cold quite early this high up in the mountains, and it's always beautiful to see the water begin to freeze as High Alpine Meadows take on a beautiful mix of yellows, reds and greens. Mount Gibbs and Mount Dana rise up in the background, because of the soft light of the rising sun softly illuminates the skies above. Seeing that fresh ice form has always been among my favorite things, as it takes on so many beautiful patterns and formations. One of the small formations in the foreground caught my eye, as it looked like a mountain rising up out of the water (which was perfectly fitting with the mountains of the High Sierra as a backdrop). It's that first transition from autumn to winter. Just you, the freezing river, the meadow and the mountains amongst a moment of silence. It's a truly peaceful scene, nature at its finest. Scenes like this are always sign of the fast approaching transition to winter. Soon after, the roads will be closed for the winter as snow and ice will blanket this beautiful landscape until late spring. But for these brief few moments, we are able to witness the beauty of both seasons as time slows down and reminds us to enjoy the beauty that's right in front of our eyes. Dana Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/reflecting-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0610_20180825.jpg Reflecting Magic Golden Hour over Tenaya Peak and Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park, California A golden glow illuminates Tenaya Peak and the surrounding slopes during the golden hour as the scene reflects in the still waters of Tenaya Lake. Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/infinite-reflection/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0582_20180825.jpg Infinite Reflection Sunset over Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illumintes the skies above as Polly Dome, Pywiack Dome, Mariuolumne Dome, Medlicott Dome, Dozier Dome, and (the slope of) Tenaya Peak reflect in the crystal clear waters of Tenaya Lake. Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sunburnt/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1938-20191124.jpg Sunburnt Alpenglow at Sunset over Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Mount Watkins, and Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite National Park, California Half Dome, Mount Watkins, Clouds Rest, Tenaya Peak, Tressider Peak and the tip of Ahwiyah Point are bathed in alpenglow as the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus illuminate the skies above. Washburn Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/orange-marmalade/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1945_20191124.jpg Orange Marmalade Alpenglow at Sunset over Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Mount Watkins, Kuna Crest, Fletcher Peak and Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite National Park, California Half Dome, Mount Watkins, Clouds Rest, Tenaya Peak, Tressider Peak, Kuna Crest, Fletcher Peak, and the tip of Ahwiyah Point are bathed in alpenglow as the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus illuminate the skies above. Washburn Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peek-a-boo/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_5637_20131116.jpg Peek-A-Boo Alpenglow as the Full Moon Rises behind Half Dome and Glacier Point at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates Half Dome and Clouds Rest in pink as the Full Moon begins to rise above the eastern horizon of the Yosemite high country. The last rays of day bathe the skies above Glacier Point in soft pastel hues as the backscattering light to the east brings this sunset moonrise alive in all its glory. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/switch/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_5698_20131116.jpg Switch The Full Moon rises behind Half Dome and Glacier Point at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates the skies above Half Dome and Clouds Rest in soft colors as the Full Moon begins to rise above the eastern horizon of the Yosemite high country. The last rays of day bathe the skies above Glacier Point in soft pastel hues as the backscattering light to the east brings this sunset moonrise alive in all its glory. Glacier Point, Yosemite National https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bronzed/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1952_20191124.jpg Bronzed Alpenglow at Sunset over Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Mount Watkins, Kuna Crest and Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite National Park, CaliforniaHalf Dome, Mount Watkins, Clouds Rest, Tenaya Peak, Tressider Peak, Kuna Crest, and the tip of Ahwiyah Point are bathed in alpenglow as the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus illuminate the skies above. Washburn Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/illustrious/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0579_20181120.jpg Illustrious Alpenglow at Sunset on Half Dome and Clouds Rest, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow illuminates Half Dome, Cloud's Rest and Kuna Crest as the warm pastel glow of sunset illuminates the skies above. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/reversal/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_5644_20131116.jpg Reversal Alpenglow as the Full Moon Rises behind Half Dome and Glacier Point at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates Half Dome and Clouds Rest in pink as the Full Moon begins to rise above the eastern horizon of the Yosemite high country. The last rays of day bathe the skies above Glacier Point in soft pastel hues as the backscattering light to the east brings this sunset moonrise alive in all its glory. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/untouched-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_5653-_MG_5676_20141116_4X1.jpg Untouched Beauty Moonrise over Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California The full moon rises above Vogelsang Peak at sunset as alpenglow illuminates Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Mount Hoffman and the other prominent peaks of the Yosemite High Country while North Dome, Basket Dome, Mount Watkins and Liberty Cap lay in the shadows. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/a-tale-of-two-valleys/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_5579-_MG_5582_20131116_25x1.jpg A Tale of Two Valleys Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Clouds Rest and Tenaya Canyon at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset casts a golden glow onto the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley (left) and Tenaya Canyon (right) as North Dome, Basket Dome, Mount Watkins, Half Dome, Quarter Domes, and Cloud's Rest bask in the golden glow of the setting sun. Glaicer Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/craved-in-time/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0613_90A0669_20181120_3x1.jpg Craved in Time Moonrise at Sunset over Half Dome, Cloud's Rest, Liberty Cap and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park, California Pastel colors from the Belt of Venus illuminate the skies above Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country at Sunset as the rising nearly full moon shines brightly above. The last bit of Alpenglow slowly fades from tops of Half Dome, Cloud's Rest, Fletcher Peak, Vogelsang Peak, Mount Clark, Gray Peak, Red Peak and Mount Starr King as the day draws to a close. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/high-sierra-solitude/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_5383_20131116.jpg High Sierra Solitude Mount Starr King and the Clark Range Golden Hour, Yosemite National Park, California Sunlight illuminates Mount Starr King and the Yosemite High Country at during the Golden Hour. Washburn Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/enchanted/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0718-_90A0758_20181120.jpg Enchanted Moonrise at Dusk over Half Dome, North Dome, Basket Dome, Mount Watkins, Royal Arches and Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite National Park, California The full moon rises over Half Dome, North Dome, Basket Dome, Royal Arches, Mount Watkins, Mount Hoffmann, Ahwiyah Point, Clouds Rest, Echo Peaks, Tressider Peak, Kuna Crest and Tenaya Canyon as dusk sets in.I've spent more time up here than I can remember, but this has always been one of my favorite moments. It was cold, the moon was rising and the park was getting ready to close the area for the year soon after as a fast approaching winter storm was rolling in. I've always loved the view straight down Tenya Canyon, and the way it contrasts with granite walls and the rounded peaks of the high country. I was the last one left up here for the year, waiting for the wonders of dusk to set in as the last, fading bit of alpenglow hung on while the rising Moon illuminated the landscape. Yosemite has always been special place to me and my family, and this is one of those views I could seemingly stare at forever. Moments like this are always enchanting, and one of the reasons I've always loved photography is it allows you to freeze moments like this forever and share it with others. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/crowned/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1917_20191124.jpg Crowned Alpenglow over Half Dome, Clouds Rest, North Dome, Mount Watkins, and Tenaya Canyon at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow at Sunset illuminates Half Dome, Mount Watkins, Clouds Rest, North Dome, Basket Dome, Tenaya Peak, Tressider Peak and the tip of Ahwiyah Point a brilliant color as the soft pastel colors of the Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above. Washburn Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/unspoiled-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1979_20191124.jpg Unspoiled Beauty The Belt of Venus over Half Dome, Liberty Cap, Clouds Rest, Mount Clark, and Tenaya Canyon at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates Half Dome, Clouds Rest and Kuna Crest brilliant colors as Mount Broderick, Grizzly Peak, Liberty Cap and Tenaya Canyon sit in shadows. The Belt of Venus begins to show in the skies above as the day draws to a close. Peaks Visible (from left to Right): Mount Watkins, Tenaya Peak, Tresidder Peak, Echo Peaks, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Kuna Crest, Fletcher Peak, Vogelsang Peak, Mt Broderick, Grizzly Peak, Little Yosemite Valley, Liberty Cap, Mount Maclure, Mount Florence, Mount Lyell, Rodgers Peak and Mount Clark. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/evening-awakens/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_5750-_MG_5752_20131116.jpg Evening Awakens Moonrise and the Belt of Venus over Half Dome and Glacier Point after Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California The Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above Half Dome and Clouds Rest in pink after sunset as the Full Moon rises above the eastern horizon of the Yosemite high country. The last rays of day bathe the skies above Glacier Point in soft pastel hues as the backscattering light to the east brings this sunset moonrise alive in all its glory.Sunsets up at Glacier Point in the Yosemite High Country are always magical, especially when the soft pastel hues of the Belt of Venus begin to come out. Time always slows down when these magic colors come out. I've always loved seeing the blue of the Earth's shadow begin to rise at sunset against the soft pink and magenta color of the Belt of Venus, especially when it's a backdrop for something as breathtaking and grand as Half Dome. Nature had an extra special treat in store for this evening. The full moon was rising behind Half Dome, and the timing was perfect for the moonrise to happen against the backdrop of the Belt of Venus. It's surreal to see the cooler tones overtake the High Sierra as the moon rises into the warm colors of the Belt of Venus in the sky behind Half Dome. Moments like this always feel like I've crossed into a thin place, a place which blurs the lines between Heaven and Earth. Its feel as if the doors of Heaven open up for a brief few moments, showing us all its wonders from just beyond the veil before the doors close and it fades away. Time always stands still in moments like this where evening awakens, and that feeling of peace and serenity always seems to last forever. That's why I've spent most of my life chasing these moments: it's a reminder that no matter what you're experiencing, something beautiful is just around the corner. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/return-to-paradise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1978_20191124.jpg Return to Paradise Alpenglow on Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and the Yosemite High Country at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates Half Dome, Clouds Rest and Kuna Crest brilliant colors as Mount Broderick, Grizzly Peak and Liberty Cap sit in shadows. The Belt of Venus begins to show in the skies above as the day draws to a close. Peaks Visible (from left to Right): Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Kuna Crest, Fletcher Peak, Vogelsang Peak, Parsons Peak, Mount Maclure, Mount Florence, Mount Lyell, and Rodgers Peak. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/flawless/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1974_20191124.jpg Flawless Subtle Alpenglow over Half Dome, Clouds Rest, North Dome, Mount Watkins, and Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite National Park after Sunset, CaliforniaThe Belt of Venus illuminates the sky above as subtle Alpenglow illuminates Half Dome, North Dome and the tip of Clouds Rest as Tenaya Canyon sit in the shadows. Peaks Visible (from left to Right): North Dome, Mount Hoffman, Basket Dome, Polly Dome, Mount Watkins, Tenaya Peak, Tresidder Peak, Echo Peaks, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Kuna Crest, Fletcher Peak and Vogelsang Peak Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edens-majesty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1980_20191124.jpg Eden's Majesty Alpenglow over Half Dome, Clouds Rest, North Dome, Mount Watkins, and Tenaya Canyon at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow illuminates Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Mount Watkins, North Dome and Kuna Crest brilliant colors as Mount Broderick, Grizzly Peak, Liberty Cap and Tenaya Canyon sit in shadows. The Belt of Venus begins to show in the skies above as the day draws to a close. Peaks Visible (from left to Right): North Dome, Mount Hoffman, Basket Dome, Polly Dome, Mount Watkins, Tenaya Peak, Tresidder Peak, Echo Peaks, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Kuna Crest, Fletcher Peak and Vogelsang Peak. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/gilded/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1959_20191124.jpg Gilded Alpenglow on Mount Starr King and the Clark Range at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow illuminates Mount Starr King, Mount Clark, Gray Peak, Red Peak and the Yosemite High Country at Sunset as the Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above. Washburn Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/craved-majesty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1981_20191124.jpg Craved Majesty Alpenglow over Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Mount Watkins, and Tenaya Canyon at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow illuminates Half Dome, Clouds Rest and Mount Watkins brilliant colors as the Belt of Venus begins to show in the skies above while Tenaya Canyon sits in shadows. Peaks Visible (from left to Right): Mount Watkins, Tenaya Peak, Tresidder Peak, Echo Peaks, Clouds Rest, Half Dome and Kuna Crest.The view of Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country bathed in alpenglow light has long been one of my favorite sights in nature. The glacially carved peaks, valleys and rounded formations of Yosemite are truly a spectacular sight. Seeing those magical colors bring them to life at the close of the day takes everything to a whole new level. Half Dome, Mount Watkins, Cloud's Rest and the rest of the High Sierra are absolutely beautiful rising above Tenaya Canyon below. When alpenglow lights Half Dome and the surrounding peaks, it's a brief glimpse into Heaven, fitting for a thin place that seems to blur the lines between Heaven and Earth. I've been to Yosemite more times than I can count, and to be honest I'll always head back there. It's such a serene place. During that brief glimpse into heaven this thin place provides, it always leaves you refreshed and it always seems to make sense of everything. Perhaps that's why we keep going back to these thin places, time seems to stand still in the best of ways during these brief moments. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/last-light-first-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_5763-_MG_576520131116.jpg Last Light, First Light Full Moonrise and the Belt of Venus over Half Dome and Glacier Point after Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California The Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above Half Dome and Clouds after sunset as the Full Moon rises above the eastern horizon of the Yosemite high country. As dusk nears, the last rays of day bathe the skies above Glacier Point in soft pastel hues as the last bit of backscattering light to the east brings this sunset moonrise alive in all its glory. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/twilights-whisper/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0692_20181120.jpg Twilight's Whisper Alpenglow after Sunset over Half Dome, Liberty Cap and Clouds Rest, Yosemite National Park, California Pastel colors illuminate the skies above Half Dome, Liberty Cap, Mount Broderick and Grizzly Peak just after sunset as twilight sets in Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-other-half/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1972_20191124.jpg The Other Half Half Dome and Liberty Cap at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California The Belt of Venus rises at sunset in the skies above Half Dome, Liberty Cap, Clouds Rest, Mount Broderick and Grizzly Peak as the soft pastel colors of the Belt of Venus take over the eastern skies.I absolutely love Half Dome. It's such a unique formation, beautiful in any light. It appears to be missing the other half, yet there never was another half. I've always thought that Liberty Cap just to the south of Half Dome looks like the other half of Half Dome. You can see the Belt of Venus in the sky above, with the blue shadow of Earth hugging the horizon. As it gets further past Sunset, the blue shadow will continue to move up in the sky and overtake the magenta until you're in the blue hour and eventually it's night. That changing light has always been one of my favorite things to see in the mornings and evenings, but it takes on an even more beautiful appearance against the backdrop of Half Dome and the High Sierra. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/believe/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1969_20191124.jpg Believe Sunset over Half Dome, North Dome, Basket Dome, Mount Watkins, Royal Arches and Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite National Park, California The Belt of Venus begins to show just after sunset as alpenglow sets in over Half Dome, North Dome, Basket Dome, Royal Arches, Mount Watkins, Mount Hoffmann, Ahwiyah Point, Clouds Rest, Echo Peaks, Tressider Peak, Kuna Crest and Tenaya Canyon.There's something about Yosemite which always soothes the soul. It's a thin place, one of those rare places which seem to blur the lines between Heaven and Earth. The views from up on top of the cliffs has long been a favorite of mine. It's amazing to see the towering granite walls of the valley and Tenya Canyon rise up thousands of feet, as Half Dome, Mount Watkins, Clouds Rest and the rest of the High Sierra rise far above the surrounding landscape. There's a rhythmic beauty in the way the peaks and landscapes of the high country roll. It's as if waves in the ocean froze and turned to granite. When the colors as sunset transform the face of Half Dome and the other high peaks golden, it's simply magnificent. The pastel colors of the Belt of Venus and the soft colors lighting the clouds at sunset are the perfect compliment. Time stands still as you take in those brief few moments of perfection, unsure if the beauty in front of you is heaven or earth. It's a slower pace of life in places like this, one that always seems to leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. The tranquility of places like this is inspiring, and no matter what's happening in life, it always helps you figure things out. That's way it's so important to protect places like this, so that future generations may also experience the wonders of nature and have a place to come and refresh the soul. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glorious/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1977_20191124.jpg Glorious Alpenglow on Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and the Yosemite High Country at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates Half Dome, Clouds Rest and Kuna Crest brilliant colors as Tenaya Canyon sits in shadows. Peaks Visible (from left to Right): Tresidder Peak, Echo Peaks, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Kuna Crest, Fletcher Peak, Vogelsang Peak and Parsons Peak. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/over-the-range/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0141-_90A0155_20191119.jpg Over the Range Alpenglow over Half Dome, Clouds Rest, North Dome, Mount Watkins, and Tenaya Canyon at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow at Sunset illuminates Half Dome, Mount Watkins, Clouds Rest, North Dome; Basket Dome, Tenaya Peak, Tressider Peak and the tip of Ahwiyah Point the soft pastel colors of the Belt of Venus lights the skies above. Washburn Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/moonlight-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0370_20190218.jpg Moonlight Magic Moonlight over North Dome, Royal Arches, Washington Column, Stoneman Meadow and Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates North Dome, Royal Arches, Royal Arch Cascades, Washington Column and snow covered Stoneman Meadow as Yosemite Valley transforms into a winter wonderland. Stoneman Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glimmer/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0819_20190217.jpg Glimmer Night over a Moonlit Yosemite Falls and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Winter moonlight illuminates the night sky, Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley as snow blankets Cook's Meadow and the valley below. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-in-eden/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0371_20190216.jpg Winter in Eden Snow Covered Yosemite Valley Chapel under Winter Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Snow blankets the Yosemite Valley Chapel, the surrounding trees and meadow at night as fog clings to the snow-covered granite cliffs rising 3000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor. Moonlight illuminates the chapel and the snow clad cliffs and meadows, transforming the valley into a beautiful winter wonderland. Yosemite Valley Chapel is the oldest structure in Yosemite, having been built in 1879 and moved to its current location in 1901. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and continues to hold services over 146 years after it was first built. Yosemite Valley Chapel, Sentinel Meadow https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/half-dome-on-glass/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0718_20171028.jpg Half Dome on Glass Half Dome Reflects in the Waters of the Merced River in the Late Autumn, Yosemite National Park Half Dome reflects like a glass mirror in the still waters of the Merced River as stars illuminate the night sky above. Half Dome, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/climbing-into-the-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0701_20171028.jpg Climbing into the Night Night over Yosemite Valley and the Merced River in the Autumn, Yosemite National Park A single climbers light reflects in the still waters of the Merced River as the stars illuminate the night sky above Yosemite Valley, the Three Brothers and Eagle Peak. The leaves on the surrounding trees turn gold as fall colors set in. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/snow-kissed/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0838_20190217.jpg Snow Kissed Sentinel Rock and Sentinel Meadow by Winter Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Sentinel Meadow lay covered in a blanket of deep snow as Sentinel Rock rises up towards the winter moonlit night skies above Yosemite Valley Stoneman Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frosted-dome/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0920_20190218.jpg Frosted Dome Moonlight Illuminates Snow Covered Half Dome, Yosemite Valley and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Half Dome as it reflects in the still waters of the Merced River. Snow blankets Yosemite Valley and the top of Half Dome as the stars faintly shine through the moonlight. Half Dome, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/divine-chill/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0373_20190216.jpg Divine Chill Snow Covered Yosemite Valley Chapel under Winter Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Snow blankets the Yosemite Valley Chapel, the surrounding trees and meadow at night as fog clings to the snow-covered granite cliffs rising 3000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor. Moonlight illuminates the chapel and the snow clad cliffs and meadows, transforming the valley into a beautiful winter wonderland. Yosemite Valley Chapel is the oldest structure in Yosemite, having been built in 1879 and moved to its current location in 1901. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and continues to hold services over 146 years after it was first built. Yosemite Valley Chapel, Sentinel Meadow https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/grand-illusion/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0931_20190218.jpg Grand Illusion Night over a Moonlit Yosemite Falls and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the night sky, Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley in the winter as snow blankets Cook's Meadow and the valley below. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0528_20190221.jpg Glow Moonlight over El Capitan from Tunnel View in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the snow covered tops of El Capitan and Half Dome in the winter as they rise high above Yosemite Valley below. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-midnight-hour/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0536_20190221.jpg The Midnight Hour The Three Brothers and Merced River by Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California A full Moon illuminates the Three Brothers and the Merced River at midnight in the dead of winter. Fresh snowfall glows in the moonlight as it lines the shores of the river on a cold winter night. Three Brothers, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0842_20190217.jpg Frozen Beauty Night over a Moonlit Yosemite Falls and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the night sky, Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley in the winter as snow blankets Cook's Meadow and the valley below. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cold-winters-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0839_20190217.jpg Cold Winter's Night Snow Covered Yosemite Valley Chapel under Winter Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Snow blankets the surrounding meadow, trees and rooftop of Yosemite Valley Chapel on a cold winter night as moonlight illuminates the night sky high above. Yosemite Valley Chapel, Sentinel Meadow https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mystic-moonlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0371_20190218.jpg Mystic Moonlight Moonlight over North Dome, Royal Arches, Washington Column, Stoneman Meadow and Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates North Dome, Royal Arches, Washington Column and snow covered Stoneman Meadow as Yosemite Valley transforms into a winter wonderland. Stoneman Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/night-cathedral/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0347_20190218.jpg Night Cathedral Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires Reflect in a Wosky Pond in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the meadows of Yosemite Valley as they lay covered in a blanket of deep snow. Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires reflect in the still waters of Wosky Pond as the valley transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. Cathedral Rocks, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/royal-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0391_20190218.jpg Royal Winter Moonlight over Royal Arches, Ahwahnee Meadow and Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Royal Arches, Royal Arch Cascades and Ahwahnee Meadow in the winter as snow blankets the Yosemite Valley floor Ahwahnee Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/chilled-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0928_20190218.jpg Chilled Beauty Night over a Moonlit Yosemite Falls and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the night sky, Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley in the winter as snow blankets Cook's Meadow and the valley below. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cold-reflection/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0345_20190218.jpg Cold Reflection Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires Reflect in a Wosky Pond in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the meadows of Yosemite Valley as they lay covered in a blanket of deep snow. Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires reflect in the still waters of Wosky Pond as the valley transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. Cathedral Rocks, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silent-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0369_20190216.jpg Silent Night Snow Covered Yosemite Valley Chapel under Winter Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Snow blankets the Yosemite Valley Chapel, the surrounding trees and meadow at night as fog clings to the snow-covered granite cliffs rising 3000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor. Moonlight illuminates the chapel and the snow clad cliffs and meadows, transforming the valley into a beautiful winter wonderland. Yosemite Valley Chapel is the oldest structure in Yosemite, having been built in 1879 and moved to its current location in 1901. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and continues to hold services over 146 years after it was first built. Yosemite Valley Chapel, Sentinel Meadow https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-elegance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0333_20190218.jpg Winter Elegance Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires Reflect in a Wosky Pond in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the meadows of Yosemite Valley as they lay covered in a blanket of deep snow. Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires reflect in the still waters of Wosky Pond as the valley transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. Wosky Pond, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silent-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0583-_90A0584_20190222.jpg Silent Winter Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires Reflect in the Merced River at Night, Yosemite National Park, California The moon illuminates Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires as they reflect in the Merced River on a cold winter's night as snow blankets the floor of Yosemite Valley. Cathedral Rocks, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/deep-thoughts/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0848_20190217.jpg Deep Thoughts Yosemite Falls and the Merced River by Winter Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Yosemite Falls as it tumbles 2425 feet over the snow covered granite cliffs above the Merced River and Yosemite Valley in the winter. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/whisper-on-the-water/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0905_20190218.jpg Whisper on the Water Moonlight Illuminates Snow Covered Half Dome, Yosemite Valley and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Half Dome as it reflects in the still waters of the Merced River. Snow blankets Yosemite Valley and the top of Half Dome as the stars faintly shine through the moonlight. Half Dome, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mystery-rises/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0813_20190217.jpg Mystery Rises Orion the Hunter and Orion's Belt over Sentinel Rock and Foggy Sentinel Meadow, Yosemite National Park, California Fog rises from snow covered Sentinel Meadow and Yosemite Valley, as Orion the Hunter and Orion's Belt shine brightly in the moonlit skies above Sentinel Rock. Sentinel Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frigid-calm/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0815_20190217.jpg Frigid Calm Night over a Moonlit Yosemite Falls and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite Valley, California Winter moonlight illuminates the night sky, Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley as snow blankets Cook's Meadow and the valley below. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-blanket/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0395_20190218.jpg Frozen Blanket Sentinel Rock and the Merced River in the Winter by Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California The moon illuminates the night skies above Sentinel Rock and the Merced River as snow blankets the Yosemite valley floor and granite cliffs rising above. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-gem/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0379_20190218.jpg Winter's Gem Moonlight illuminates Half Dome and Ahwahnee Meadow in the winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Half Dome and Ahwahnee Meadow in the winter as snow blankets the Yosemite Valley floor. Ahwahnee Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/river-oasis/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0365_20190218.jpg River Oasis Moonlight over Yosemite Falls, the Merced River and snow covered Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley in the winter. Yosemite Falls tumbles 2545 feet over the cliffs towards the snow covered valley below as the scene reflects in the cold, still waters of the Merced River. Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-harmony/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0353_20190218.jpg Winter Harmony Moonlight over the Merced River, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires and Snow Covered Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates snow covered Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires above Yosemite Valley in the winter as the still, clear waters of the Merced River faintly reflect the trees on the shoreline. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/reflections-of-a-wanderer/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0942-_90A0942_FS_20190218.jpg Reflections of a Wanderer Moonlight over Half Dome and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Half Dome reflects in still waters as winter moonlight illuminates Yosemite Valley while snow blankets Cooks Meadow. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-gift/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0342_20190216.jpg Winter's Gift Snow Covered Yosemite Valley Chapel under Winter Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Snow blankets the Yosemite Valley Chapel, the surrounding trees and meadow at night as fog clings to the snow-covered granite cliffs rising 3000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor. Moonlight illuminates the chapel and the snow clad cliffs and meadows, transforming the valley into a beautiful winter wonderland. Yosemite Valley Chapel is the oldest structure in Yosemite, having been built in 1879 and moved to its current location in 1901. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and continues to hold services over 146 years after it was first built. Yosemite Valley Chapel, Sentinel Meadows https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/whispering-moonlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0376_20190216_B.jpg Whispering Moonlight Cathedral Rocks and Spires above Wosky Pond on a Moonlit Winter Night, Yosemite National Park, California Winter moonlight illuminates snow covered Cathedral Rocks and Spires in Yosemite Valley as the trees in the the meadow reflect off the still waters of Wosky Pond. Wosky Pond, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/below-zero/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0364_20190216.jpg Below Zero Clouds at Night over a Moonlit Yosemite Falls and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the clouds in the night sky, Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley as deep winter snow blankets Cooks Meadow and the valley below. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/clarity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0553-_90A0560_20190222.jpg Clarity El Capitan Reflects in the Merced River at Night, Yosemite National Park, California The moon illuminates El Capitan in the winter as the granite monolith reflects in the cold, clear waters of the Merced River. Fresh snowfall glows in the moonlight as it lines the shores of the river on a cold winter night. El Capitan, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cliffs-of-paradise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0507-_90A0513_20190221_16x20.jpg Cliffs of Paradise Winter Moonlight over El Capitan, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires and Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite National Park, California Winter moonlight illuminates the snow covered top of El Capitan, Half Dome and the snow covered slopes of Cathedral Rocks and Spires as Bridalveil Fall flows 620 feet over the cliffs towards Yosemite Valley below.Winter in Yosemite has always been my favorite. There's something about the snow topped cliffs and the cool, crisp air which calms the soul. Whether by sunlight, starlight, or moonlight, it's easy to see why John Muir spent a lifetime here. The moon was almost full this night. Stars dotted the night sky as the moonlight illuminated this paradise with a magical glow as snow lines the cliffs. When I was a child, my father would tell me stories of the unbridled beauty of Yosemite Valley, and as an adult I've spent a lifetime chasing and capturing its beauty. Day or night, moon or stars, winter or summer, Yosemite never fails to amaze me.  It's a special feeling looking out at the beauty, knowing you are seeing the same beautiful landscape John Muir fell in love with all those years ago. There's something special about Yosemite, and no matter how many times I go back Yosemite always takes my breath away. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/snow-in-wonderland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0916-_90A0917_20190218_16x20.jpg Snow in Wonderland Moonlight Illuminates Snow Covered Half Dome, Yosemite Valley and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Half Dome as it reflects in the still waters of the Merced River. Snow blankets Yosemite Valley and the top of Half Dome as the stars faintly shine through the moonlight. Half Dome, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-moonlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0833-_90A0836_20190217.jpg Frozen Moonlight Moonlight over North Dome, Stoneman Meadow and Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates North Dome, the night sky and snow covered Stoneman Meadow as Yosemite Valley transforms into a winter wonderland. Stoneman Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-guard/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0502_20190221.jpg Winter's Guard Sentinel Rock and the Merced River at Night, Yosemite National Park, California The rising moon begins to illuminate the night skies above Sentinel Dome and the Merced River as snow blankets the Yosemite Valley floor and granite cliffs above. Sentinel Rock, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/midnight-stillness/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0355_20190218.jpg Midnight Stillness Moonlight over the Merced River and snow covered Yosemite Valley in the winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the snow covered granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley in the winter as the still, clear waters of the Merced River reflect the trees on the shoreline. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wonders-of-the-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0402_20190218.jpg Wonders of the Night Sentinel Rock and the Merced River in the Winter by Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California The moon illuminates the night skies above Sentinel Rock and the Merced River as snow blankets the Yosemite valley floor and granite cliffs rising above. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0849_20190217.jpg Frozen Glow Yosemite Falls and the Merced River by Winter Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Yosemite Falls as it tumbles 2425 feet over the snow covered granite cliffs above the Merced River and Yosemite Valley in the winter. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/orions-bride/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0800_20190218.jpg Orion's Bride Orion the Hunter and Orion's Belt over Bridalveil Fall and a Snow Covered Bridalveil Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Orion's Belt shines bright in the night sky above a snow covered Bridalveil Meadow in the winter, as Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the cliffs towards the valley below. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/shimmering-valley/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0396_20190218.jpg Shimmering Valley Moonlight Illuminates North Dome and Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Yosemite Valley lays covered in a deep blanket of winter snow as moonlight illuminates North Dome and the night sky above. Royal Arches and Half Dome poke out from behind the trees lining the valley floor. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/reflections-of-eden/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0540-_90A0545_20190221.jpg Reflections of Eden The Three Brothers Reflecting in the Merced River by Winter Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California A full Moon illuminates the Three Brothers as they reflect in the Merced River at midnight in the dead of winter. Fresh snowfall glows in the moonlight as it lines the shores of the river on a cold winter night. Three Brothers, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/reflection-paradise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0546_20190221.jpg Reflection Paradise El Capitan reflecting in the Merced River by Moonlight in the winter, Yosemite National Park, California A full Moon illuminates the El Capitan as it reflects in the Merced River at midnight in the dead of winter. Fresh snowfall glows in the moonlight as it lines the shores of the river on a cold winter night. El Capitan, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silent-illusion/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0922-23-26_20190217.jpg Silent Illusion Moonlit Yosemite Valley Reflects in the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates snow covered Yosemite Valley and the snow covered granite cliffs above as the stars shine in the sky above. The scene reflects in the crystal clear waters of the Merced River as the valley transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cold-snap/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0897_20190217.jpg Cold Snap Night over a Moonlit Yosemite Falls and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the night sky, Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley in the winter as snow blankets Cook's Meadow and the valley below. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/luminous-tranquility/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0904_20190218.jpg Luminous Tranquility Moonlight Illuminates Snow Covered Half Dome, Yosemite Valley and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Half Dome as it reflects in the still waters of the Merced River. Snow blankets Yosemite Valley and the top of Half Dome as the stars faintly shine through the moonlight. Half Dome, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cathedrals-splendor/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0563-_90A0566_20190222.jpg Cathedral's Splendor Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires Reflect in the Merced River at Night, Yosemite National Park, California The moon illuminates Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires as they reflect in the Merced River on a cold winter's night as snow blankets the floor of Yosemite Valley. Cathedral Rocks, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/snow-puffs/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0949-_90A0954_FS_20190218.jpg Snow Puffs Moonlight over Half Dome and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Half Dome reflects in still waters as winter moonlight illuminates Yosemite Valley while snow blankets Cooks Meadow. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/jewel-of-the-valley/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0339_20190216.jpg Jewel of the Valley Snow covered Yosemite Valley Chapel at Night, Yosemite National Park, California Snow blankets the Yosemite Valley Chapel, the surrounding trees and meadow at night as fog clings to the snow-covered granite cliffs rising 3000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor. Moonlight illuminates the chapel and the snow clad cliffs and meadows, transforming the valley into a beautiful winter wonderland. Yosemite Valley Chapel is the oldest structure in Yosemite, having been built in 1879 and moved to its current location in 1901. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and continues to hold services over 146 years after it was first built. Yosemite Valley Chapel, Sentinel https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-bride/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0408_20190219.jpg Winter's Bride Moonlight illuminates Yosemite Valley, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River in the winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Yosemite Valley Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River in the winter as snow blankets the ground on a cold winter night. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/night-rise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0416_20190219.jpg Night Risei Moonlight Illuminates Yosemite Valley, El Capitan and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, CaliforniaMoonlight illuminates Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and the Merced River in the winter as snow blankets the valley on a cold winter night. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/snow-bride/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0379_20190216.jpg Snow Bride Bridalveil Fall, the Merced River and the Leaning Tower in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Bridalveil Fall plummets 600 feet over the cliffs towards snow covered Bridelveil Meadow in Yosemite Valley at night as the Merced River flows past on a cold winter night. The Leaning Tower stands cloaked by clouds and fog as the valley turns into a beautiful winter wonderland. Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peaceful-silence/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0335_20190216.jpg Peaceful Silence Snow Covered Yosemite Valley Chapel under Winter Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Snow blankets the Yosemite Valley Chapel, the surrounding trees and meadow at night as fog clings to the snow-covered granite cliffs rising 3000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor. Moonlight illuminates the chapel and the snow clad cliffs and meadows, transforming the valley into a beautiful winter wonderland. Yosemite Valley Chapel is the oldest structure in Yosemite, having been built in 1879 and moved to its current location in 1901. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and continues to hold services over 146 years after it was first built. Yosemite Valley Chapel, Sentinel Meadow https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/galaxy-through-the-pines/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0985_20141116_B.jpg Galaxy Through the Pines Winter Milky Way over Jeffery Pine trees in the High Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park, California The Winter Milky Way rises high into the night sky above a small grove of Jeffrey Pine trees growing through granite cracks in the High Sierra and Yosemite High Country of Yosemite National Park in California. The Andromeda Galaxy is visible near the top of the night sky just above the Milky Way. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glowing-cathedral/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0527_20190221.jpg Glowing Cathedral Moonlight over Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires and Bridalveil Falls from Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the snow covered slopes of Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires as Bridalveil Fall flows over 620 feet the cliffs towards snow covered Yosemite Valley below. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/valley-of-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0499_20190221.jpg Valley of Light Rising Moonlight over Yosemite Falls, the Merced River and Snow Covered Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California The rising moon in the east illuminates the granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Falls tumbles 2425 feet over the cliffs towards the snow covered valley below as the scene reflects in the cold, still waters of the Merced River below. There's something about a moonlit winter scene which always captures my imagination. Even the slightest moonlight provides enough light to bring a landscape alive. The moon was slightly below full here, and as the moon rose just a few degrees above the horizon the golden hue from the rising moon began to illuminate the cliffs around Yosemite Falls high above the cold snow in Yosemite Valley below. I stood in amazement at the beauty of the moonlit cliffs above the marvelous snow covered valley, as Yosemite Falls tumbled through the moonlight towards the valley below. I've always been one to take what nature provides when it comes to photography, and nature put on quite a show this night. It's a beautiful mix of winter, the rising moonlight and beautiful reflections in the still waters of the Merced River. The stars in the night sky still shine brightly above since the Moon is still low on the horizon as they shine through the wispy clouds just above the granite cliffs. The light came together perfectly here. It was a beautiful moment of serenity, a beautiful reminder to pay attention to the little details and to always look for the beauty in front of you. Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/breath-of-night-2/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0907-_90A0913_20190218.jpg Breath of Night Moonlight Illuminates Snow Covered Half Dome, Yosemite Valley and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Half Dome as it reflects in the still waters of the Merced River. Snow blankets Yosemite Valley and the top of Half Dome as the stars faintly shine through the moonlight. Half Dome, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-clarity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0865-67-69_20190217.jpg Winter Clarity Winter Moonlight Illuminates Glacier Point as It Reflects in the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Glacier Point and snow covered Yosemite Valley in the winter, as the scene reflects in the crystal clear waters of the Merced River. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dreamfall/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0827-_90A0829_20190217.jpg Dreamfall Night over a Moonlit Yosemite Falls and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Winter moonlight illuminates the night sky, Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley as snow blankets Cook's Meadow and the valley below. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/midnight-dreams/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0343-_90A0347_20190216.jpg Midnight Dreams Snow Covered Yosemite Valley Chapel under Winter Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Snow blankets the Yosemite Valley Chapel, the surrounding trees and meadow at night as fog clings to the snow-covered granite cliffs rising 3000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor. Moonlight illuminates the chapel and the snow clad cliffs and meadows, transforming the valley into a beautiful winter wonderland. Yosemite Valley Chapel is the oldest structure in Yosemite, having been built in 1879 and moved to its current location in 1901. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and continues to hold services over 146 years after it was first built.There's something about a beautiful winter wonderland which always seems like vintage Christmas. I've always found scenes such as this serene and relaxing. Snow transforms everything it touches into something completely different, like something out of a dream. A full moon shining above a blanket of snow can produce some truly magical images. I've heard many photographers over the years refer to moon by some pretty awful names, and I've always felt it's one of those situations where they go out with a preconceived notion of what beauty is, what it should look like, and what they should photograph. I've always felt that's the wrong way to approach nature (and photography in general). I have generalized plans when I head out, but often times I throw those by the wayside and instead look for the beauty that's in front of me. Instead of complaining or forcing a photo, I look for the beauty that's there and enjoy the moment. It was around 14° Fahrenheit this night, and the mix of clouds, moonlight and snow produced some truly wonderful scenes. The warm glow of the Yosemite Valley Chapel was a stunning sight against the cooler tones of the snow. A small break in the moonlit clouds just above the chapel allowed the stars in the night sky above to shine through, like a window opening up allowing me to glaze into the heavens above for a brief moment. I couldn't help but smile as I gazed up into the heavens though that window in the clouds. My father always loved Yosemite, and I knew Dad was smiling right back at me through that window. Yosemite Valley Chapel, Sentinel Meadow https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dream-weaver/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0792_20181120.jpg Dream Weaver Moonlight on Half Dome, North Dome, Basket Dome, Mount Watkins, Mount Broderick and Liberty Cap, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight from the rising moon bathes Half Dome, North Dome, Basket Dome, Mount Watkins and the walls of Tenaya Canyon in a warm glow as Mount Broderick, Grizzly Peak and Liberty Cap sit in the shadows. Washburn Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-granite-cathedral/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0534_20190221.jpg The Granite Cathedral Moonlight over El Capitan and Half Dome from Tunnel View in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the snow covered tops of El Capitan and Half Dome in the Winter Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-whisper/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0820_20190217.jpg Winter's Whisper Night over a Moonlit Yosemite Falls and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, CaliforniaWinter moonlight illuminates the night sky, Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley as snow blankets Cook's Meadow and the valley below. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-rule/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0808_20190217.jpg Winter's Rule El Capitan and Snow Covered Bridalveil Meadow by Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California Winter moonlight illuminates El Capitan, the snow covered Dogwood Trees and snow covered Bridalveil Meadow as Yosemite Valley transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cathedrals-moonlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0504_20190221.jpg Cathedral's Moonlight Winter Moonlight over El Capitan, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires and Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite National Park, California Winter moonlight illuminates the snow covered top of El Capitan, Half Dome and the snow covered slopes of Cathedral Rocks and Spires as Bridalveil Fall flows over 620 feet the cliffs towards Yosemite Valley below. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-kingdom/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0412_20190219.jpg Winter Kingdom Moonlight Illuminates Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River in the winter as snow blankets the ground. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-coat/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0385_20190218.jpg Winter's Coat Moonlight over Grizzly Peak, Mount Star King and Ahwahnee Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite Valley, California Moonlight illuminates Grizzly Peak (middle) and Mount Star King (right) as snow blankets Ahwahnee Meadow and Yosemite Valley. Pine trees rise up from the snow covered meadow, displaying a brilliant green contrasting against the white snow covered meadows and slopes of winter. Ahwahnee Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-whisper/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0358_20190218.jpg Frozen Whisper Moonlight over the Merced River, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires and Snow Covered Yosemite Valley in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Yosemite Valley lay covered in a blanket of snow in the winter as moonlight illuminates snow covered Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires above the valley and the Merced River. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-mystery/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0367_20190218.jpg Winter Mystery Moonlight over the Merced River and snow covered Yosemite Valley in the winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the night sky and winter landscape as the snow covered slopes and trees of Yosemite Valley reflect in the still, cold waters of the Merced River. Leidig Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cathedral-moonlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0339_20190218.jpg Cathedral Moonlight Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires Reflect in a Wosky Pond in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the meadows of Yosemite Valley as they lay covered in a blanket of deep snow. Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires reflect in the still waters of Wosky Pond as the valley transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland. Wosky Pond, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/snowy-paradise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0359-_20190216.jpg Snowy Paradise Clouds at Night over a Moonlit Yosemite Falls and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight illuminates the clouds in the night sky, Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley as deep winter snow blankets Cooks Meadow and the valley below. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glistening-meadows/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0357_20190216.jpg Glistening Meadows Snow Covered Cooks Meadow and Yosemite Valley at Night in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Deep snow covers Cooks Meadow in Yosemite National Park after a winter snow storm, as Moonlight illuminates the granite snow-covered cliffs of Yosemite Valley and the night sky above. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/til-morning-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1986_20191124.jpg Til Morning Light Nautical Dusk over Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite National Park, California The stars begin to come out in the sky as Nautical Dusk sets in over Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Mount Waktins and Tenaya Canyon. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/entranced/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0262-_90A0267_20160510_3X1.jpg Entranced Milky Way Arch over Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park, California The Milky Way Arch rises over Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Tenaya Canyon, Liberty Cap, North Dome, Basket Dome, Mount Starr King and the rest of the Yosemite High Country. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/universal-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0240-_90A0249_20160510_2x1.jpg Universal Dream Milky Way Arch over Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park, California The Milky Way Arch rises over Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Tenaya Canyon, Mount Starr King and the rest of the Yosemite High Country as clouds envelop Liberty Cap, North Dome, and Basket Dome. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sweat-dreams/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1985-_90A1998_20191124.jpg Sweat Dreams Astronomical Twilight over Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite National Park, California The stars and the night sky rise overhead above Half Dome as Astronomical Twilight sets in and the dark of night draws near. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glimmering-skies/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0302_20160510.jpg Glimmering Skies The Milky Way over Half Dome and Little Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park The Milky Way stretches across the night sky above Half Dome, Kuna Crest, Fletcher Peak, Vogelsang Peak, Little Yosemite Valley, Cloud's Rest and Diving Board in Yosemite National Park Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silent-reflection/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0369-_90A0375_20141117_2x1.jpg Silent Reflection Winter Milky Way Reflections Over Half Dome and the Merced River, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California The Milky Way rises into the night sky above Yosemite Valley and Yosemite National Park as Half Dome and the stars in the sky reflect off the still waters of the Merced River below. Half Dome, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/skyward-paradise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0344_90A03462_20141117_2X1.jpg Skyward Paradise Winter Milky Way over El Capitan and Dogwood Trees, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Dogwood Trees line Yosemite Valley in front of El Capitan as the Winter Milky Way rises high into the night sky illuminated with green airglow. Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/from-valley-to-sky/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1111_90A1116_20151116.jpg From Valley to Sky The Milky Way Spiral Arm and the Andromeda Galaxy over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park The winter spiral arm of the Milky Way stretches high into the sky over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and Yosemite Valley as the temperatures plunge as winter sets in. The fog of night rolls into the valley as a meteor shoots across the sky above the Andromeda Galaxy. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/on-a-cold-winters-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0007-_90A0013_20151116_2x1.jpg On a Cold Winter's Night Stars over Half Dome and the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California The stars shine brightly in the night sky above Half Dome and the snow covered banks of Yosemite Valley as Half Dome reflects in the still waters of the Merced River Half Dome, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/night-watch/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0694_20171028.jpg Night Watch The Milky Way over the Lower Brother, Cathedral Rocks, Merced River and Yosemite Valley in the Autumn, Yosemite National Park, California The Milky Way rises into the night sky above Lower Brother, Cathedral Rocks, the Merced River and Yosemite Valley as the leaves of the surrounding trees turn gold as the fall colors set in. Leidig Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-stars-come-out-to-play/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0334_20160510.jpg The Stars Come Out to Play The Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxy over Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park, California The Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxy rise into the night sky above Half Dome, Quarter Domes, Basket Dome, Mount Watkins, Tenaya Peak, Cloud's Rest, Ahwiyah Point, Tressider Peak and Tenaya Canyon in Yosemite National Park Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/harmonys-ridge/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0350_20160510.jpg Harmony's Ridge The Milky Way over Illilouette Ridge and Illilouette Basin, Yosemite National Park, California The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above Illilouette Ridge and Illilouette Basin in the high country of Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cloud-nine/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0297_20160510.jpg Cloud Nine The Milky Way over Half Dome and Cloud's Rest and Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite National Park , California The Milky Way rise into the night sky above Half Dome, Quarter Domes, Basket Dome, Mount Watkins, Tenaya Peak, Cloud's Rest, Ahwiyah Point, Tressider Peak and Tenaya Canyon in Yosemite National Park as snow blankets the High Sierra. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mesmerized/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0811-_90A0816_20190222.jpg Mesmerized Night Sky over Half Dome and Snow Covered Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California The night sky shines brightly over snow covered Cook's Meadow in Yosemite Valley as Half Dome rises high above, reflecting in an ephemeral pool of water. Cooks Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/muirs-window/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0015-_90A0018_20151116_16x20.jpg Muir's Window Half Dome Reflecting in the Merced River in the Winter, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Stars shine brightly in the night sky above snow covered Yosemite Valley as Half Dome reflects in the still waters of the Merced River. Half Dome, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-granite-cathedral-at-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1125_20151116-E.jpg The Granite Cathedral at Night El Capitan and Yosemite Valley under Moonlight, Yosemite National Park, California The winter spiral arm of the Winter Milky Way rises into the sky above El Capitan as the first snow of winter begins to cover the Dogwood Tree lined meadows of Yosemite Valley. Bridalveil Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cathedral-of-fog-and-stars/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1116_20151116.jpg Cathedral of Fog and Stars The Milky Way Spiral Arm and the Andromeda Galaxy over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park The fog of night rolls into Yosemite Valley as the Andromeda Galaxy and the winter spiral arm of the Milky Way rise up into the sky above. Bridalveil Fall tumbles over the cliffs below Cathedral Rocks as El Capitan, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock and Cathedral Rocks rise up above the valley floor. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0494_20190221.jpg Winter Magic Sentinel Rock and the Merced River at Night, Yosemite National Park, California Stars shine bright in the night skies above Sentinel Rock and the Merced River during winter as snow blankets the Yosemite valley floor and granite cliffs above. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/galaxies-above-yosemite/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0332_20160705.jpg Galaxies Above Yosemite The Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxy over Half Dome, North Dome, Tenaya Canyon, and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park, California The Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxy rise into the night sky above Half Dome, Quarter Domes, Basket Dome, North Dome, Mount Watkins, Tenaya Peak, Cloud's Rest, Ahwiyah Point, Tressider Peak and Tenaya Canyon in Yosemite National Park Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-stillness/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0805_20190222.jpg Winter Stillness Night Sky over Half Dome and Snow Covered Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California The night sky shines brightly over snow covered Cook's Meadow in Yosemite Valley as Half Dome rises high above the snow covered meadow. Cooks Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peaceful-elegance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0801_20190222.jpg Peaceful Elegance Winter Milky Way Spiral Arm over Sentinel Rock and Snow Covered Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California The winter spiral arm of the Milky Way rises over a snow covered Sentinel Meadow in Yosemite Valley as Sentinel Rock rises above towards the night sky. Sentinel Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/muirs-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0488_20190221.jpg Muir's Dream The Night Sky over Yosemite Falls, the Merced River and Snow Covered Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Yosemite Falls tumbles 2425 feet over the cliffs towards snow covered Yosemite Valley below as the scene reflects in the cold, still waters of the Merced River. I've always felt Yosemite Valley in the winter is a small slice of Heaven. It's one of those thin places which seems to blur the lines between Heaven and Earth. When the temperature drop and it gets later in the night, it can be a place of wonderful solitude and silence. There was no one else around when I took this, as it was very late. All I could hear was the sound of the water and a gentle wind. It was a peaceful moment of solitude, like something out of a dream. John Muir had similar feelings about this place, and it's easy to see why. It's so peaceful, especially at night in the winter. I've always loved winter, and the beauty of a snow covered landscape often feels like something out of a dream. Time always stands still, as everything seems perfect for a brief few moments. Regardless of whether Yosemite is heaven or earth, it sure is peaceful and beautiful, especially in the winter. Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/valley-of-dreams/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0001_20151116.jpg Valley of Dreams Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California A soft fog rises up, blanketing the valley floor and the Merced River of Yosemite Valley in a fine mist while Yosemite Falls plunges over the cliffs high above as the winter spiral arm of the Milky Way rises high into the sky above. I absolutely loved the soft, ethereal mist and fog that can envelope Yosemite Valley. Having it by starlight with a light blanket of snow on the ground was a real treat. It was like something out of a dream, as if I was walking in the fields of Heaven by starlight as the Yosemite Falls tumbles over the cliffs above. The fog and mist perfectly enveloped everything, thick enough to create that ethereal feeling yet thin enough to see the details. It was a real treat, one which only lasted a mere few minutes before the fog rolled in too thick and that was that. Yosemite is such a wonderful place. It's one of those thin places where the lines between heaven and earth seemingly get blurred. The lines certainly felt blurred this night, as I walked through the Valley of Dreams. Yosemite Valley, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silence/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0484_20190221.jpg Silence The night sky over the Merced River, Lower Brother, Cathedral Rocks and snow covered Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Lower Brother, Cathedral Rocks and snow covered Yosemite Valley reflect in the still, cold waters of the Merced River as the stars in the night sky shine brightly overhead. Leidig Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/colors-of-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0493_20190221.jpg Colors of Winter The Night Sky over the Merced River and Snow Covered Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California The snow covered slopes and trees of Yosemite Valley reflect in the still, cold waters of the Merced River during winter as the stars in the night sky shine brightly overhead. Leidig Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cosmic-domes/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0357_20160510.jpg Cosmic Domes The Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxy over Half Dome,and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park, California The Milky Way spiral arm and the Andromeda Galaxy rise high into the night sky above Half Dome, Quarter Domes, Basket Dome, North Dome, Mount Watkins, Tenaya Peak, Cloud's Rest, Ahwiyah Point and Tressider Peak in Yosemite National Park Washburn Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/magnetic-imagination/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0353_20160510.jpg Magnetic Imagination Illilouette Ridge and Illilouette Basin Milky Way, Yosemite National Park, California The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above Illilouette Ridge and Illilouette Basin in the high country of Yosemite National Park Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/granite-playground/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0348_20160510_16X20.jpg Granite Playground The Milky Way over Half Dome, Cloud's Rest, Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls, Yosemite National Park, California The Milky Way stretches across the night sky above Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls, Quarter Domes Kuna Crest, Fletcher Peak, Vogelsang Peak, Little Yosemite Valley, Basket Dome, Mount Watkins, Tenaya Peak, Ahwiyah Point, Tressider Peak and Diving Board in Yosemite National Park Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heavens-nightlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0348-_90A0351_20141117_16x20.jpg Heaven's Nightlight Airglow and the Winter Milky Way over Yosemite Valley and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California The Merced River flows through the meadows of Yosemite Valley as the Winter Milky Way rises up from between the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks rising 3000 feet above the valley floor Gates of the Valley, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/magnificence/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0251-_90A0260_20160510_2x1.jpg Magnificence Milky Way Arch over Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park, California The Milky Way Arch rises over Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Tenaya Canyon, Mount Starr King and the rest of the Yosemite High Country as clouds envelop Liberty Cap, North Dome, and Basket Dome.There's something about those grand, sweeping views of the Yosemite High Country that's always captivated me. The way the peaks and formations seemingly roll forever, stretching to infinity is always magnificent to see. I absolutely love on this night how clouds envelope Basket Dome and North Dome, with The Falls peeking through some low-lying clouds. Half Dome itself is rising up from low-lying clouds, as The Milky Way Arch rises into the night sky above everything. The beautiful air glow is the icing on the cake. Scenes like this are always surreal, almost too perfect for this world. Yosemite is one of those thin places, a place that seems to blur the lines between Heaven and Earth. Looking out from this viewpoint, it's easy to see why. Everything just makes sense when you stare out at something like this. The magnificence of a view like this always seems to wash away whatever is wrong and leave you with a feeling of peace and serenity. One of the things I have always loved about photography, has always been its ability to free the moment in time. Especially scenes like this, where are eyes are incapable of seeing what's truly there due to the way they work. Perhaps that's my favorite thing about photography, how the camera allows us to see glimpses into what always feels another world. Very fitting for a thin place: the beauty of the right there, with only that thin veil separating us. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wonderment/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0283-_90A0295_20160510_2x1.jpg Wonderment The Milky Way Arch over Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park The Milky Way Arch rises high into the night sky over Half Dome, North Dome, Basket Dome, Clouds Rest, Mount Watkins, Quarter Domes, Tenaya Peak, Ahwiyah Point, Tressider Peak, Diving Board, Kuna Crest, Fletcher Peak, Vogelsang Peak, and Little Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/twinkle-twinkle/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0300_20160510.jpg Twinkle Twinkle The Millky Way over Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California The Milky Way stretches across the night sky above Half Dome, Quarter Domes, Mount Watkins, Tenaya Peak, Echos Peak, Kuna Crest, Fletcher Peak, Vogelsang Peak, Little Yosemite Valley, Cloud's Rest, Diving Board, Ahwiyah Point and Tressider Peak in Yosemite National Park as snow blankets the High Sierra. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edge-of-splendor/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0240-_90A0249_20160510.jpg Edge of Splendor Milky Way Arch over Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park, California The Milky Way Arch rises over Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall, Tenaya Canyon, Mount Starr King and the rest of the Yosemite High Country as clouds envelop Liberty Cap, North Dome, and Basket Dome. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/imagination/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0793-_90A0800_20190222.jpg Imagination Night Sky over Half Dome and Snow Covered Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California The night sky shines brightly over snow covered Cook's Meadow in Yosemite Valley as Half Dome rises high above, reflecting in an ephemeral pool of water. Cooks Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-cathedral/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0022-_90A0028_20151116_SQ.jpg Winter's Cathedral Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California The Winter Milky Way rises up from between the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks as the Merced River flows through the snow-covered meadows of Yosemite Valley.Winter in Yosemite Valley is always a small slice of Heaven. El Capitan and the Cathedral Rocks rise up above the valley, as Bridalveil Fall transforms into a slow trickle. Fresh snow blankets the ground and bits of ice begin to form in the Merced River, as Yosemite Valley and it's famed granite cliffs transform into a beautiful winter cathedral. There was a beautiful green airglow in the sky this night, as if the wonders of heaven opened up in the sky. Airglow has always been one of my favorite things to photograph. It's much too faint for our eyes to see, but it's always present in some form at night and it's perfectly visible to a camera and its sensor. The mix of greens in the sky, the tones of the granite against the cold snow and slow waters was a truly beautiful sight. It's nature at its finest, providing us a beautiful glimpse of winter in perhaps Nature's grandest cathedral of them all. I've seen many beautiful places over the years, but no matter how many times I've seen Yosemite it will always take my breath away. Gates of the Valley, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dreaming-by-moonlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0784_20181120.jpg Dreaming by Moonlight Moonlight on Half Dome, North Dome, Basket Dome and Mount Watkins, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight from the rising moon bathes Half Dome, North Dome, Basket Dome, Mount Watkins and the walls of Tenaya Canyon in a warm glow as stars shine in the night sky above. Washburn Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/moonbeam/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0525_20180824.jpg Moonbeam Moonlight Illuminates El Capitan, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires, and parts of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight from the Full Moon shines through smoke and haze from wildfires, creating moonbeams which illuminate El Capitan, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires as Bridalveil Fall and the rest of Yosemite Valley lay in shadow. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/valley-moonlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0728_20171028.jpg Valley Moonlight Moonlight over El Capitan, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall and Yosmite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight bathes the cliffs of El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and Half Dome in light at night above Tunnel View as Bridalveil Fall tumbles over the granite cliffs towards the Yosemite Valley below, covered in shadows. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/yosemites-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0748_2017108.jpg Yosemite's Dream Moonlight over Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Moonlight bathes the cliffs of El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks in light at night above Valley View and the Merced River as the rise 3000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley. Gates of the Valley, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/illusions-of-grandeur/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0708-_90A0714_20190222.jpg Illusions of Grandeur Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the cliffs of El Capitan and the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. I'll never forget the look on my son's face when he saw the water of Horsetail Falls make the final change from golden to the look of fire. That look of amazement on his face as nature brought to life one of it's grandest optical illusions was priceless. Yosemite is a place of immense beauty, I've always thought of it as a "thin place," one of those rare places where the thin veil between Heaven and Earth is blurred. Growing up, my father spoke constantly about the grandeur of Yosemite. I grew up hearing about Ansel Adams and John Muir. I've made sure to pass that love for Yosemite along to my son. I've photographed the "Firefall" from just about every conceivable angle, focal length and location over the last decade and a half, but sharing this moment with my wife and son will always make this one of my favorites. Perhaps the only thing that could overshadow the Firefall itself was seeing that look of amazement on my sons face when he saw it. Yosemite National Park, Californ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/illumination/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0247-_90A0253_20190221.jpg Illumination Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like Lava. Wind kicks up spray from the waterfall, pulling it across the face of El Capitan as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. This was a memorable one. I spent about a month down near Yosemite that winter, photographing and reconnecting with friends in the area. My wife and son joined me, which made it even better since they'd get to experience this too. Huge amounts of snow had dropped in the valley (4-5 feet) around this time, with even more up top. Heavy chain restrictions kept some of the crowds at bay for a few days, which is a rare thing this time of year in Yosemite. This "Firefall" isn't the historic one off Glacier Point (which was real fire and was discontinued in 1968). It's a naturally occurring phenomenon on Horsetail Falls off the face of El Capitan. It is highly weather dependent (and also requires water, a big if as it's a very small waterfall). It's actually a very small sight, as the waterfall tends to hug the top of the cliff. But seeing those colors of Horsetail Falls transition from normal water to the color of pure lava is a sight I'll never forget. Looking at it through a 400mm lens was an awesome experience, as it took me right there close to it visually. There's always a bit of nervousness with this one, as one rouge cloud in the sky can block the sun's rays and it won't light. But when the clouds aren't blocking the sun's rays, seeing the water transition to the color of lava and fire is something that will stick with me the rest of my life. Nature is always beautiful, but views like this take the wonder of nature do a whole new level. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fools-fire/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0736-_90A0742_20190222.jpg Fool's Fire Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall), Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the cliffs of El Capitan and the waters of Horsetail Fall orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/searchlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0235-_90A0241_20190218.jpg Searchlight Yosemite Firefall (Horsetail Fall) Reflecting in the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset brings color to the sky as the upper cliffs of El Capitan illuminate orange from the last bit of sun. The waters of Horsetail Fall glow orange like lava as the famous Yosemite Firefall comes to life high above the banks of the Merced River.So many photos of the Horsetail Falls "Firefall" don't really show the scale of just how small the waterfall is. I was aiming for a picture which caught the feeling I had standing there, something that captured the sheer beauty of the scene and the park. When I took this, you could still roam the river's shoreline during February when it was Firefall season, so I knew exactly where I was headed. There was 3-4 feet of snow on the ground, so I strapped on my snow shoes, grabbed my snow poles and headed off. The heart-shaped glow on the cliffs of El Capitan surrounding Horsetail Falls as the small "Firefall" roared to life was something else, only topped by the mirror reflection of the entire scene in the crystal clear, still waters of the Merced River. There were very few people around here, so the feeling of solitude you get when viewing this photo is exactly what I experienced taking it. It's rare now to find solitude during that time of year in the park, even more so now that the crowds which come have forced them to shut down parts of the park for those two weeks that are normally open. I feel very fortunate that in the past when I visited the park during those two weeks, I able to find solitude and visit these spots. To me that's always been the beauty of photography: its ability to freeze a moment in time so that you can share it's beauty with everyone forever. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/whispering-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_5641_20131116.jpg Whispering Magic Alpenglow as the Full Moon Rises behind Half Dome and Glacier Point at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates Half Dome and Clouds Rest in pink as the Full Moon begins to rise above the eastern horizon of the Yosemite high country. The last rays of day bathe the skies above Glacier Point in soft pastel hues as the backscattering light to the east brings this sunset moonrise alive in all its glory. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dreamer/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0585_20181120.jpg Dreamer Sunset over Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Mount Watkins, and Tenaya Canyon, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow at sunset illuminates Half Dome, Mount Watkins, Clouds Rest, Echo Peak, Tressider Peak and Tenaya Peak brilliant magenta while it illuminates the clouds and skies above Tenaya Canyon with a softer magenta tone. Ahwiyah Point and Quarter Domes stand just below the Alpenglow light from the setting sun.If there's a place on Earth that's close to heaven, surely Yosemite National Park has to be it. I could sit and watch the beauty here forever, dreaming of the endless wonders this place beholds. It's almost too perfect for this world. It's as if you've woken up in a place dreams, with heaven just on the other side. Time stands still at moments like this. The way the alpenglow and the colors of sunset can illuminate the slopes and formations here has long been one of my favorite things, especially when there's clouds in the sky to light up at sunset. It's such a peaceful, serene beauty. It's nature at its finest. A moment of perfection, where dreams seem to become reality for a brief few moments. Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/muse/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0287_20181119.jpg Muse Sunset over Fairview Dome, Daff Dome, Pothole Dome and a partially frozen Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California Ice forms on the Tuolumne River as it begins to freeze over for the upcoming winter. Sunset lights the skies above Fairview Dome, Daff Dome and Pothole Dome as the colors of sunset reflect in the unfrozen water of the river Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/amazing-grace/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0203_20181029.jpg Amazing Grace Cloud's Rest, Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon and a Jeffrey Pine at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California A Jeffrey Pine grows from cracks in the granite of the Yosemite High Country, as soft pastels at sunset illuminate the skies above Cloud's Rest, Quarter Domes, Tenaya Canyon and Half Dome. Olmsted Point, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/still-life/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0635_20180825.jpg Still Life Alpenglow at Sunset on Mount Gibbs, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow at sunset illuminates the slopes of Mount Gibbs a brilliant shade of red as the scene reflects in a pond in quiet alpine meadow. Dana Meadow, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/holes-in-the-floor-of-heaven/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0919-_90A0925_20171029.jpg Holes in the Floor of Heaven Sunset over Fairview Dome, Tuolumne Meadows and the Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the clouds above Fairview Dome, the Tuolumne River and Tuolumne Meadows a golden color as the granite peaks reflect in the still waters of the river as it flows through the subalpine valleys of the Yosemite High Country. A small patch of blue sky shows through a small window in the clouds as if a window into heaven above. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cotton-candy-mountains/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0982_20171029_A.jpg Cotton Candy Mountains Alpenglow over Tenaya Lake at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the skies above Tenaya Lake pink like Cotton Candy as the slopes of the surrounding peaks illuminate pink with alpenglow. Peaks visible (from left to right): Stately Pleasure Dome, Polly Dome, Pywiack Dome, Fairview Dome, Medlicott Dome, Mariolumne Dome, Dozier Dome, Tenaya Peak, Tresidder Peak, Mount Conness, Tiago Crest, North Peak, and Shepherd Crest East Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/tranquility/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1019-_90A1025_20171029.jpg Tranquility Half Dome at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset bathes skies above in brilliant light as alpenglow illuminates Half Dome and the Yosemite High Country of Yosemite National Park near Olmstead Point. This was a true moment of tranquility where time seems to stand still, one I'll never forget. I actually had to desaturate the sky it was so vivid. It was absolutely incredible, one of the most vivid sunsets I've ever seen. The colors seemingly hung on forever, lasting well past dusk as the light of day slowly faded out. It was true Alpenglow at its finest. Nature really put on a show. From before Sunset until past dusk, the Alpenglow illuminated Half Dome while the colors reflected off the cloud cover in the sky. I've always been a big fan of cloud cover; the most vivid sunsets are always when the clouds are able to let the light through and trap it. The colors illuminating Half Dome are sublime, and the haze on the mountain ridges in the distance really ties the scene together. Tranquil moments like this are why I walked away from my career a decade ago and went into landscape photography full-time. At the end of the day, memories are what you take with you and my what an amazing memory this was. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/serenity-of-silence/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0853-_90A0890_20181121_30x20.jpg Serenity of Silence Autumn Reflections in the Merced River, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Golden colors of Fall line the river bank along the Merced River as the trees and granite cliffs of Yosemite Valley reflect in the still waters. Scenes like this have always felt so peaceful and serene. It's as if you're witnessing a brief glimpse into the wonders of heaven. The Merced River was still as a mirror, reflecting the last colors of autumn hanging on along the shore and the granite cliffs rise high above the valley floor. The water had a clarity allowing you to see through to the bottom, yet it reflected enough light to create a mirror image. The river flow slows down this time of year, reflecting the last colors of autumn as it slowly winds its way through the valley. The water was the perfect amount of reflection and clarity. The way the riverbanks lead in and converge at the grove of autumn color reflecting downstream is truly stunning. Cloudy days like this are always among my favorite. They have a soft light that mixes with the cold, crisp air of autumn. It's moments like this which I could get lost in forever, enjoying beauty of nature in all its glory. Yosemite Valley, Calfornia https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/missed-opportunity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0260_20181121.jpg Missed Opportunity Half Dome and El Capitan enveloped by fog and clouds at Moonrise, Yosemite National Park, California Fog from a fast approaching winter storm envelopes Half Dome and El Capitan as the rising Full Moon illuminates the cloud cover in the skies behind Half Dome Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/whispering-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1087_cropped_20151116.jpg Whispering Dream Dusk over El Capitan, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California El Capitan, Half Dome and Cathedral Rocks illuminate with the last light of day as dusk nears. Fog rolls into the valley below as snow begins to blanket the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley, signaling the transition from autumn to winter.I've always loved Yosemite in the late Autumn, when it makes that transition from Autumn to Winter. Snow begins to blanket the landscape as everything begins to shift towards winter. It's always a magical sight. I'm honestly at Yosemite way too much for someone who lives 11 and half hours away. I'm there on average 3-5 times a year. One year I made 3 separate trips there in one month. Everyone has there place that's their Heaven on Earth. I do fine art landscape photography for a living and I've seen a lot of beautiful places and Yosemite is my heaven on earth. The fog this evening was a real treat, and definitely a welcome one after a long drive to get here, one which started well before sunrise. It's always an amazing sight when fog covers the valley as snow blankets the cliff tops. It's like a whispering dream from Heaven, reminding us winter is on its way. You can't help but stop and quietly revel in the beauty of this magical place where the lines between Heaven and Earth always feel like they're blurred. It's like you're caught up in a Whispering Dream, and no matter what's happened in your life before it's always a sight and feeling that leaves your soul feeling refreshed and renewed. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/gifts-of-the-valley/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0929-_90A0942_20151116.jpg Gifts of the Valley A Crescent Moon Shines in the Sky over Sentinel Rock and Snow Covered Yosemite Valley at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the clouds above snow covered Yosemite Valley as mist and fog rise from the snow covered valley floor, while a crescent moon sets in the skies above Sentinel Rock. Cook's Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/valley-of-pink-and-gold/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0541_20160510.jpg Valley of Pink and Gold Sunset over El Capitan, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the skies above pastel colors as the granite cliffs above Yosemite Valley glow with a golden hue. Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the cliffs and into the valley below as Half Dome sits partially veiled in pink clouds while El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks frame forests of the valley below. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/it-was-just-a-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1063_20151116.jpg It Was Just a Dream Alpenglow over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, the Merced River and Bridalveil Fall at Sunset, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates the skies above El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks with brilliant pinks and purples as they rise up from a layer of mist and fog covering the Yosemite Valley floor, while the scene reflects in the Merced River like a perfect mirror. Yosemite has long been my favorite spot. I grew up hearing about the beauty of Yosemite from my father. He raved about Ansel Adams, John Muir and the like. I heard stories of Yosemite's grandeur. I've been going there at least twice a year for over a decade. I could literally fill this gallery with nothing but Yosemite shots and never run out. I still remember the day I took this, marveling at the beauty as the air literally glowed pink in front of me. Fog rose up from the fresh late autumn snow on the valley floor, as autumn colors still lined the trees along the river. Bridelveil Fall tumbled down the cliffs below Cathedral Rocks, as El Capitan and the entire scene reflected in the still waters of Merced River. It took me back to those days when I was younger, when I would hear my Dad tell me stories about the beauty of Yosemite. My Dad passed away many years ago, but as I stood there amazed at the beauty in front of me I could almost see him. Right there in the snow, in front of the trees surrounded by the mist looking up at the cliffs and the pastel sunset. Alas, it was just a dream. Still, the thought brought a smile to my face as I looked up at this amazing view. I've made sure not just to tell my now 13 year old son about the beauty of Yosemite. I have made sure he experiences it. Now, every time I return to Yosemite, it feels like I am returning home to some place out of a wonderful dream. Of all the wondrous views I've seen in Yosemite, this one will always be my favorite. It was like something out of a dream. Gates of the Valley, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sunsets-whisper/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0571_20190219.jpg Sunset's Whisper Alpenglow after Sunset over Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow after sunset illuminates the face of El Capitan a fiery orange, as soft light illuminates Cathedral Rocks rising high above Bridalveil Fall and the Merced River below.There's something about the magic light at sunset which captivates the soul. The way the sunset illuminates El Capitan this time of year is magical. The cliffs transform into a beautiful shade of orange as the setting sun catches the clouds above in the east, resulting in pastel colors. It's as if sunset is whispering at you to relax and take in this serene beauty. The snow hugs the top of Cathedral Rocks and El Capitan, as snow on the ground along with mirror reflections in the Merced River provide the icing on the cake. It's a scene which calms our soul, and a beauty which seems as if we've been granted brief window into heaven. John Muir once said "in every walk in nature, one receives far more than they seek." That's the way I feel every time I visit this beautiful place. Yosemite is absolutely stunning, with unique beauty in every direction. Whatever is happening in life, it always seems to melt away when you're in this magical place and the sunset whispers at you. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/queen-of-the-sierra/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0452_20190219.jpg Queen of the Sierra Winter Snow on a High Ridge over 3300 Feet above the Yosemite Valley Floor, Yosemite National Park, California Winter snow covers the slopes and the tops of a ridge over 3300 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor as sunset bathes the granite cliffs high above in a warm glow. There's always been something about the edges of the cliffs 3000 feet high above the valley floor that captivates me. There are so many wonderful formations and sights that are easily missed if you don't look closely. The way the cliffs look here, with golden sunlight illuminating the cliff face as snow lines the cliffs and the top reminded me of a Queen's golden crown with jewels lining the top of it. It's a sight so very fitting for a place filled with such regal beauty. Huge amounts of snow cover the tops the cliffs, yet it's regulated to a seemingly insignificant look against the 3300 foot high granite walls illuminated gold. The contrast the snow creates at the very top and on the slopes is a beautiful contrast against the golden glow on the cliffs from the setting sun. Yosemite is full of grand, sweeping views, but sometimes it's the small, easily overlooked scenes that are the most magical. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/valley-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0979-_90A1035_20190220.jpg Valley Magic Sunset Reflections over Sentinel Rock and Cook's Meadow in the Winter, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset lights the skies above as the setting sun casts a warm glow on the slopes of Sentinel Rock high above Cook's Meadow and Yosemite Valley. Snow blankets the valley and meadows below as the scene reflects in an ephemeral pond of water. Cooks Meadow, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/redemption/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0553_20190219.jpg Redemption Alpenglow at Sunset on a High Ridge over 3200 Feet above the Yosemite Valley Floor, Yosemite National Park, California Alpenglow from the winter sunset casts a brilliant magenta glow on the snow covered slopes and trees of a high ridge over 3200 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor as the sky above illuminates with soft pastel hues. Yosemite National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-breath/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0280_20190216.jpg Winter's Breath El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, the Merced River and Bridalveil Fall at night during Moonrise, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Clouds and fog envelope El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks as the rising moon behind the clouds illuminates the horizon with a warm glow. Snow blankets Yosemite Valley and the granite cliffs above while the cold waters of the Merced River reflect a hint of color, transforming the valley into a beautiful winter wonderland.I love cold weather, the air is always crisp and the scenes are always so serene. When the snow falls and blankets everything, it transforms the landscape into a new magical kind of beauty. If you're lucky, the fog and clouds are just right and you will catch the moon like a sunrise, with the light diffused behind the clouds. It's like you can see Winter's Breath, and that's what happening here. It's one of those rare things I've been fortunate enough to photograph on several occasions over the years, and it's always amazing to see. It's in ethereal kind of beauty, with the clouds and fog blanketing the granite gates of the valley as the light diffuses through the clouds creating a magical glow. Sometimes in situations like this the clouds and fog are too thick and nothing diffuses through, but if you're lucky the conditions will be just right and it ends up looking like winter's breath is giving you a brief glimpse into the gates of heaven. Valley View, Yosemite Valley https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/gates-of-paradise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0672-__90A0678_20190217.jpg Gates of Paradise Winter Sunset over El Capitan, Cathedral Rocks, Cathedral Spires, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California Sunset illuminates the tips of snow covered Cathedral Rocks and Cathedral Spires gold, as a pink hue illuminates the face of El Capitan. Fog cloaking El Capitan lights with a pink hue from the setting sun, as the pinks, yellows and orange of sunset illuminates the cloud cover in the sky above Yosemite Valley as Bridalveil Fall tumbles 620 feet over the cliffs towards the snow covered valley below.I've always loved Yosemite. It's by far my favorite place on the planet. A fresh, heavy snow can leave a marvelous blanket of snow, but when I arrived for this photo it looked like it may be a wash as far as a marvelous sunset was concerned. I've been here many times and seen many beautiful scenes, always dreaming of the perfect light under the perfect conditions. But it looked as if this wouldn't be the day I finally saw it. Clouds were everywhere, and the cliffs were covered in 100% fog. You couldn't see El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall or anything else. As sunset neared, it looked like it may pass without a hint of color nor a glimpse of towering granite cliffs. I stayed exactly where I was and left my camera in place, waiting for the perfect light. I only needed the clouds to break for a few minutes, and I held out hope I would be granted my wish. As time passed, it looked as if that may not come to pass. But I waited and waited. A few minutes before sunset, there was a hint of the fog lifting. Soon after, the heavy fog began to lift and the clouds began to break. A minute later, there was a hint of light. Then the full light hit, and it was glorious. It was as if light from heaven was shining directly down onto the towering granite cliffs, illuminating the Gates of Paradise as the clouds of heaven parted. This moment seemingly staring straight into the gates of heaven is something I'll never forget. I've always felt Yosemite was a thin place, one of those places which blurs the lines between heaven and earth, and it certainly felt like that this day as I stared out into the Gates of Paradise. Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rocky-rise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1510-_90A1513_20140826_2x1.jpg Rocky Rise The Milky Way over Granite Boulders and Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The Milky Way rises high into the night skies above granite boulders along the rocky shoreline of Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sun-kissed-reflections/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0360-_90A0421_20140824_3x1.jpg Sun-kissed Reflections Sand Harbor Beach at Sunset, Sand Harbor State Park, Lake Tahoe, Nevada Sunset ignites the clouds along the above Sand Harbor with a brilliant display of color as the warm colors reflect in the waters of Lake Tahoe below. Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rocks-on-the-water/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0857_90A0859_20160511_16x20.jpg Rocks on the Water Last Light over Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The last light of day hangs on along the horizon above Bonsai Rock and Lake Tahoe the darkness of night begins to set in at nautical dusk. Astronomical twilight begins to overtake the skies, as the stars in the transitioning sky announce the arrival incoming arrival of night. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/magical-waters/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0850-_90A0851_20160511_16x20.jpg Magical Waters Nautical Sunset over Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The stars begin to come out above Bonsai Rock and Lake Tahoe at nautical sunset. Day transitions to night as the last remaining soft pastels along the horizon mix with the blues of the night sky reflecting from above, creating a magical mix of colors along in the calm, clear waters of Lake Tahoe. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/luminous-clarity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0846_20160511_16x20.jpg Luminous Clarity Nautical Dusk over Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada Slight alpenglow illuminates the horizon over Bonsai Rock and Lake Tahoe at nautical dusk, as the last colors of daylight fade away and astronomical twilight sets in, bringing about the transition from day to night. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dreams-of-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0860_20160511_16x20.jpg Dreams of Night Astronomical Twilight over Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The last colors of the long set sun hang on along the horizon, as the stars announce the arrival of astronomical twilight as they shine brightly in the skies above Lake Tahoe and Bonsai Rock. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-starlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0869-_90A0875_20160512_B_normal.jpg Emerald Starlight Emerald Bay Milky Way, Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe, California The Milky Way Arch stretches across the night sky over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the waters of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe in California. Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wave-of-calm/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0430_20140824.jpg Wave of Calm Sand Harbor Beach and Lake Tahoe at Sunset, Sand Harbor State Park, Lake Tahoe, Nevada Sunset above Lake Tahoe and Sand Harbor lights the skies with an amazing display of colors as the warm glow of the setting sun reflects on the waters below. Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/tempest/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1122-_90A1171_20140825_3x1.jpg Tempest Storms over Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe, California A Squall Line forms as storm clouds over Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay bring thunderstorms and heavy rain to the area while South Lake Tahoe sits under a flood watch. Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/a-storm-rolls-in/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0884-_90A0919_20140825.jpg A Storm Rolls In Storm Clouds over Emerald Bay at Sunset, Lake Tahoe, California Storm clouds cover the skies above Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe as sunlight illuminates the cloud breaks along the horizon and overhead, creating a beautiful mix of light and dark as rain begins to fall over South Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/goodbye-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0935_20160512.jpg Goodbye Night Milky Way and Aquariids Meteor over Lake Tahoe and Bonsai Rock at Nautical Dawn, Lake Tahoe, Nevada A fast moving meteor from the Aquariids meteor shower streaks across the night sky as the Milky Way reflects in the still waters of Lake Tahoe as Nautical Dawn nears. Mars is visible as a bright star just inside the right edge of Scorpius (right side of the image). Antares is to the lower left of Mars, and is the brightest star in Scorpius. Saturn is visible just above Scorpius to the right of the Milky Way. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bonsai-eternity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0928_20160512.jpg Bonsai Eternity The Milky Way over Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The Milky Way rises above Bonsai Rock and the still reflections in the waters of Lake Tahoe. Mars is visible as a bright star just inside the right edge of Scorpius (right side of the image). Antares is to the lower left of Mars, and is the brightest star in Scorpius. Saturn is visible just above Scorpius to the right of the Milky Way core. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/last-call/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0841_20160511_16x20.jpg Last Call Nautical Twilight over Bonsai Rock, Bonsai Rock, Lake Pastel colors bathe the skies above Bonsai Rock and Lake Tahoe in glorious light long after sunset has passed, nautical twilight sets in and the first stars of night begin to appear in the heavens above. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/painted-sunset/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0476_2014082416x20.jpg Painted Sunset Sand Harbor Beach and Lake Tahoe at Sunset, Sand Harbor State Park, Lake Tahoe, Nevada Fiery oranges and reds mix with soft pastels at sunset, bathing the sky in an spectacular display of colors above Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada peaks in the distance. Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/tahoe-night-lights/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1492_20140826_str.jpg Tahoe Night Lights The Milky Way over Incline Village and Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above Incline Village and Lake Tahoe along the North shores of Lake Tahoe. Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/starry-shores/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0753-_90A0755_20140826_normal.jpg Starry Shores The Milky Way over Sand Harbor and Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The Milky Way rises above the clouds on the Horizon and into the night sky high above the shores of Sand Harbor on Lake Tahoe Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/still-of-the-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0882-_90A0894_20160512_2x1.jpg Still of the Night Emerald Bay Milky Way, Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe, California The Milky Way Arch stretches across the night sky over the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the waters of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe in California. Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/calm-in-the-chaos/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0318-_90A0350_20140824_2x1.jpg Calm in the Chaos Lake Tahoe at Sunset, Lake Tahoe, Nevada Sunset illuminates the skies above Lake Tahoe and the rocky shoreline with soft pastel colors as the sun dips below the Sierra Nevada peaks lining the horizon along the far shore. Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/night-on-the-rocks/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1504-_90A1509_20140826_SQ.jpg Night on the Rocks The Milky Way over Granite Boulders and Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The Milky Way rises high into the night skies above granite boulders along the rocky shoreline of Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-reflections/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0878_20160512_C_SQ.jpg Emerald Reflections Emerald Bay Milky Way, Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe, California The Milky Way spiral arm streaks across the starlit skies above Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay while the stars reflect in the waters of Emerald Bay below. Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/afterglow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0834_20160511.jpg Afterglow Alpenglow at Dusk over Bonsai Rock, Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada Long after sunset has passed, soft pastel alpenglow hangs on, illuminating the skies above Lake Tahoe and Bonsai rock as dusk sets in over the calm, clear, mirror like waters below. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mystic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0625_20140824_16x20.jpg Mystic Nautical Dusk over Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada Sunlight from far below the horizon illuminates the clouds near the horizon at nautical dusk. The last rays of light slowly fade away as the warm colors on the horizon gradually transition to the cooler tones of night above Sand Harbor and Lake Tahoe. Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rocky-rest/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1501_20140826.jpg Rocky Rest The Milky Way over a Rocky Cove and Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The Milky Way rises high above a rocky outcropping on the shores of Lake Tahoe in Nevada Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wishing-well/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0933_20160512.jpg Wishing Well Saturn, Antares, the Aquariids and the Milky Way over Lake Tahoe and Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The Milky Way rises and meteors from the Aquariids meteor shower streak across the sky as the Milky Way core and stars reflect in the still waters of Lake Tahoe. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/alone-in-the-bay/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0876_20160512.jpg Alone in the Bay The Milky Way over Emerald Bay, Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe, California The Milky Way stretches high across the sky over the waters of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe in California Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ceiling-zero/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0883_20140825.jpg Ceiling Zero Storms over Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe, California Storm clouds form over Lake Tahoe as a small patch of sunlight breaks through the cloud cover to illuminate the hills surrounding Emerald Bay. Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/beautiful-silence/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0849_20160511_16x20.jpg Beautiful Silence Alpenglow and Nautical Dusk over Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada Slight alpenglow hangs on along the horizon, reflecting off the water over of Lake Tahoe at nautical dusk while Bonsai Rock rises out of the clear waters in beautiful silence. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/clash-of-the-worlds/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0740-_90A0745_20140825_16x20.jpg Clash of the Worlds The Milky Way over North Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, California The Milky Way rises high into the sky above North Lake Tahoe in California Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glass-bay/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0895-_90A0891_20160512_D.jpg Glass Bay Emerald Bay Milky Way, Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe, California The Milky Way Arch stretches across the night sky over the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the waters of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe in California. Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-storm/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0812-_90A0875_20140825_20x30.jpg Emerald Storm Storm Clouds over Emerald Bay during the Golden Hour, Lake Tahoe, California Storm clouds rolls in from the south, covering the skies above Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay as a summer rain storm begins over South Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/liquid-gold/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0663_20160511_16x20.jpg Liquid Gold Bonsai Rock at Sunset, Lake Tahoe, Nevada Sunset casts a golden glow off the waters of Lake Tahoe, as Bonsai Rock rises up from the clear, liquid gold water of the lake. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sierra-jewel/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0653_20160511_16x20.jpg Sierra Jewel Sunset Reflections over Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada Sunset brings soft pastel colors and a warm golden glow to the skies above Bonsai Rock, as the large granite boulders reflect in the calm, tranquil waters of Lake Tahoe like jewels reflecting in a mirror.I've always loved the serenity in this scene. It's vintage Lake Tahoe and really captures the beauty and essence of the Sierra Nevada. The way the colors illuminate the sky and water, and the way the high peaks in the distance catch the color was stunning to see. Moments like this last but a precious few minutes around sunset/dusk and sunrise/dawn, but they're always a precious few moments that seem to last forever. Time always stands still when I see those soft, beautiful pastels illuminate the sky and the scenery. Perhaps that's why I've spent a lifetime chasing those moments. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/space-and-time/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0749-_90A0752_20140825_B16x20.jpg Space and Time Milky Way over Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe Milky Way, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The Milky Way rises above the clouds on the Horizon and into the night sky high above the shores of Sand Harbor on Lake TahoeLate summer is always a wonderful time at Lake Tahoe. The Milky Way is over the western shores of the Lake late at night by this time of year, which allows for different compositions than you normally see from here. This night, the clouds were predicted to roll in but if they are positioned correct it can add an interesting affect as the light pollution of the surrounding cites reflects off the clouds against the dark sky. The smooth rocks on the beach against the sandy shores and the smooth water of Lake Tahoe really bring everything together. It was a very peaceful night, one where time seemed to stand still as you stood there, taking in the beauty of the night sky above the ancient waters of Lake Tahoe. Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rock-haven/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1497-_90A1500_20140826_16x20.jpg Rock Haven The Milky Way over a Rocky Cove and Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The Milky Way rises high into the sky above a Rocky Cove at Sand Harbor on Lake Tahoe.The way rocks line the shores of Lake Tahoe in some spots is a beautiful contrast with the clear water. This spot caught my eye long ago. The lines on each side converging as the Milky Way arm rises into the night sky high above the mountain peaks was stunning. There is a peaceful serenity on Lake Tahoe at night. Almost everyone else is fast asleep, the boats are parked on docks and it's just you, the waters of the lake and the Sierra Nevada peaks rising high above. Once the stars and Milky Way show up at night, it's a unique feeling of solitude and wonder in a place that isn't necessarily know for being empty. The lone light on the far side of the lake, perfectly centered against the cove was one of the only hints of anyone else this night. Once places turn out the lights at night, the dark of night tends to hide the structures, and you're left with a feeling of what this place might have been like in the past. It's a wonderful feeling, and it's always been one of my favorite parts of being out at night in this amazing place. Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/split-sky/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0926-_90A0982_20140825_2x1.jpg Split Sky Storm Clouds over Emerald Bay at Sunset, Lake Tahoe, California Storm clouds roll in over Lake Tahoe and Emerald bay. The light of sunset transitions to darkness as the storm clouds overtake the skies above, dropping rain over South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area. Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/destinys-exit/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1183-_90A1231_20140825_2x1.jpg Destiny's Exit Emerald Bay Sunset, Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California The soft, pastel colors of sunset light the skies over Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe.Nature is always filled with stunning views, and Emerald Bay is definitely no exception. It's a gorgeous view, as the bay takes on a tear drop shape with tree lined slopes rising up from the water like bleachers in a stadium surrounding a field. It's nature's stadium, and the beautiful waters in the bay and the beautiful view are the star of the show. Sunsets are always beautiful from here, and this evening the clouds caught the light from the setting sun behind me and lit up the skies with a beautiful mix of colors. Soft purples and blues mixed with reds and magentas as nature put on a show in all its glory. Color faintly danced across the waters of the bay, a wonderful contrast to the greens of the trees and the blue water Lake Tahoe is known for. Views like this are always so very serene, a moment where time seemingly stands still as you taken all the beauty nature has to offer. It's one of those magical scenes where everything came together in perfect harmony, as nature put on one last show before the light exits for the day. No matter what's going on in life, things always seem to make sense in moments like these. Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glowing-glass/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0941_20160512.jpg Glowing Glass The Milky Way over Lake Tahoe and Bonsai Rock at Nautical Dawn, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The Milky Way rises high into the night skies over Lake Tahoe and Bonsai Rock as Nautical Sunrise sets in. Mars is visible as a bright star just inside the right edge of Scorpius (right side of the image). Antares is to the lower left of Mars, and is the brightest star in Scorpius. Saturn is visible just above Scorpius to the right of the Milky WayThis is always one of my favorite times to photograph, as it's incredibly brief yet stunningly beautiful. It's a brief transition period when night begins to give way to day. The Milky Way and stars begin to quickly fade away, as the bluish turquoise from the sun far below the horizon quickly change colors in the sky. Within a few minutes, the Milky Way and all but the brightest of stars will be gone and the blueish turquoise glow will be all that's left have the skies continue to change color as the sun rises. It's one of those "blink and you'll miss it" moments. You sort of have to know it's there and when it lines up to photograph it. I've been photographing this magic minute for well over a decade, and the images it produces have always been among my favorites. I've always then one to stay out way later than most, forgoing sleep as I try and to soak put every last moment of beauty that nature holds. Scenes like this are one few will ever recognize or see, and that's my favorite part of photography: it allows us to freeze this brief moments forever in time, and share them so that everyone may enjoy all the beauty nature has to offer, no matter how incredibly unique it is. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bonsai-warrior/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0929_20160512_B.jpg Bonsai Warrior The Milky Way, Mars, Saturn, Antares, and the Aquariids over Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The Milky Way rises above Bonsai Rock and the still reflections in waters of Lake Tahoe as meteors from the Aquariids meteor shower streak across the night sky. Mars is visible as a bright star just inside the right edge of Scorpius (right side of the image). Antares is to the lower left of Mars, and is the brightest star in Scorpius. Saturn is visible just above Scorpius to the right of the Milky Way Bonsai Rock has always been one of my favorite sights in Lake Tahoe, and with Mars (the Roman god of war) shining brightly this name seemed fitting. It's a single exposure with low level lighting (LLL) and light painting to help illuminate the foreground. Lake Tahoe can be stunning when the waters near the shoreline are still and clear. Nature always finds a way, and seeing the trees growing from the cracks on Bonsai Rock is a beautiful reminder of that. This was a very peaceful scene, one I could get lost in forever. The granite all around is a beautiful contrast against the water in which it sits. The Sierra Nevada Mountains have some stunning scenery, and the beauty of Lake Tahoe never fails to disappoint. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/galactic-city/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1487-_90A1491_20140826_SQ.jpg Galactic City The Milky Way over Incline Village and Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above Incline Village and Lake Tahoe along the North shores of Lake Tahoe. Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/crystal-reflections/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0715-_90A0743_20160511_pers_SQ.jpg Crystal Reflections Bonsai Rock at Sunset, Lake Tahoe, Nevada Sunset bathes the skies above Bonsai Rock and Lake Tahoe in soft, golden pastel light as the colors reflect in the crystal clear mirror like waters of the lake far below. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/squall-line/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1045-_90A1115_20140825_2x1.jpg Squall Line Storms over Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe, California Storm clouds over Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay form a Squall Line as thunderstorms bring heavy rain to the area while South Lake Tahoe sits under a flood watch. Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-arch/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0913-_90A0923_20160512_C_2x1.jpg Emerald Arch Emerald Bay Milky Way, Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe, California The Milky Way Arch stretches across the night sky over the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the waters of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe in California. Mars is visible as a bright star just inside the right edge of Scorpius (right side of the image). Antares is to the lower left of Mars, and is the brightest star in Scorpius. Saturn is visible just above Scorpius to the right of the Milky Way core.There's always then something about staring up at the night sky which captivates me. Perhaps it's because when we stare up into the night sky and look at the stars, we are looking into the past. With the exception of Mars and Saturn, all the other light in the night sky in this image is ancient. What we are seeing high above our head happened many years ago, and the light is just now reaching us. I've always thought that sentiment went well with this scene, as the arch is seemingly coming out from a spot where a landslide occurred many years ago. I love how the landscape and waters below almost form an inverse arch, seemingly paralleling each other in a meeting of past and present. It's such serene beauty, the kind you could just stare at forever. Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/almost-paradise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0832_20160511.jpg Almost Paradise Sunset Reflections over Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada The last light of sunset hangs on in the skies above Bonsai Rock and Lake Tahoe, as the magical scene reflects in the clear, tranquil waters of the lake. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/horizons-of-peace/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0674_20160511-2.jpg Horizons of Peace Lake Tahoe Sunset Over Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada Sunset lights the skies over Lake Tahoe and Bonsai Rock with an amazing display of color, as the warm hues of sunset mix with the crystal clear waters of Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and Nevada. Bonsai Rock, Lake Tahoe, Nevada https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/perpetual-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1062-_90A1067.jpg Perpetual Beauty Milky Way Sunrise over Palouse Falls, Palouse Falls State Park, Washington The Milky Way rises high into the night skies over Palouse Falls and the Palouse River Canyon as nautical dawn approaches. The last starlight of night holds on for a few moments longer as night slowly begins to transition towards day. Palouse Falls State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heavenly-enchantment/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1054-_90A1057_20150423.jpg Heavenly Enchantment The Milky Way over Palouse Falls, Palouse Falls State Park, Washington The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above Palouse Falls and the Palouse River Canyon in the early spring. Palouse Falls has always been one of my favorite waterfalls in Washington. This is a true bortle class 2 dark sky area, and you can see the stars and the milky way twinkle overhead as you look up. Before they closed the campground at Palouse Falls State Park in 2022, I would often camp here and enjoy the wonders of the night sky as the stars twinkled above the waterfall. On this night, I woke up around 2am to get ready for the photo. The clouds started to roll in as I set up for the photo, and it provided for an interesting effect. They caught the light pollution from Pullman, Washington and Moscow, Idaho far away and the color started to reflect off the clouds. This left me with a different composition in the sky than I'd planned on, and the overall feeling of the shot would be different than I had planned. However, I am a firm believer that there is always beauty to be found even if it's unexpected so take what you are given even if it's not as planned. So, I angled the sky and foreground to capture the movement in different parts of the frame. The unexpected light pollution wasn't an issue, it gave the clouds a unique color at night, fitting for such a unique place. Now that the park is closed at night, I'll always look back fondly at the nights I spent there as I looked up at the wonders in the night skies above. Palouse Falls State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-lonely-truck/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_9363-_MG_9373_20140427_SQ.jpg The Lonely Truck An Abandoned Chevy Truck in a Field, the Palouse, Washington An abandoned General Motors Chevrolet truck sits silent and still in an empty fields deep in the heart of the Palouse of Eastern Washington The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-rolling-palouse/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0608-_90A0616FSPano_20180628_SQ.jpg The Rolling Palouse Rolling Fields in the Palouse, Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington The rolling hills of the Palouse stretch for miles and miles, as a lone butte 27 miles away (Plummer Butte) rises high above the landscape far in the distance. Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/american-tuscany/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0624-_90A0629_20180628_25x1.jpg American Tuscany The Rolling Palouse Fields at Sunset, Whitman County, Washington The Palouse, sometimes called American Tuscany, is rife with rolling hills, wheat fields, canola fields, oat fields, and barley fields. Here, the rolling fields of the Palouse go on for as far as the eye can see as sunset nears. Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/unexpected-descent/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0482_20180627_2X1-Pano.jpg Unexpected Descent Sunset over a decent into the Snake River Canyon in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington The rolling hills of the Palouse converge into cliffs and slopes as the landscape drops over 1500 feet into the Snake River Canyon in Washington at sunset. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/vengeance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_9304_20140427.jpg Vengeance Squall Line over an Abandoned Farm, the Palouse, Washington A squall line drenches the ridge just above an abandoned farm as sunshine peaks through a break in the storm clouds in the Palouse of Eastern, Washington The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rolling-stillness/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0620_20180628.jpg Rolling Stillness The Rolling Palouse Fields at Sunset, Whitman County, Washington Green, yellow and gold fill the fields of the rolling Palouse at Sunset. The Wheat fields, canola fields, oat fields, lentil fields and barley fields blanket the landscape below at the sun sets in the skies above. Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/crumble/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2227_20180626.jpg Crumble Sunset over Skeen Schoolhouse in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Soft pastels at sunset illuminate the skies above Skeen Schoolhouse, a crooked, dilapidated one-room schoolhouse in the Palouse which has collapsed since this photo was taken. Information on the origins of this one-room schoolhouse are limited at best. a few reports state it was originally constructed in 1885 and retired around 1939, though none of this information can be confirmed. There was originally a bell tower where the metal patches on the roof are located, though the bell tower collapsed some years back. It was predicted to fully collapse for decades, before the left corner of Skeen Schoolhouse finally collapsed in spring 2019. In spring 2021 the right of it collapsed as well, bringing an end to this once crooked little schoolhouse time in the Palouse. Skeen Schoolhouse, The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/derelict/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2219_20180626.jpg Derelict Sunset over Skeen Schoolhouse in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Soft pastels at sunset illuminate the skies above Skeen Schoolhouse, a crooked, dilapidated one-room schoolhouse in the Palouse which has collapsed since this photo was taken. Information on the origins of this one-room schoolhouse are limited at best. a few reports state it was originally constructed in 1885 and retired around 1939, though none of this information can be confirmed. There was originally a bell tower where the metal patches on the roof are located, though the bell tower collapsed some years back. It was predicted to fully collapse for decades, before the left corner of Skeen Schoolhouse finally collapsed in spring 2019. In spring 2021 the right of it collapsed as well, bringing an end to this once crooked little schoolhouse time in the Palouse. Skeen Schoolhouse, The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/squall-window/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_9322_20140427.jpg Squall Window Squall Line over an Abandoned Farm, the Palouse, Washington A Squall Line drenches the ridge just above an abandoned farm as sunshine peaks through a break in the storm clouds in the Palouse of Eastern, Washington The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/palouse-country-guardian/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0041_20180628.jpg Palouse Country Guardian Palouse Country Barn under Cloudy Skies, Whitman County, Washington The red Palouse Country Barn (a gambrel roofed barn) keeps watch over the wheat fields like a Guardian of the Palouse Country The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/reversal-palouse/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0425_20180627.jpg Reversal Sunset over Rolling Fields and Steptoe Butte in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Sunset illuminates the skies above the Palouse as a touch of sunlight warms the rolling fields of barley as Steptoe Butte rises up in the distance. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/roll-with-the-fields/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0404_20180627.jpg Roll With the Fields Sunset over Rolling Fields of Barleyin the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Sunset illuminates the skies above the Palouse as a touch of sunlight warms the rolling fields of barley extending out towards the horizon. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wynken-blynken-and-nod/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2281_20180626.jpg Wynken, Blynken, and Nod Full Moonrise during Civil Twilight over Rolling Fields and Kamiak Butte in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington The Full Moon rises during civil twilight above rolling hills and tree covered Kamiak Butte in the Palouse of Eastern Washington. Kamiak Butte, Whitman County, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/whisper-to-the-wind/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2234-_90A2248_20180626_FS.jpg Whisper to the Wind Sunset over an Old Barn and Rolling Barley Fields in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Sunset brings pastel colors to the skies over an old barn surrounded by rolling fields of barley in the Palouse. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/in-the-field/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_9358_20140427.jpg In The Field An Abandoned Chevy Truck in a Field, the Palouse, Washington An abandoned General Motors Truck sits silent and still in an empty fields deep in the heart of the Palouse of Eastern Washington The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ghost-tracks/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0601_20180628.jpg Ghost Tracks The Rolling Palouse Fields, Whitman County, Washington Like ghost tracks running across the landscape, lines from the farm equipment remain in the fields of the rolling Palouse. Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/barn-storm/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_9310_20140427.jpg Barn Storm Squall Line over an Abandoned Barn, The Palouse, Washington A Squall Like drenches the rolling hills behind an abandoned barn in the Palouse of Eastern Washington The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/standing-in-the-storm/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0585_20180628.jpg Standing in the Storm Storm Clouds over a Grain Elevator in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Menacing storm clouds fill the skies above a grain elevator in the Palouse of Whitman County, Washington. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-lonely-tree/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_9026_20140427.jpg The Lonely Tree A Lone Tree in a Field, The Palouse, Washington Deep in the heart of the Palouse of Eastern Washington, a lone tree stands in a field while storm clouds roll in as sunset nears. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pondering/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0225-_90A0229_20180627.jpg Pondering A Lone Ponderosa Pine Tree in a Field of Barley in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington A lone Ponderosa Pine tree grows in a golden field of barley in the Palouse region of Washington. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/idyllic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0678_20180628.jpg Idyllic Menacing clouds at sunrise over the Leonard Round Barn in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Menacing clouds at sunrise line the skies above the Leonard Round Barn (T.A. Leonard Barn) in the Palouse. This 12 sided (dodecagon) barn is 62 feet high at the top of the cuploa. It was originally built before electricity was available in the area, and as such it features many windows to let in natural light. Originally built by farmer Thomas Andrew Leonard (T.A. Leonard) in 1917, this Washington State Heritage Barn was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. It is one of only two remaining round barns in Whitman County, Washington and is still owned and in use by the Leonard family. Leonard Round Barn, Whitman County, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-watchman-of-palouse-country/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0033_20180628.jpg The Watchman of Palouse Country Palouse Country Barn under Cloudy Skies, Whitman County, Washington The red Palouse Country Barn (a gambrel roofed barn) stands alone in a field, like a Watchman looking over the wheat fields of the Palouse Country. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rolling-gold/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0598_20180628.jpg Rolling Gold The Rolling Palouse Fields, The Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Yellow Canola and Mustard fields move with the rolling landscape of the Palouse, like fields of rolling gold. Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rolling-tranquility/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0624_20180628.jpg Rolling Tranquility The Rolling Palouse Fields at Sunset, Whitman County, Washington Tranquility envelopes the rolling fields of the Palouse. Wheat fields, canola fields, oat fields, lentil fields and barley fields blanket the landscape with a patchwork of color as sunset nears. Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/keeper-of-the-clouds/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0571_20180628-2X.jpg Keeper of the Clouds Storm Clouds over a Grain Elevator in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Menacing storm clouds fill the skies above a grain elevator in the Palouse of Whitman County, Washington. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/guardians-of-old/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0564_20180628.jpg Guardians of Old Storm Clouds over a Grain Elevator in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Menacing storm clouds fill the skies above a grain elevator in the Palouse of Whitman County, Washington. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/spirit-tracks/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0602-_90A0603_20180628_normal.jpg Spirit Tracks Rolling Fields in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Like ghost tracks running across the landscape, lines from the farm equipment remain in the fields of the rolling Palouse. Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/moonlight-bliss/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0491_20180627.jpg Moonlight Bliss Full Moonrise over Rolling Fields in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Full Moonrise over rolling fields of the Palouse in the State of Washington The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/roll-with-the-clouds/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0446_20180627.jpg Roll With the Clouds Sunset over Rolling Fields in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Sunset illuminates the skies above the Palouse as a touch of sunlight warms the rolling fields of barley extending out towards the horizon. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/should-have-been-bliss/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0138-_90A0139_20180627_FS.jpg Should Have Been Bliss Rolling Fields in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Clouds in blue skies above the rolling hills of the Palouse in the state of Washington. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/waves-of-grain/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0604-_90A0606_FS_20180628.jpg Waves of Grain The Rolling Palouse Fields, Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington Like waves in an ocean, wheat fields, canola fields, oat fields, lentil fields and barley fields line the hills of the Palouse as they gently roll across the landscape like waves of grain. Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/patchwork-hills/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0597_20180628.jpg Patchwork Hills The Rolling Palouse Fields, Whitman County, Washington The greens, yellows and browns of wheat, barley, oats, lentils, Canola and Mustard line the hills of the rolling Palouse like patchwork on a quilt. Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/crooked-little-house/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2205_20180626.jpg Crooked Little House Sunset over Skeen Schoolhouse in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Soft pastels at sunset illuminate the skies above Skeen Schoolhouse, a crooked, dilapidated one-room schoolhouse in the Palouse which has collapsed since this photo was taken. Information on the origins of this one-room schoolhouse is limited at best. A few reports state it was originally constructed in 1885 and retired around 1939, though none of this information can be confirmed. There was originally a bell tower where the metal patches on the roof are located, though the bell tower collapsed some years back. It was predicted to fully collapse for decades, before the left corner of Skeen Schoolhouse finally collapsed in spring 2019. In spring 2021 the right of it collapsed as well, bringing an end to this once crooked little schoolhouse time in the Palouse. Skeen Schoolhouse, The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/quiet-life/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2184_20220626.jpg Quiet Life Sunset over an Old Barn and Rolling Barley Fields in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Sunset brings pastel colors to the skies over an old barn surrounded by rolling fields of barley in the Palouse. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/golden-roll/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_9294_20140427.jpg Golden Roll Golden Hour over Rolling Wheat Fields, the Palouse, Washington The grain fields of the Palouse gently roll with the landscape as light from the Golden Hour illuminates the clouds above and the fields below. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rising-from-a-sea-of-gold/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0233_20180627.jpg Rising From a Sea of Gold A Lone Ponderosa Pine Tree in a Field of Barley in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington A lone Ponderosa Pine tree grows in a golden field of barley in the Palouse region of Washington. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dark-curtain/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_9316_20140427.jpg Dark Curtain Squall Line over an Abandoned Barn, Palouse, Washington A squall line drenches the rolling hills behind an abandoned barn in the Palouse of Eastern Washington The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/storm-break/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_9328_20140427.jpg Storm Break Squall Line over an Abandoned Farm, the Palouse, Washington A squall line drenches the ridge just above an abandoned farm as sunshine peaks through a break in the storm clouds in the Palouse of Eastern, Washington The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/off-the-bench/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0483_20180627.jpg Off the Bench Sunset from the cliffs overlooking the Snake River Canyon in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington The rolling hills of the Palouse converge into cliffs and slopes as the landscape drops over 1500 feet into the Snake River Canyon in Washington at sunset.The Palouse is full of rural, unimproved backroads which shouldn't be taken in poor weather. The weather on this evening was good and it hadn't rained in awhile, so I decided it was a good time to head down a certain one to a view where the hills drop off and roll down into a canyon. I must have been the only person in years with this thought, because this road was getting overgrown to the point it was more of a Jeep trail at this point than a road (thankfully I was in the correct vehicle for this). I suppose that's what happens in an areas which covers so many area with many roads, many of them seldom driven on by anything. The road here is narrow, so you have to be committed as there is no room to turn around if you change your mind. Still, I've always loved how the rolling hills of the Palouse seemingly drop off here, rolling downhill far below. The view feels as if you're rolling off a bench and down a chute, which is fitting since you are looking straight down the drop off into the canyon which drops 1500 feet far below where you stand.  It's vintage rolling Palouse, mixed with a little something different. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/field-of-dreams/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0432_20180627.jpg Field of Dreams Sunset over Rolling Fields in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Sunset illuminates the skies above the Palouse as a touch of sunlight warms the rolling fields of barley extending out towards the horizon. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lost-in-thought/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0390_20180627.jpg Lost in Thought Sunset over Rolling Fields of Barley in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Pastels at sunset illuminate the skies above the Palouse as rolling fields of barley extend as the eye can see. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rolling-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0600_20180628.jpg Rolling Beauty The Rolling Palouse Fields, Whitman County, Washington The beautiful rolling hills of the Palouse stretch out for miles as wheat fields, canola fields, oat fields, lentil fields and barley fields cover the landscape. Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/gold-and-green/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2255_20180626.jpg Gold and Green Full Moonrise at Sunset over Rolling Fields and Kamiak Butte in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington The Full Moon rises at sunset above rolling hills and tree covered Kamiak Butte in the Palouse of Eastern Washington. Kamiak Butte, Whitman County, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/a-moment-in-time/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0796_20180628.jpg A Moment in Time Menacing clouds at sunrise over the Leonard Round Barn in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Menacing clouds at sunrise line the skies above the Leonard Round Barn (T.A. Leonard Barn) in the Palouse. This 12 sided (dodecagon) barn is 62 feet high at the top of the cuploa. It was originally built before electricity was available in the area, and as such it features many windows to let in natural light. Originally built by farmer Thomas Andrew Leonard (T.A. Leonard) in 1917, this Washington State Heritage Barn was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. It is one of only two remaining round barns in Whitman County, Washington and is still owned and in use by the Leonard family. Leonard Round Barn, Whitman County, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/alone-in-the-barley/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0234_20180627.jpg Alone in the Barley A Lone Ponderosa Pine Tree in a Field of Barley in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington A lone Ponderosa Pine tree grows in a golden field of barley in the Palouse region of Washington. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bliss-less/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0129_20180627.jpg Bliss-less Rolling Fields in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Clouds in blue skies above the rolling hills of the Palouse in the state of Washington. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peace-and-solitude/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0362-_90A0383_20180627.jpg Peace and Solitude Sunset over Rolling Fields of Barley in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Pastels at sunset illuminate the skies above the Palouse as rolling fields of barley extend as the eye can see. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fields-of-gold/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0605_20180628.jpg Fields of Gold Canola Fields at Sunrise in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington The skies above the Canola Fields (Rapeseed Fields) in the Palouse illuminate with pastel colors at Sunrise.The rolling, endless yellow and gold of the canola fields was a truly stunning sight as the beautiful colors of the morning sun brought to life a new day. A cool, crisp breeze gently blew through the air, a fitting contrast to the warmth of the Sun and the golden fields. This scene has always felt like vintage rural beauty, as the endless Fields of Gold roll on and on as far as the eye can see. It was such a serene moment, a perfectly idealized rural beauty. The Palouse is always filled with beauty fitting this description, and one of my favorite parts has always been seeing the rotation of crops and how it changes the beauty of the landscape from year to year. It's that beauty so many people got to see in decades and centuries past, yet is increasingly harder and harder to find for many people in the modern world. Perhaps that's always been my favorite part of the Palouse: it's a time capsule where you can still see beauty such as this, as you're magically swept away while you enjoy the beauty from yesteryear. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rustic-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0461_20180627.jpg Rustic Dream Sunset over the Lower Moys Barn in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Soft colors at sunset illuminate the skies over the Lower Moys Barn, a centennial barn built in 1893 in the Palouse region of Washington. This historic red barn was built by Charles Moys on a 160 acre parcel of land homesteaded in 1878 when he was 30 years old, right next to the 160 acre homestead his 67 year old father John Moys homesteaded in 1877. The barn has stood the test of time, and is still in use today. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fury-on-the-prairie/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0189_20180628.jpg Fury on the Prairie Storm Clouds at Sunset over a Red Barn and Rolling Fields in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Storm clouds cover the skies as a gothic roof Red Barn rises up from the rolling fields of the Palouse region of Washington State. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/serene-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0629_20180628.jpg Serene Beauty The Rolling Palouse Fields at Sunset, Whitman County, Washington The Palouse is rife with rolling hills, wheat fields, canola fields, oat fields, lentil fields and barley fields. Here, sunset nears as wheat fields give way to the rolling fields of the Palouse which go on for as far as the eye can see. Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-palouse-hills/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0592-_90A0593_FS_20180628.jpg The Palouse Hills The Rolling Palouse Fields, Whitman County, Washington The rolling hills of the Palouse stretch out for miles as wheat fields, canola fields, oat fields, lentil fields and barley fields cover the landscape Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/once-upon-a-time/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0686_20180628.jpg Once Upon a Time Menacing clouds at sunrise over the Leonard Round Barn in the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Menacing clouds at sunrise line the skies above the Leonard Round Barn (T.A. Leonard Barn) in the Palouse. This 12 sided (dodecagon) barn is 62 feet high at the top of the cuploa. It was originally built before electricity was available in the area, and as such it features many windows to let in natural light. Originally built by farmer Thomas Andrew Leonard (T.A. Leonard) in 1917, this Washington State Heritage Barn was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. It is one of only two remaining round barns in Whitman County, Washington and is still owned and in use by the Leonard family. Leonard Round Barn, Whitman County, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/patchwork/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0305-_90A0319_20180628.jpg Patchwork Storm Clouds at Sunset over the George Comegys Farm Barn, Canola Fields and the Rolling Fields of the Palouse, Whitman County, Washington Canola fields surround the historic George Comegys Farm Barn, a century barn (heritage barn) built in 1926. Storm clouds line the sky at sunset as a patchwork of crops of wheat, canola and other crops line the fields on the rolling hills behind it. George Comegys original took out a pre-emption 160 acre homestead claim in 1878, and then a 160 acre homestead claim nearby. The George Comegys Farm Barn was built in 1926 by son Claude Comegys on the original 160 acre homestead. Today, it is officially listed as a Washington State Heritage Barn. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/past-restored/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0115_20180628.jpg Past Restored Stormy Skies over the Heidenreich Dairy Barn in the Palouse, Colfax, Washington Storm clouds above the Heidenreich Dairy Barn in the Palouse filter sunlight onto the surrounding fields. The historic Heidenreich Dairy Barn is a gothic roof century barn (heritage barn, centennial barn) build in 1910 by the Heidenreich family near Colfax, Washington (though the sign on the front says established 1919). It continued to operate as a working dairy through the mid 1950s, and is now listed as a Washington State Heritage Barn. The barn is currently known as the Palouse Knot Barn. Heidenreich Dairy Barn, Colfax,, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/red-sentinel/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0037_20180628.jpg Red Sentinel Palouse Country Barn under Cloudy Skies, Whitman County, Washington The red Palouse Country Barn (a gambrel roofed barn) sits alone in a wheat field, a Red Sentinel keeping watch over the fields. The Palouse, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-breaker/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0649_20180101.jpg Emerald Breaker Emerald Waves in Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast, Cape Perpetua, Oregon Emerald Waves in the Pacific Ocean show a beautiful turquoise emerald color as sunlight illuminates the water in the waves when they crest. Cape Perpetua, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-roller/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0648_20180101.jpg Emerald Roller Emerald Waves in Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast, Cape Perpetua, Oregon Emerald Waves in the Pacific Ocean show a beautiful turquoise emerald color as sunlight illuminates the water in the waves when they crest. Cape Perpetua, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pacific-emeralds/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2540_20220529.jpg Pacific Emeralds Emerald Waves in Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon Emerald Waves in the Pacific Ocean show a beautiful turquoise emerald color as sunlight illuminates the water in the waves when they crest. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/shipwrecked-moonlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0302_20141230_2.jpg Shipwrecked Moonlight Wreck of the Peter Iredale under Moonlight, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon Coast A Waxing Gibbous moon illuminates the Pacific Ocean and the Wreck of the Peter Iredale at night along the Oregon Coast. Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sunset-shadows/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0522_20170521.jpg Sunset Shadows Wreck of the Peter Iredale at Sunset, North Oregon Coast, Oregon The last remaining light of sunset shines through the Wreck of the Peter Iredale along the North Oregon Coast, creating a dazzling display of shadows and light as the ocean waves roll ashore. Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wrecked-sunset/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0470_20170521.jpg Wrecked Sunset Wreck of the Peter Iredale at Sunset on the Oregon, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon The waters of the Pacific Ocean flow up around the Wreck of the Peter Iredale at sunset, as the shipwreck faintly reflects in the waters of the incoming tide while pastel colors illuminate the skies above. Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frenzy-2/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2279_20210212.jpg Frenzy Winter Storm Waves in the Pacific Ocean during King Tides along the Oregon Coast, Arch Cape, Oregon A strong winter storm over the Pacific Ocean during King Tides causes rough seas and high storm waves along the Oregon Coast. There's calmness in the chaos of the ocean, a beauty in the rhythm of the waves as they crash and thrash about out in the deep. I've always found that rhythmic beauty of the rough seas calming, a reminder that even in the roughest of conditions there's a calming beauty to be found. I could spend my entire life staring at the ocean, watching the frenzied rhythm and madness of the rough seas dance and twirl about as they bring a hint of color to life in the waves as they roll to a crest. The ocean is a mesmerizing mix of immense power with a calming sense of beauty, and this storm far out in the ocean coming ashore during King Tides certainly provided that. During times of strife, I've always found myself standing on the coastline, watching the rhythmic beauty out at sea. As the waves roll and crash, they bring a sense of calm and peace. Perhaps that's why I always find myself back on the coast, staring out at the waves as the crash and roll ashore. Hug Point State Park, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bedlam/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2173_20210112.jpg Bedlam Winter Storm Waves in the Pacific Ocean during King Tides along the Oregon Coast, Arch Cape, Oregon A strong winter storm over the Pacific Ocean during King Tides causes rough seas and high storm waves along the Oregon Coast. Hug Point State Park, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pacific-moonlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0589-_90A0592_20160418_30x20.jpg Pacific Moonlight Gemini (Castor), Auriga, Camelopardalis, and Cassiopeia over Adair Point by Moonlight along the Oregon Coast, Arch Cape, Oregon Gemini (Castor), Auriga, Camelopardalis, and Cassiopeia shine in the night skies above as Moonlight illuminates Adair Point and the Pacific Ocean. Hug Point State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/oceans-fury/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0422A_20171231.jpg Ocean's Fury Thor's Well at Sunset, Cape Perpetua, Oregon Coast Sunlight illuminates clouds in the sky as the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash into the headlands at Cape Perpetua and drain down into Thor's Well along the rocky Oregon Coast during a 10.20 foot King Tide high tide. Thor's Well, Cape Perpetua, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edge-of-the-ocean/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4207_20220601.jpg Edge of the Ocean Sunset over Tidepools and the Rising Tide of the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Florence, Oregon The last colors of sunset hang on over the Pacific Ocean while the rising tide rolls in through a gap in the surrounding rocks as dusk nears. Florence, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edge-of-goodnight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0575_20160417.jpg Edge of Goodnight Dusk over Haystack Rock, The Needles and the Pacific Ocean, Cannon Beach, Oregon Coast, OregonLong after sunset, color hang on in the skies over Haystack Rock, The Needles and the Pacific Ocean in Cannon Beach Oregon as as Dusk nears. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (affectionately known as Terrible Tilly) is visible just to the right of Haystack Rock. It sits 1.2 miles offshore from Tillamook Head, and 4.5 miles north of Haystack Rock. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/guardian-at-the-edge/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4509-_90A4512_20220602_2x1.jpg Guardian at the Edge Storm Clouds at Sunset over Yaquina Head, Yaquina Head Lighthouse and the Pacific Oceann the Oregon Coast, Newport, Oregon Storm clouds line the skies over Yaquina Head Lighthouse at sunset as sunshine breaks through the clouds, illuminating the cliffs of Yaquina Head above Starfish Cove and the Pacific Ocean. Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/maritime-gloom/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0056-_90A0067_20150510_2x1.jpg Maritime Gloom Clouds over Yaquina Bay Bridge and the Port of Newport Marina on the Oregon Coast, Newport, Oregon Gloomy clouds fills the skies above Yaquina Bay and the Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport, Oregon along the Oregon Coast as boats sit docked at the Port of Newport Marina. Newport Marina, Newport, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/roll-with-the-tide/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2611_20210113-gigapixel.jpg Roll with the Tide Rolling Emerald Waves in Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Florence, Oregon Emerald Waves in the Pacific Ocean roll along, showing a beautiful turquoise emerald color in the water as they crest. Cape Prepetua, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/neptunes-madness/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2307_20210112.jpg Neptune's Madness Winter Storm Waves in the Pacific Ocean during King Tides along the Oregon Coast, Arch Cape, Oregon A strong winter storm over the Pacific Ocean during King Tides causes rough seas and high storm waves along the Oregon Coast. Hug Point State Park, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/turbulence/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2630_20220529.jpg Turbulence Rough Seas along the Oregon Coast at Sunset, Depoe Bay, Oregon Rough seas in the Pacific Ocean crash into the rocky headlands along the Oregon Coast at sunset as a hint of light filters through a thin spot in the storm spot clouds. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/joyful-bliss/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4827_20220603.jpg Joyful Bliss Harbor Seal swimming at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport, Oregon A Harbor Seal spins while playing and swimming through the water. Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport,, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/not-today/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4347_20220602_GP.jpg Not Today Seagull diving to attack a Bald Eagle along the Oregon Coast, Yaquina Head, Oregon A Seagull dives to attack and fend off a Bald Eagle (other Seagulls and Crows were joining in out of frame) in an effort to not be dinner for the Eagle. The day prior, the Bald Eagle had swooped onto the rocks and picked up a Seagull for dinner. It worked as the Eagle would later swoop down and pick up a Common Murre, leaving the Seagulls and Crows alone for this day. Yaquina Head, Newport, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/a-view-from-the-roost/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0674_20180101.jpg A View From the Roost Immature Bald Eagle on the Oregon Coast, Yaquina Head, Oregon An immature bald eagle bald eagle (young bald eagle) perched on a tree top (approximately 2.5-3.5 years of age). Yaquina Head, Newport, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-skeleton-ship/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0894_20151004_C.jpg The Skeleton Ship The Milky Way over the Wreck of the Peter Iredale and Bioluminescence in the along the Oregon Coast, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above the Wreck of the Peter Iredale at low tide on the Oregon Coast as green airglow illuminates the night sky. Bioluminescence glows in the waters of Pacific Ocean in the distance behind the ship. Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sinking-starlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0462_20150107.jpg Sinking Starlight Winter Milky Way over the Wreck of the Peter Iredale along the Oregon Coast, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon The winter Milky Way (the Orion Arm) rises over the Wreck of the Peter Iredale and the Pacific Ocean at night on the Oregon Coast as airglow illuminates the night sky. Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/flash/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7245-20210924.jpg Flash Ducted Mock Mirage Green Flash at Sunset on the Oregon Coast, Gearhart, Oregon A mock-mirage green flash seen at sunset just as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. A thermal inversion layer forms a layer of air which blocks the last part of the sun's image below the green flash. Green flashes are caused by atmospheric refraction of sunlight. The Earth's atmosphere acts as a prism to separates the colors. As the sun sets, the sunlight passes through a thicker layer of atmosphere which causes the shorter, green wavelengths to become visible for a brief moment as the longer red wavelengths are dispersed and effectively blocked. Gearhart, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lost-in-silence/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1141_20200824.jpg Lost in Silence Waxing Crescent Moon at Dusk over the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast, Warrenton, Oregon A Waxing Crescent Moon shines in the sky at dusk as the first stars begin to faintly shine in the sky. The last pastel colors of sunset hang on near the horizon as the light faintly illuminates the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Warrenton, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/prism/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A9715_20220131.jpg Prism Rainbow over the Mouth of the Columbia River on the Oregon Coast, Astoria, Oregon A rainbow shines through a parting storm across the mouth of the Columbia River in Astoria, Oregon on the Oregon Coast. Astoria, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pirates-of-the-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0634_20184019.jpg Pirates of the Night The Lady Washington Ship at Night in Yaquina Bay, Newport, OregonThe Lady Washington, a full-scale replica of the original Lady Washington from the time period of the Revolutionary War, reflects in the still waters of Yaquina Bay and the Harbor in Newport Oregon at night on the Oregon Coast. Yaquina Bay, Newport, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-turbulence/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0650_20180101.jpg Emerald Turbulence Emerald Waves in Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast, Cape Perpetua, Oregon Emerald Waves in the Pacific Ocean show a beautiful turquoise emerald color as sunlight illuminates the water in the waves when they crest. Cape Perpetua, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/aquamarine/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2538_20220529.jpg Aquamarine Emerald Waves in Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon Emerald Waves in the Pacific Ocean show a beautiful turquoise emerald color as sunlight illuminates the water in the waves when they crest. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sea-watch/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4544_20220602.jpg Sea Watch Sunset over Yaquina Head, Yaquina Head Lighthouse and the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast, Newport, Oregon Sunset illuminates the skies above the Pacific Ocean as Yaquina Head Lighthouse stands tall at the edge of Yaquina Head. Angelica lucida (also known as seacoast angelica and sea-watch) grows on the bluffs high above the Pacific Ocean. Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/oceans-wrath/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0446_20171231.jpg Ocean's Wrath Thor's Well at Sunset, Cape Perpetua, Oregon Coast Sunlight illuminates clouds in the sky as the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash into the headlands at Cape Perpetua and drain down into Thor's Well along the rocky Oregon Coast during a 10.20 foot King Tide high tide. Thor's Well, Cape Perpetua, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fire-on-the-water/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0595_20171231.jpg Fire on the Water Sunset over Seastacks in Cape Cove during a Negative Tide along the Oregon Coast, Florence, OregonThe warm colors of the sunset reflect off the wet sand like fire on the water, while Sea Stacks rise up from the Cape Cove during a negative tide (minus tide) along the Oregon Coast. Cape Cove, Heceta Head, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pacific-canvas-haystack-rock-sunset-cannon-beach-oregon-coa/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0460_20150107.jpg Haystack Rock Sunset, Cannon Beach, Oregon Coast Haystack Rock stands like a silhouette against a canvas of pastel colors at sunset as it rises up over the Pacific Ocean like a sentinel keeping watch over the seas. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sun-kissed-bow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0514_20170521.jpg Sun-kissed Bow Wreck of the Peter Iredale at Sunset, North Oregon Coast, Oregon The sun dips below the horizon as the colors of sunset show through the Bow of the Wreck of the Peter Iredale along the North Oregon Coast Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/beached/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0983_20151005.jpg Beached Wreck of the Peter Iredale at Sunset, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon Coast, Oregon Sunset casts a pastel glow onto skies behind the bow of the Wreck of the Peter Iredale on the Oregon Coast. It lay silent on the beach, forever a reminder of the power and beauty of the ocean, and how one cannot exist without the other. Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/forever-in-twilight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1943_20201223.jpg Forever in Twilight The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn over Haystack Rock and the Pacific Ocean during Nautical Twilight on the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon The sunset rainbow appears on the horizon during Nautical Twilight as The 2020 Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn shine brightly over Haystack Rock and the Pacific Ocean. The scene reflects in water along the beach near the tide line. The conjunction was also known as "the Christmas Star" due to it occuring at night near Christmas 2020. This was an extremely rare astronomical event. Jupiter and Saturn appeared less than 0.1 degrees apart. They have not appeared this close together during a conjunction since 1623, a span of almost 400 years ago. They have not appeared this close together at night since 1226, a span of almost 800 years. The next time they will appear this close together is 2080, after which they won't appear this close together until 2417. Both 2080 and 2417 will occur in the morning, not at night. The next time they will appear this close together at night is 2477. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sea-struck/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0584_20200811.jpg Sea-Struck Haystack Rock on a Moonlit Cloudy Night on the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon Moonlight illuminates Haystack Rock along the Oregon Coast as it reflects off the wet sand from the Pacific Ocean tides while clouds cover the night sky. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/motionless/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3138_20210114.jpg Motionless Reflections in a Wetland Pond at Sunset along the Oregon Coast, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon Clouds and trees reflects in the still waters of a wetland pond along the Oregon Coast near Warrenton Oregon, as a faint colors begins to show in the thick cloud cover at sunset. Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edge-of-the-world/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3429_20220531.jpg Edge of the World Sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon The Belt of Venus bring pastel colors to the skies over the Pacific Ocean at sunrise as a lone building sits atop the headlands overlooking the Ocean on the Oregon Coast. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/poseidons-fury/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2326_20210112.jpg Poseidon's Fury Winter Storm Waves in the Pacific Ocean during King Tides along the Oregon Coast, Arch Cape, Oregon A strong winter storm over the Pacific Ocean during King Tides causes rough seas and high storm waves along the Oregon Coast. Hug Point State Park, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/kings-ransom/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2076_20210112.jpg King's Ransom King Tides and Haystack Rock during a winter storm on the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon King Tides during a winter storm engulf the entire beach near Haystack Rock as the waves driven by the storm and the high winds pound the shoreline at Cannon Beach.There's something about rough seas that's comforting and beautiful. It's definitely a mix of feelings, as the dangers of rough seas hold their own unique kind of beauty. The way the waters of the ocean crash against the shore far higher up than normal during a storm is beautiful to see. It's important to never be on the sand when the seas are rough, the swell heights are high and your sneaker wave warnings. Stay off the beaches during these conditions. Times like these are when super zooms from high ground become your best friend. You may have seen my video of sneaker waves from earlier, this is a still taken during similar conditions. The waters were coming up far higher than normal, covering 100% of the sand and shore at Cannon Beach, crashing up against the headlands at the best. Haystack Rock and the entire beach sit surround by the ocean, as the king tides and storms out at sea drive the waters up high. Sand gives way to ocean, as this beautiful place transforms into a new kind of beauty. There's a certain rhythmic beauty in the sound of the waves in the ocean, especially during conditions like these. It's incredibly beautiful, and it's also a Stark reminder of why we must always respect the ocean and never turn our back on it. These definitely aren't easy conditions to work with, especially with the rain pounding, but if you take the proper precautions to stay safe the unique beauty of conditions like this is stunning. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/standing-on-the-edge/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3460_20220531.jpg Standing on the Edge Sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon Sunrise brings the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus to the skies over the Pacific Ocean as a lone Seagull stands at the edge of the headlands along the Oregon Coast. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/awakening-in-dreamland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0495_20200727.jpg Awakening in Dreamland Sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon A marine layer over the Pacific Ocean diffuses the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus at sunrise as emerald colored waves roll ashore between the headlands and an outcropping of rocks. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ebb-and-flow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4223_20220601.jpg Ebb and Flow Dusk over Tidepools and the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Florence, Oregon The last colors of sunset hang on over Tidepools and the Pacific Ocean as dusk sets in. Florence, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rising-tide/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4217_20220601.jpg Rising Tide Sunset over Tidepools and the Rising Tide of the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Florence, Oregon The last colors of sunset hang on over the Pacific Ocean while the rising tide rolls in through a gap in the surrounding rocks as dusk nears. Florence, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/into-the-deep-blue/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2656_20220529.jpg Into the Deep Blue Storm clouds over the Pacific Ocean during Civil Twilight along the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay Oregon Storm clouds line the skies above as rain begins to fall out over the seemingly endless waters of the Pacific Ocean. The deep, dark blue waters of the Pacific collide far offshore with the cloudier, lighter colored water closer to shore forming a long gradient line out at sea. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/split/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0805_20151004.jpg Split Ducted Mock Mirage Sunset on the Oregon Coast, Warrenton, Oregon A ducted mock mirage at sunset over the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast. Ducted mock mirages occur when a strong thermal inversion traps a layer of colder, denser air below a layer of warmer air. This creates a duct that acts like a lens and traps light in the duct, which creates an inverted image that appears to be blocked at the top by the duct. This compresses the image, and can result in the appearance of a stacked pancake sunset seen here. Warrenton, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frenzy/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A9866_02012022.jpg Frenzy Wreck of the Peter Iredale during King Tides on the Oregon Coast, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon Waves pound the Wreck of the Peter Iredale during King Tides along the North Oregon Coast. Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ocean-tempest/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2631_20220529.jpg Ocean Tempest Crashing Waves along the Oregon Coast as a Marine Layer Moves In, Oregon Coast, Oregon An offshore marine layer moves in as strong waves from storms out in the Ocean crash against the rocky headlands along the Oregon Coast. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/golden-crown/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0934_20151004_B.jpg Golden Crown The Milky Way over Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon The Milky Way rises over 235 foot tall Haystack Rock on the Northern Oregon Coast. Green and yellow airglow illuminates the night sky as the Milky Way shines brightly over Haystack Rock and the sandy beaches of Cannon Beach. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/starship/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0896_20151004_B.jpg Starship The Milky Way over the Wreck of the Peter Iredale and Bioluminescence in the along the Oregon Coast, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above the Wreck of the Peter Iredale at low tide on the Oregon Coast as green airglow illuminates the night sky. Bioluminescence glows in the waters of Pacific Ocean in the distance behind the ship.I've always loved the Oregon Coast, and I've been fortunate enough to live 90 minutes from the North Oregon Coast my entire life. This spot is a favorite of anyone who is local to Oregon. Like most of the Oregon Coast, the tides move in and out at a pretty high clip here. Come at high tide and the shipwreck is surrounded by water. Come at low tide and it looks like the beached shipwreck that it is. Perhaps my favorite thing about the Oregon Coast is closing my eyes and listening to the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash against the beach as the wind gently blows through my hair. For as long as I can remember, I've come to this spot. It's been a long while since I took this photo, but I'm never forget how serene this night was. I enjoyed listening to the waves roll ashore as I marveled at this shipwreck beneath a blanket of stars. Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sea-crash/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2486_20220529.jpg Sea Crash Crashing Waves along the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon Sea thrift (Armeria maritima) grows along the top of the cliffs near Depoe Bay as strong waves crash against the rocky headlands along the Oregon Coast. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/outburst/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4739_20220603.jpg Outburst Crashing Waves along the Oregon Coast at Night, Oregon Coast, Oregon Waves crash against the rocky headlands of the Oregon Coast in the middle of the night, driven by storm surge and rough seas off the coastline during high tide. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pot-of-gold/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A9709_20220131.jpg Pot of Gold Rainbow over the Mouth of the Columbia River on the Oregon Coast, Astoria, Oregon A rainbow shines through a parting storm across the mouth of the Columbia River in Astoria, Oregon on the Oregon Coast. Astoria, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/erosion/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3861_20220601.jpg Erosion Sandstone Erosion along Bluffs on Oregon Coast, Seal Rock, Oregon Erosion causes the upper part of a sandstone bluff on the Oregon Coast to crumble, leaving this formation just below the bluffs in place of a viewpoint which previously occupied this spot. Seal Rock State Park, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/echoes/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3130_20210114.jpg Echoes Reflections in a Wetland Pond along the Oregon Coast, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon Clouds and trees reflects in the still waters of a wetland pond along the Oregon Coast near Warrenton Oregon. Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/symphony-of-water/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4119_20220601.jpg Symphony of Water Sunset as a Creek Flows into the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Florence, Oregon The colors of sunset peak through breaks in the cloud cover as a fast flowing creek flows directly into the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast. Florence, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lands-end/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0567_20181419.jpg Land's End Venus after Sunset over Tide Pools and the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Yachats, Oregon Low tide along the Oregon Coast exposes tide pools of the Pacific Ocean as waves roll ashore. Long after sunset, warm colors hang on along the horizon as dusk gives way to nautical twilight, while Venus (upper left between the clouds) and the stars begin to come out in the sky. Yachats, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/seashores-soul/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0528_20160417.jpg Seashore's Soul Sunset over Haystack Rock, The Needles and the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, OregonSunset illuminates the skies over Haystack Rock, The Needles and the Pacific Ocean at Cannon Beach Oregon as the day draws to a close. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (affectionately known as Terrible Tilly) is visible just to the right of Haystack Rock. It sits 1.2 miles offshore from Tillamook Head, and 4.5 miles north of Haystack Rock. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ray-of-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2589_20220529.jpg Ray of Light Sunlight through Storm Clouds above Sandstone Bluffs and the Pacific Ocean along Oregon Coast, Otter Rock, Oregon Sunlight shines through a thin section of clouds, illuminating a small part of the Pacific Ocean as sandstone bluffs jet out from the shore towards the ocean. Otter Rock, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/chaos-over-the-ocean/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2590_20220529.jpg Chaos over the Ocean Storm Clouds over Sandstone Bluffs and the Pacific Ocean along Oregon Coast, Otter Rock, Oregon Storm clouds line the skies above the Pacific Ocean and the Sandstone Bluffs of the Oregon Coast as Yaquina Head and Yaquina Head Lighthouse jet out into the Ocean in the distance. Otter Rock, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ocean-symphony/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A9445_20220131.jpg Ocean Symphony Rough Waves in the Pacific Ocean during King Tides along the Oregon Coast, Seaside, Oregon Waves crash about in the Pacific Ocean during King Tides as a winter storm brings rough waters to the ocean along the Oregon Coast. Seaside, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/in-the-deep-end/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2253_20210112.jpg In the Deep End Winter Storm Waves in the Pacific Ocean during King Tides along the Oregon Coast, Arch Cape, Oregon A strong winter storm over the Pacific Ocean during King Tides causes rough seas and high storm waves along the Oregon Coast. Hug Point State Park, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ocean-roll/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2645_20210113-gigapixel.jpg Ocean Roll Rolling Emerald Waves in Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Florence, Oregon Emerald Waves in the Pacific Ocean roll along, showing a beautiful turquoise emerald color in the water as they crest. Cape Prepetua, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-rhapsody/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2539_20220529.jpg Emerald Rhapsody Emerald Waves in Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon Emerald Waves in the Pacific Ocean show a beautiful turquoise emerald color as sunlight illuminates the water in the waves when they crest. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/guardian-of-the-ocean/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4509_20220602.jpg Guardian of the Ocean Sunset over Yaquina Head, Yaquina Head Lighthouse and the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast, Newport, Oregon Storm clouds line the skies over Yaquina Head Lighthouse at sunset as sunshine breaks through the clouds, illuminating the cliffs of Yaquina Head above Starfish Cove and the Pacific Ocean. Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lost-in-the-moment/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4398_20220602.jpg Lost in the Moment Seagulls Flying over Yaquina Head Lighthouse and the Pacific Ocean during the Golden Hour on the Oregon Coast, Newport, Oregon Seagulls fly in the skies over Yaquina Head Lighthouse and the Pacific Ocean as the Golden Hour sets in.It's easy to get lost in the moment when you're near the ocean. The sights, the sounds, and the way they all come together is a truly unique and serene experience. The way the sunlight illuminates the clouds as the day draws towards a close is pure magic, especially when the clouds are just right and that beautiful warm checkerboard pattern appears above. The sound of the ocean as it rolls in is relaxing, a rhythmic beauty that seems to heal the soul with every movement the water makes. This moment was one I'll never forget, as those first two things mixed with four seagulls flying around the Yaquina Head Lighthouse as it stood tall at the end of the headland. This Lighthouse has long been among my favorites, it's a vintage example of what I think of when I think of a lighthouse. Seeing the seagulls flying around near it, as the sounds of the ocean and colors in the sky mixed together was truly a magical moment. Time always stands still when things come together like this, and hearing the Seagulls call to each other as the ocean gently rolled ashore below was the icing on the cake. Its nature at its finest. It's one of those experiences where no matter what ails you, it all seems to melt away as you get lost in the moment. Nature always seems to have a way of healing us, no matter what burdens our mind. I've long found the power of the ocean takes that special healing power of nature to a whole new level. Perhaps that's why I've spent a lifetime coming to the Oregon Coast, seeking out these moments. I suppose it's why I always will. One of my favorite things about photography has always been its ability to freeze these wonderful moments in time, so that we can take ourselves back there whenever we need. No matter where we are, we need but look at a photo, close our eyes for a brief moment and we can hear the sounds and smell the smells again. The photo jogs our memory, and everything else comes flooding back to us. Open them and you're right back there, lost in that moment for as long as you need. Over the course of my career, I've found it's these little moments you can get lost in that are really what life is all about. Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/complexities-of-the-sea/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2512_20220529.jpg Complexities of the Sea Crashing Waves along the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon Sea thrift (Armeria maritima) grows along the top of the cliffs near Depoe Bay as strong waves crash against the rocky headlands along the Oregon Coast. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/blurred/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0461_20200727.jpg Blurred Dawn over Rocky Headlands and a foggy Pacific Ocean, Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast, Oregon Fog covers the headlands near Depoe Bay and the waters of the Pacific Ocean as the pastel colors of Dawn begin to show on the horizon. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/chaos-theory/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0404A_20171231_16x20.jpg Chaos Theory Thor's Well during King Tides at Sunset, Cape Perpetua, Oregon Coast The waves of the Pacific Ocean crash into the headlands at Cape Perpetua and drain down into Thor's Well along the rocky Oregon Coast during a 10.20 foot King Tide high tide as sunset illuminates the clouds above. Thor's Well, Cape Perpetua, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/consequences-of-chaos/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0365_20171231_16x20.jpg Consequences of Chaos Thor's Well at Sunset, Cape Perpetua, Oregon Coast The Pacific Ocean crashes over the headlands and drains into Thor's Well during a 10.20 foot King Tide high tide as sunlight illuminates clouds in the sky above. Thor's Well, Cape Perpetua, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ghost-ship/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0603_20180419_20180411.jpg Ghost Ship The Lady Washington Ship at Night in Yaquina Bay, Newport, Oregon The Lady Washington, a full-scale replica of the original Lady Washington from the time period of the Revolutionary War, reflects in the still waters of Yaquina Bay and the Harbor in Newport Oregon at night on the Oregon Coast. Yaquina Bay, Newport, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fire-mirror/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0362_20180419.jpg Fire Mirror Sunset over the Yachats River and the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Yachats, Oregon Vibrant pastel colors at sunset illuminate the skies above the mouth of the Yachats River and the Pacific Ocean along the Orange Coast. The fiery colors reflect in the still waters just above the mouth of a river, producing a fiery array of colors on the mirror like water. Yachats River, Yachats, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/whisper-in-the-waves/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2620_20220529.jpg Whisper in the Waves Crashing Waves and Rough Seas along the Oregon Coast at Sunset, Depoe Bay, Oregon Waves crash against the rocky headlands of the Oregon Coast at sunset as high tide and storms out in the Pacific Ocean bring about rough seas. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/temporal-alignment/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0184_20220201.jpg Temporal Alignment Wreck of the Peter Iredale during King Tides, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon Waves during King Tides pound the Wreck of the Peter Iredale on the North Oregon Coast near Astoria as a large ocean going cargo vessel passes behind it far out on the horizon Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/tidewater/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4239_20220601.jpg Tidewater Dusk over Tidepools and the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Florence, Oregon The last colors of sunset hang on over Tidepools and the Pacific Ocean as Dusk sets in. Florence, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/quiet-solitude/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0399_20200726.jpg Quiet Solitude Sunset above Seacoast Angelica, Rocky Headlands and the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon Seagulls and other seabirds line the rocks along the rugged shoreline of the Oregon Coast as the pastels of dusk mix with the last colors from sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Angelica lucida (wildflowers also known as seacoast angelica and sea-watch) grows along the cliffs above the ocean. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/on-the-rocks/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3451_20220531.jpg On The Rocks Sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon Sunrise brings the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus to the skies over the Pacific Ocean as a lone Seagull stands at the edge of the headlands along the Oregon Coast. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/calm-and-quiet/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3431_20220531.jpg Calm and Quiet Sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon Sunrise brings the Belt of Venus and pastel colors to the skies over the Pacific Ocean and the rocky headlands along the Oregon Coast near Depoe Bay. Boiler Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lonely-in-the-deep/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1839_20201223.jpg Lonely in the Deep Tillamook Rock Lighthouse at Sunset along the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon Tillamook Rock Lighthouse stands alone atop Tillamook Rock 1.2 miles out in the Pacific Ocean as the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus light the sky at sunset. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pacific-graveyard/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0467_20170521.jpg Pacific Graveyard Wreck of the Peter Iredale at Sunset, Oregon Coast, Oregon The waters of the Pacific Ocean crash up around the Wreck of the Peter Iredale at sunset. It sits on the Oregon Coast a skeleton ship, forever a reminder of the history surrounding the Graveyard of the Pacific Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rolling-with-the-tide/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3985_20220601.jpg Rolling with the Tide Emerald Waves in the Pacific Ocean at Sunset along the Oregon Coast, Florence, Oregon Emerald Waves in the Pacific Ocean roll towards the shore at sunset as warm colors show through the cloud breaks and along the horizon.Emerald Water can show up on the Oregon Coast, and it's long been one of my favorite sights there. At times the ocean itself can take on an emerald color, other times it shows up mostly in the waves. One of my favorite things has long been to stare out at the waves as they crest, revealing their emerald color as the waves roll ashore with the tide. The sound of the ocean is one of the most relaxing sounds I have ever heard in nature. There is a rhythmic beauty in the sound of the waves as they roll ashore. When the clouds break just right, it creates a band of sunset colors on the horizon as the light softly catches the thin patches on the underside of the clouds. The top of the water in the ocean begins to take on a slight warm tone, and the emerald colors break through as the water and waves roll with a rhythm so perfect only heaven could produce it. It's a beauty to perfect for this world, one which leaves you wondering if its heaven just on the other side of the horizon. Florence, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dance-with-the-water/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A9446_20220131.jpg Dance with the Water Rough Waves in the Pacific Ocean during King Tides along the Oregon Coast, Seaside, Oregon Waves crash about in the Pacific Ocean during King Tides as a winter storm brings rough waters to the ocean along the Oregon Coast. Seaside, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/endless/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2657_20220529.jpg Endless Storm clouds over the Pacific Ocean during Civil Twilight along the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay Oregon Storm clouds line the skies above the seemingly endless waters of the Pacific Ocean as rain begins to fall out at sea. The deep, dark blue waters of the Pacific collide far offshore with the cloudier, lighter colored water closer to shore forming a long gradient line out at sea. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lullaby/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4145_20220601.jpg Lullaby Sunset as a Creek Flows into the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Florence, Oregon Sunset illuminates the skies above as rocks line the beach where a creek flows into the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast.There's nothing quite like being next to the ocean. The serenity you feel as the water roll in and out is magical. Add in the perfect amount of clouds at sunset and the skies light up with a beautiful contrasting color above the water. Here, the ocean water mixes with the fresh water as a creek flows into the ocean. The rocks at this mixing point is simply beautiful. The waters roll along past the rocks as they mix, briefly catching the colors of sunset in a few spots. Seems like this are always filled with a wonderful mix of sights and sounds. It's a brief glimpse into heaven, as nature gives us one last lullaby as the day draws to a close. Moments like this may be brief, but time always seems to stand still in these moments as life seems perfect for a brief moment in time. That's always been my favorite part of nature' it's ability to help us make sense of everything in the most beautiful and wondrous manner. Florence, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/moon-shine/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1161_20200824.jpg Moon Shine Moonlight on the Pacific Ocean during Nautical Twilight on the Oregon Coast, Warrenton, Oregon Moonlight illuminates the waters of the Pacific Ocean during nautical twilight along the Oregon Coast. Warrenton, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-great-goodnight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1995-_90A2005_20201223.jpg The Great Goodnight The 2020 Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn over Haystack Rock and the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn shine brightly in the night sky over Haystack Rock and the Pacific Ocean as it reflects on the thin sheet of water on the beach. The conjunction was also known as "the Christmas Star" due to it occurring at night near Christmas 2020. This was an extremely rare astronomical event. Jupiter and Saturn appeared less than 0.1 degrees apart. They have not appeared this close together during a conjunction since 1623, a span of almost 400 years ago. They have not appeared this close together at night since 1226, a span of almost 800 years. The next time they will appear this close together is 2080, after which they won't appear this close together until 2417. Both 2080 and 2417 will occur in the morning, not at night. The next time they will appear this close together at night is 2477.Known as "The Christmas Star," The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn around Christmas in December 2020 was a once in a lifetime event. It was a fitting end to a year that included Neowise, another once-in-a-lifetime astronomical phenomenon in the night sky. This conjunction would bring Jupiter and Saturn closer together than they had been at any point since the 1623 Great Conjunction, and the second closest together they've been since the Great Conjunction in 1226 (1623 was the only one closer together). The two planets appeared only 6.1° apart in the sky during the 2020 conjunction, something extremely rare. They reached conjunction on December 21st, and held this close proximity through Christmas Eve, hence the nickname "The Christmas Star." Seeing the two largest planets in our solar system in such close proximity in this sky is something I'll never forget, and it's something I'll never see again. They won't be this close again until 2080, and after that they won't be this close again until well after 2400. So, seeing and photographing the planets in close proximity like this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I've always loved Christmas and the wonders of the night sky, so the timing of this event made everything more special. My wife and my son joined me for this, as I wasn't about to let them miss out on this experience. The weather on the Oregon Coast was typical December: cold and damp. However, mercifully the skies were clear and the Moon was at just the right phase. As the stars and planets came out, the last colors of the long set sun illuminated the horizon as the nautical twilight rainbow showed. The partial moon illuminated the foreground as Jupiter and Saturn brightly shone in the night sky, reflecting off the wet sand like a single star. 2020 may have been a tough year for most of the world, but it was one of the best years I've ever had. Chasing Neowise, then Bioluminescence, and ending it with this was something I'll never forget. This photo was taken at night on December 23, 2020, a bit before the clock turned to Christmas Eve. Looking back, this will always be one of my most memorable Christmas experiences out in nature, and it's certainly a memory I enjoy looking back on (especially after spending Christmas 2022 with internal bleeding, kidney failure and dangerously low blood pressure clinging to life in the hospital. I spent almost 3 weeks in the hospital before being released in January 2023, and would finally make a full recovery in early April 2023). That Christmas was a reminder to cherish everything in life, and cherish time spent with family. I'm certainly making sure to make the most of my time spent with family and I'll be forever grateful they've been able to join me on journeys such as this one. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-other-emerald-coast/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3942_20220601.jpg The Other Emerald Coast Emerald Waves Rolling into a Cove along the Oregon Coast at Sunset, Yachats, Oregon Emerald Waves roll into a cove along the Oregon Coast at sunset as sunlight filters through a dark layer of storm clouds. Yachats, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emeralds-in-the-ocean/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3935_20220601.jpg Emeralds in the Ocean Emerald Waves Crash into a Cove along the Oregon Coast at Sunset, Yachats, Oregon Emerald Waves crash into a cove along the Oregon Coast at sunset as sunlight filters through a layer of dark storm clouds. Yachats, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/seaside-reflections/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7061_20210923.jpg Seaside Reflections Seaside Promenade and Seaside Skyline at Sunset along the Oregon Coast, Seaside, Oregon The pastel colors of the Belt of Venus light the skies above the Seaside Promenade and the Seaside Oregon skyline at Sunset, as the buildings and colors in the sky reflect on the wet sandy beach along the North Oregon Coast. Seaside, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/maritime-reflections/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0703_20180419.jpg Maritime Reflections Night Reflections at the Port of Newport Harbor along the Oregon Coast, Newport, Oregon Still waters create a mirror reflection at night in Port of Newport Harbor on Yaquina Bay in Newport Oregon on the Oregon Coast. Port of Newport Harbor, Newport, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sea-dragon/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A707-_90A7010_20210917.jpg Sea Dragon Moonset over Sea Stacks in the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Arch Cape, Oregon The moon begins to set behind sea stacks in the Pacific Ocean as clouds cover the midnight sky. Arcadia Beach, Arch Cape, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/guardian-of-forever/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4294_20220602.jpg Guardian of Forever Sunset over Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Yaquina Head on the Oregon Coast, Newport, Oregon Clouds line the skies over Yaquina Head Lighthouse at sunset as Sea-watch (seacoast angelica) grows along the bluffs of Yaquina Head. Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pacific-mist/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0460_20200727.jpg Pacific Mist Dawn over Rocky Headlands and a foggy Pacific Ocean, Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast, Oregon Fog covers the headlands near Depoe Bay and the waters of the Pacific Ocean as the pastel colors of dawn begin to show on the horizon. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sway-of-calm/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4142-_90A4144_20220601.jpg Sway of Calm Sunset over Bray Point as a Creek Flows into the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Florence, Oregon Pastel colors at sunset illuminate the skies above the Coastal Headlands of the Oregon Coast as a creek flows directly into the Pacific Ocean. Low laying fog begins to roll in at Heceta Head in the distance. Florence, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/graveyard-of-the-pacific/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0381_20180815.jpg Graveyard of the Pacific Wreck of the Peter Iredale under Storm Clouds, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon Storm clouds fill the skies above the Pacific Ocean as the Wreck of the Peter Iredale lays spread out across the sand. Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/treasure-of-the-tides/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0001-_90A0007_20220201.jpg Treasure of the Tides Wreck of the Peter Iredale during King Tides, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon Waves during King Tides pound the Wreck of the Peter Iredale on the North Oregon Coast near Astoria Oregon. Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/road-to-nowhere/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7276_20210924.jpg Road to Nowhere Sunset over the Pacific Ocean and Oregon Coast, Gearhart, Oregon Sunset brings a rainbow of color to the skies over the Pacific Ocean as the colors reflect in the sand. A lone set of tire tracks leads out towards the tide line as if a road to nowhere suddenly ends. Gearhart, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/gone-in-a-flash/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A72455-20210924.jpg Gone in a Flash Ducted Mock Mirage Green Flash at Sunset on the Oregon Coast, Gearhart, Oregon A mock-mirage green flash seen at sunset just as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. A thermal inversion layer forms a layer of air which blocks the last part of the sun's image below the green flash. Green flashes are caused by atmospheric refraction of sunlight. The Earth's atmosphere acts as a prism to separates the colors. As the sun sets, the sunlight passes through a thicker layer of atmosphere which causes the shorter, green wavelengths to become visible for a brief moment as the longer red wavelengths are dispersed and effectively blocked. Gearhart, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/infinite-wonder/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0625_20200811.jpg Infinite Wonder Hug Point and Adair Point during Low Tide at Night along the Oregon Coast, Arch Cape, Oregon Low tide in the Pacific Ocean leaves the sand with a wet reflection far out past Hug Point and Adair Point along the Rugged Oregon Coast. Clouds cover the night sky as light pollution creates a warm sunset like glow on the clouds. Hug Point, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/shimmer/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0617_20200811.jpg Shimmer Hug Point and Adair Point during Low Tide at Night along the Oregon Coast, Arch Cape, Oregon Low tide in the Pacific Ocean leaves the sand with a wet reflection far out past Hug Point and Adair Point along the Rugged Oregon Coast. Clouds cover the night sky as light pollution creates a warm sunset like glow on the clouds.This photo was taken in the middle of the night, a little after 2AM. I went far out past the headlands at low tide, and a friend kept an eye on the ocean while I set up for the composition. The "sunlight" you see is actually light pollution from a town down the coastline. It reflects off the clouds at night, giving it the look of a sunset/sunrise reflecting off the wet sand. I often try to work with what I'm given photography wise, and under the right circumstances even light pollution combined with nature can yield some amazing sights. I love how so many things most people will never see or notice in nature come together in this photo. The extreme low tide allowed me to go out much further than normal, and the clouds at night served as the perfect backdrop to capture the light pollution and make it look like a stunning sunset or sunrise just behind the headlands. The way it all reflects off the wet sand at the tide line is simply magical. Perhaps my favorite part of this photo is the lone set of footprints leading down the beach. Every time I look at this photo, I think of that poem Footprints (in the sand). I looked at this image quite often while I spent those 3 weeks in the hospital with acute kidney failure (which I have since 100% recovered from). It was a comforting memory and a comforting sight, and it's beauty certainly helped me through that tough time. It's one of those magical scenes where everything came together so perfectly, and everything else just melts away when I look at the picture, close my eyes and go back to that moment. It's definitely one of those experiences I'll never forget. Hug Point, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/days-end/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2903_20210113.jpg Day's End Rough Seas in the Pacific Ocean at Sunset along the Oregon Coast, Florence Oregon Strong waves after a winter storm out in the Pacific Ocean roll towards the beach at sunset. The colors reflect off the wet sand, as pebbles left by the storm line the beach during a negative tide. Florence, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/skeleton-mirror/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0458_20170521.jpg Skeleton Mirror Wreck of the Peter Iredale at Sunset along the Oregon Coast, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon Pastel colors illuminate the skies above the Wreck of the Peter Iredale at sunset as they softly reflect off the wet sand and the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/blaze/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0802_20151004.jpg Blaze Mock Mirage Sunset over the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast, Warrenton, Oregon A mock mirage appears at sunset over the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast as three seagulls fly above the ocean (left side of picture). Mock mirages occurs when colder, denser air is trapped below a layer of warmer air, bending the light rays from the setting sun as they pass through the colder, denser air. This causes multiple light paths due to the differing densities, which results in seeing an inverted image of the sun, which can produce the appearance of two suns stacked at sunset. The actual sun is the lower of the two suns, the top sun is an inverted image caused by the inversion layer. Warrenton, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/last-flight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7197_20210924_30x20.jpg Last Flight Seabirds flying during a Mock Mirage Sunset over the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Gearhart, Oregon Seabirds flying at sunset over the Pacific Ocean as the setting sun takes on a unique hat shape due to optical phenomenon known as a Mock Mirage (M-Mir). Mock mirages occurs when colder, denser air is trapped below a layer of warmer air, bending the light rays from the setting sun as they pass through the colder, denser air. This causes multiple light paths due to the differing densities, which results in seeing an inverted image of the sun, which can produce the appearance of two suns stacked at sunset. The actual sun is the lower of the two suns, the top sun is an inverted image caused by the inversion layer. Gearhart, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/into-the-ocean/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4098_20220601.jpg Into the Ocean Sunset as a Creek Flows into the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Florence, Oregon Clouds lining the sky illuminate as they reflect the rays from the setting sun, as a fast flowing creek flows directly into the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast.There's always been something about seeing a freshwater creek pour directly into the Pacific Ocean which captivates me. The flow of this freshwater creek had a beautiful rhythm to it as it flowed over the rocks in the creek bed and into the ocean. The flow of the water looked almost painted, as it rolled over the rocks creating soft waves as the Pacific Ocean rushed towards the shore to greet it. Seeing the meeting of two very different bodies of water has always been a sight where my imagination runs wild. What did the creek water witness as it flowed towards the ocean? What did the ocean water experience as it made its way to the shore? Add in a sunset to a moment like this and its true serenity. The visual paintbrush nature provided in the sky is a perfect complement to the relaxing sounds of two very different bodies of water as they flow to meet each other. Between the visual beauty and the relaxing sounds of the water, it was a moment I could live in forever. Florence, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/curtain-fall/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0592_20200816.jpg Curtain Fall Sunset over Haystack Rock, The Needles and the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon Color hangs on in skies above Haystack Rock, The Needles and the Pacific Ocean in Cannon Beach Oregon after sunset as dusk sets in. Warm colors reflect in the wet sand left by the incoming tide while it surges in and out as the day draws to a close. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lost-at-sea/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0498_20200727.jpg Lost at Sea Sunrise over Emerald Waves in the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon Emerald Waves in the Pacific Ocean roll towards the shore as sunrise brings the soft colors of the Belt of Venus to the skies on the horizon. Depoe Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/waveless/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0472_20200727.jpg Waveless Sunrise as a Fogarty Creek Flows into the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon Fogarty Creek flows into the Pacific Ocean at sunrise as the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus reflect in the slow moving waters of the creek as a marine layer slowly burns off the headlands. Fogarty Creek, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/splendor/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0464-_90A0466_FS_20200727.jpg Splendor Sunrise over Boiler Bay and the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon Light fog from a marine layer blankets the Pacific Ocean in the distance while morning twilight brings the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus to the skies above Boiler Bay as sunrise nears. Boiler Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/revival/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0462_20200727.jpg Revival Sunrise over Boiler Bay and a foggy Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Depoe Bay, Oregon Light fog blankets the Pacific Ocean and the headlands in the distance while morning twilight brings the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus to the skies above Boiler Bay on the Oregon Coast as sunrise nears.There's something magical about sunrise over the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast. It's not a sunrise featuring a direct view of the sun, such as over the Atlantic Ocean on the East Coast. It's that soft, ethereal, pastel indirect light. That's the light I live for. Those soft magenta and purple colors which make up the Belt of Venus mix with blue band of the Earth's shadow slowly fading away, accentuated by the ocean layer of fog which often envelopes the ocean and coast every morning in a beautiful layer of ethereal mist. It's a brief moment in a thin place, a place which seems to blur the lines between Heaven and Earth. Time stands still in those precious few moments, as you sit there taking in nature in all it's grandeur. Everything always makes sense in those moments, as the magic light from heaven seemingly washes away whatever ails you. Time stands still. It's healing, relaxing, serene and for those brief few moments it's perfect. Perhaps that's why I've made a career out of chasing these brief few moments in thin places. It's certainly why I've always enjoyed sharing these moments with others. Boiler Bay, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/delirium/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0462_20171231.jpg Delirium Thor's Well at Sunset on the Oregon Coast, Cape Perpetua, Oregon Sunlight illuminates clouds in the sky and the waters of the Pacific Ocean as the waves crash onto the headlands at Cape Perpetua and drain down into Thor's Well along the rocky Oregon Coast. There's always been something about watching patterns in the waves and water of the Pacific Ocean which has calmed me. Watching it drain down into this collapsed sea caves has always been a unique sight. The tides were very high this day. The high tide was 10.15 feet in Depoe Bay and 10.2 feet at South Beach near Newport, which is King Tide levels. Sneaker waves can roll in here and knock you down, and I know people who have had that happen at high tides far lower than a King Tide level. This is a spot where you always have to be careful with your head on a swivel. This spot is vintage, rocky Pacific Coast. Its rugged and untamed in its beauty. There's something mesmerizing about the way the water crashes up onto the headland and drains down into the hole of the collapsed sea cave below. It's a powerful reminder of the raw, untamed power of the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast, and it's a reminder that even in the chaos of nature there is beauty. Thor's Well, Cape Perpetua, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/songs-of-the-sea/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0428_20180419.jpg Songs of the Sea Tide Pools and the Pacific Ocean at Sunset, Oregon Coast, Oregon Low tide at sunset along the Oregon Coast exposes tide pools of the Pacific Ocean as waves rolls ashore.There's something about the ocean that always calms and heals the soul. The rhythmic sounds of the waves is both relaxing and captivating as they roll ashore, seemingly washing away whatever worries you have even if only for a brief moment. The songs of the sea always seem to heel us, leaving us recharged and renewed. It's never been lost on me how important of a roll the ocean and the coast paid in my healing from my widowmaker heart attack back in 2021. After all, it wasn't walking on the treadmill which healed me over time; it was quite literally walks along the ocean which gave me the strength I needed. Those songs of the sea always felt magical, and it's something I've always found myself seeking out throughout my life. I'm always thankful for any time I can spend here, and I'm always glad to give nature my attention while I'm here. After all, the songs of the sea have long healed my soul. The least I can do is give back by preserving its beauty through photography for everyone to enjoy. I can still hear the sounds of the waves and songs of the sea whenever I sit calmly and look at my photography of the ocean. Nature truly is the gift that keeps on giving. Yachats, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/halfway-to-forever/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7305_20210924.jpg Halfway to Forever Sunset over Tillamook Head and the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast, Gearhart, Oregon A marine layer off the Pacific Ocean softly envelops Tillamook Head on the Ocean Coast after sunset as pastel colors during Civil Twilight diffuse in the misty air, creating an ethereal glow as the scene reflects in the wet sand. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (affectionately known as Terrible Tilly) is visible 1.2 miles offshore from Tillamook Head out in the ocean. Gearhart, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heavens-whisper/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A4512_20220602.jpg Heaven's Whisper Sunset over the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast, Newport, Oregon Sunset lights the sky over the Pacific Ocean with color as waves roll in and the sun shines through a break in the clouds.This was one I'll never forget. The Oregon Coast has long been one of my favorite places, but the light at sunset this evening took everything to a whole new level. The view was magnificent high up on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The way the sunlight broke through the clouds, radiating yellows and oranges out and illuminating the clouds was spectacular. The sunlight illuminating the waters of the Pacific in a band of light all the way to the shore was pure magic. Seeing the waves roll ashore, bathed in the light from the setting sun is one of those moments where time just stands still and everything makes sense. It's tranquility at it's finest, a true moment of peace. The light was pure magic, as if Heaven was showing me a brief glimpse into its wonders. Newport, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/beyond-the-horizon/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2892_20210113.jpg Beyond the Horizon Pacific Ocean Sunset on the Oregon Coast during a Negative Tide, Florence, Oregon Pastel colors illuminate the clouds over the Pacific Ocean at sunset, reflecting off the water and the wet sand as waves roll towards the shore. Wet pebbles line the beach as receding water from a negative tide leave textures and patterns in the wet sand.This was taken during a negative tide, after King Tides and a storm had ran water so far up the coast it threw logs into the parking area. I wasn't sure how sunset would pan out, as the clouds were lining the sky and I wasn't sure if they would break in time. Still, the formations in the wet sand the rough seas left were a thing of beauty, so I proceeded to set up looking for what was there. As sunset approached, the clouds began to break beyond the horizon and the colors began to show through. Soon after, it will let the whole sky. It was absolutely glorious, and the way the colors reflected off the wet sand and caught the bits of water left in the small channels created in them by the rough seas with truly a thing of beauty. I've always loved the unique beauty of the Oregon Coast, and how it changes depending on both the weather and the conditions in the ocean. This was one Sunset where everything converged together perfectly in an unforgettable manner. Florence, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/divinity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2881_20210113.jpg Divinity Oregon Coast Sunset over Bray Point during a Negative Tide, Florence, Oregon Pastel colors at sunset above the Pacific Ocean illuminate the clouds and reflect off the wet sand during a negative tide. Fog begins to roll ashore as it begins to cover the Heceta Head in the distance along the Oregon Coast. Florence, Oregon Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/hidden-gem/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5223_20210506.jpg Hidden Gem Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington Turquoise water flows over the cliffs into a narrow gorge surrounded by trees hidden deep in the forest. Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/majesty-of-the-gorge/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0371_20150101.jpg Majesty of the Gorge New Years Day Moonrise at Sunset over Cape Horn and the Columbia River Gorge, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Washington The first sunset of the year brings the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus to the skies above the Columbia River as the moon rises into the evening sky. Cape Horn, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ice-box/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7667_12072013.jpg Ice Box Ice at Wahkeena Falls in the Winter, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Winter snow and ice cling to the basalt cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge during a cold spell, as Wahkeena Falls gracefully tumbles 258 feet over the cliffs and down into the icebox canyon below. Wahkeena Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/multnomah-falls-freeze/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7021-_MG_7026_20131206.jpg Multnomah Falls Freeze Ice at Multnomah Falls in the Winter at Sunset, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Winter ice clings to the basalt cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge during a cold spell, as Multnomah Falls gracefully tumbles 620 feet over the cliffs and down into the partially frozen pool of water below. Evergreen trees of the forest high above cling to the tops of the cliffs, as soft colors at sunset bathe the skies above in pastel light. Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/icefield/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7554_20131207.jpg Icefield Ice at Latourell Falls in the Winter, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Winter snow and ice cling to the lower columnar basalt cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge during a cold spell, as Latourell Falls gracefully tumbles 224 feet over the cliffs and down into the frozen winter wonderland below. Latourell Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-wonderland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_7517-_MG_7519_20131207.jpg Frozen Wonderland Ice at Latourell Falls in the Winter, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Winter snow and ice cling to the lower columnar basalt cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge during a cold spell, as Latourell Falls gracefully tumbles 224 feet over the cliffs and down into the frozen winter wonderland below. Latourell Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/flow-of-autumn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_0028_20131021.jpg Flow of Autumn Middle Oneonta Falls in the Autumn, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Middle Oneonta Falls gracefully drops 24 feet over the basalt cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge as it makes its way down the through forest to the Columbia River below. Fall colors line the banks of Oneonta Creek, signaling the arrival of fall and creating a beautiful orange contrast against the lush green colors lining the banks of the creek. Middle Oneonta Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/under-the-amber/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7897_20211017GP.jpg Under the Amber Maple Tree Tunnel in the Autumn, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Maple Trees form a tree tunnel as they turn yellow and gold with the colors of Autumn in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Rooster Rock State Park, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rushing-waters/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8458_20211020.jpg Rushing Waters Wahkeena Creek in the Autumn, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Colors of Autumn line the banks of Wahkeena Creek as it cascades downhill in the Columbia River Gorge. Wahkeena Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/maple-s-last-stand/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7904_20211017.jpg Maple 's Last Stand Maple Trees in the Autumn, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Maple Trees turn yellow and gold with the colors of Autumn in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Rooster Rock State Park, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lavender-waters/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0461_20160912.jpg Lavender Waters Port of Arlington on the Columbia River at Sunset, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Pastel colors at sunset reflect off the waters of the Columbia River and the Port of Arlington in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/harmony-of-color/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0544-_90A0550_20171112.jpg Harmony of Color Autumn along the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Sunset lights the skies above while autumn colors fill the leaves of the trees along the Columbia River, as the entire scene reflects in the still waters of the Columbia River. The way the colors of sunset, autumn and the reflection came together was a wonderous sight. There's something magical when everything came together in a beautiful Harmony of Color. Autumn is such a beautiful time of year, with oranges, reds and yellows briefly adorning the trees. It was beautiful how some of the leaves here had fallen while others remained, seemingly matching the colors of sunset in the skies above. Harmony such as this is always a sight to behold in nature, a brief moment of perfection where everything comes together and time stands still. Mosier, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silk-on-the-rocks/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0216_20141228.jpg Silk On The Rocks Rock Creek in the Winter, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington Rock Creek flows through the evergreen forests above the Columbia River Gorge during the winter. Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/placid-waters/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0208_20141228.jpg Placid Waters Rock Creek in the Winter, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington Rock Creek flows through the evergreen forests above the Columbia River Gorge during the winter. Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/everything-imagined/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5188_20210506.jpg Everything Imagined Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington Turquoise water flows over the cliffs and into the turquoise pool below as the river flows through the narrow forest canyon. Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/jolly-rancher/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5143_20210506.jpg Jolly Rancher Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington Turquoise water flows over the cliffs and into the turquoise pool below deep in the forest. Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/temple-of-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0758-_90A0760_20200716_20x30.jpg Temple of Light The Milky Way, Jupiter and Saturn over Maryhill Stonehenge Memorial, Washington The Milky Way rises high into the night sky over the Maryhill Stonehenge Memorial in Washington as a warm glow illuminates the interior Maryhill Stonehenge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/columbia-reflection/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0521_20171112.jpg Columbia Reflection The Columbia River in the Autumn, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon The still waters of the Columbia River create a mirror reflection while light from the Golden Hour illuminates the skies at sunset. Mosier, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glorious-autumn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0641_20171118.jpg Glorious Autumn Autumn Sunset over the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Sunset lights the skies above as Autumn Colors dot the landscape next to the Columbia River in the the Columbia River Gorge. Hood River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/columbia-gold/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0507-_20171112_16x20.jpg Columbia Gold Autumn along the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Fall colors line the banks of the Columbia River at the scene reflects in its still waters. Mosier, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/canopy-of-amber/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7896_20211017.jpg Canopy of Amber Maple Trees in the Autumn, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Maple Trees turn yellow and gold with the colors of Autumn in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Rooster Rock State Park, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/soft-gold/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7864_20211017.jpg Soft Gold Maple Trees in the Autumn, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Maple Trees turn yellow and gold with the colors of Autumn in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Autumn in Oregon can be incredibly beautiful if you head to the right spots. The Pacific Northwest is known for its evergreen trees, but if you know where to look the colors of autumn are absolutely stunning on the deciduous trees. When the beautiful leaves of the maple trees turn that soft golden yellow it's truly a thing of beauty. It was absolutely beautiful seeing the maples growing in this grove, a few fallen leaves laying on the soft grasses as the colors of sunset filter through the leaves. It's so incredibly peaceful and serene, standing under these at you look out at the scattering of wonderful colors around you. This one was fairly simple, the colors of autumn in a grove of trees as sunset filters through. Sometimes it's those simple scenes you could get lost in forever, as everything comes together in perfect harmony producing a week wonderful blanket of soft gold above you. Rooster Rock State Park, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/eye-candy/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5181_20210506.jpg Eye Candy Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington Brilliant turquoise water flows over the ledge, into the pool and through the narrow channel of the canyon Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/simple-life/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5041_20210501.jpg Simple Life Twilight Reflections on Benson Lake in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon The soft blues of twilight set in as the trees reflect in the calm, clear waters of Benson Lake in the Columbia River Gorge. Benson Lake, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/hideaway/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8501_20211020.jpg Hideaway Horsetail Falls in the Autumn, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Horsetail Falls tumbled 176 feet over the cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge as the colors of Autumn line the shore. Horsetail Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/framed-by-autumn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8491-_90A8500_20211020.jpg Framed by Autumn Multnomah Falls in the Autumn, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Yellow and gold trees with the colors of Autumn frame Multnomah Falls as it falls 620 feet over the cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge. When the deciduous trees at Multnomah Falls turn a beautiful shade of gold, they perfectly frame Multnomah Falls and the Benson Bridge, surrounding them with the colors of autumn as the water of Multnomah Creek gracefully tumble 620 feet over the cliffs. It's vintage beauty of the gorge, framed by the colors of autumn which briefly transform this place into something truly magical. The Columbia River Gorge has long been one of my favorite places, and I've been coming here most of my life. It truly comes alive once the weather turns cold, the colors come out and the rains of the wet season bring the waterfalls to life. There's a cold, crisp air in the gorge this time of year that mixes with the mist as from the waterfall. When a slight gorge wind rustles the leaves it's a moment of bliss, a perfect mix of the 5 senses. It's a perfect harmony of nature. This place can often be crowded, but it was fairly empty this day as the day drew to a close and the light slowly began to fade. It's always a wondrous when you're able to experience a place like this without too many people around. It allows you to truly stop and take in the grandeur of the scene. I've been here more times than I can count over the course of my life, but those brief few moments of color in the autumn are truly magical. Those are the moments that stand frozen in time. Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mirror-runner/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7961-_90A7963_20211017.jpg Mirror Runner Sunset reflected in the waters of the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Sunset illuminates the clouds in the sky above as it reflects like a mirror in the still, see through waters of the Columbia River in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon. Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/symmetry-of-nature/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7958_20211017.jpg Symmetry of Nature Storms clouds at Sunset reflect in the waters of the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Storm clouds line the skies as Sunset illuminates a band if thin clouds above the thick storm clouds, while the scene reflects in the still waters of the Columbia River. Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/liquid-lace/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5210-20210506.jpg Liquid Lace Little White Salmon River, Columbia River Gorge, Washington Water flows over the rocks, creating an illusion of soft lace. Little White Salmon River, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/spillway/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5204_20210506.jpg Spillway Little White Salmon River, Columbia River Gorge, Washington Turquoise waters spill over the ledge and continues downstream through the narrow forest gorge. Little White Salmon River, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/spirit-of-the-glen/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5189_20210506.jpg Spirit of the Glen Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington Turquoise water flows over the cliffs as the turquoise waters of the river flow down through the narrow forest canyon. This is easily one of the most beautiful sights I've ever laid eyes on. It takes work to get to, as the short "trail" takes you down a nearly 42.5% slope nearly 800 feet at one point. It's a talus slope, so there's loose rock mixed in and there's not much preventing you from tumbling down the bottom if you slip sans a few trees mixed in on the way down (good traction shoes and hiking poles are strongly recommended). One you reach the bottom, it's as if you've entered another world. The color of the water is pure turquoise, something that truly has to be seen to believe as it weaves its way through this magical forest glen. It's as if you've left earth, swept away to magical lands straight out of a fairytale. Time simply stands still here. The turquoise water flows through the narrow canyon as the soft greens of the forest surround you above. Nature is always beautiful, but at times its beauty is so jaw dropping you simply stand in awe at the wonders in front of you. Scenes like this are a true moment of peace and serenity. Everything else in the world fades away, and for those brief few moments everything is perfect as you marvel at the beauty of this magic forest glen straight out of a fairytale. Spirit Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/state-of-mind/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5074_20210506.jpg State of Mind Sunrise over the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Washington Sunrise over the Columbia River illuminates the clouds in the sky above and the waters of the Columbia River below Columbia River Gorge, Washington https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/legend-of-the-fall/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0606-_90A0627_20171118.jpg Legend of the Fall Autumn Sunset over the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Autumn Colors dot the landscape and line the banks of the Columbia River as the colors of sunset illuminate the skies above. The scene reflects in the still waters of the Columbia River as it runs through the Columbia River Gorge. There's always something about the fleeting colors of autumn mixed with the beautiful colors of sunset which captivates the soul. It's nature's beauty at its finest, as everything comes together in perfect harmony to create one of those moments where time seemingly stands still. Add in a little cold air and a slight breeze and it's simply magic. I absolutely love how the land sticks out here, creating a cove of still water that catches the autumn trees along the river banks and reflects them like a mirror as the colors of sunset reflect in various parts of the river. The colors of autumn come alive throughout the scene, as the trees in the orchard below run in perfect parallel lines of green and gold. Its vintage autumn mixed with vintage Columbia River Gorge: the colors of autumn lining the landscape below as the cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge rise high above the river as it weaves its way towards the Pacific. Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons when the colors are just right, yet its peak beauty is fleeting. Photography is such a wonderful art form. It allows us to capture the moment and freeze it forever so that we may forever take ourselves back to that special place. Autumn's beauty may be fleeting, but there's something about those beautiful colors mixed with cold crisp air. It's a moment I could get lost in forever. Hood River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/scarlet-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0500_20200802.jpg Scarlet Glow Sun rays through Noble Fir trees at Sunset, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon Sun rays at Sunset shine a scarlet color through Noble Fir trees in the Forest up high in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Larch Mountain, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/timeless-waters/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2251-_90A2255_20140829_16x20.jpg Timeless Waters The Milky Way over Crater Lake and Cleetwood Cove, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above Cleetwood Cove and Crater Lake at night as faint airglow illuminates the skies above. Cleetwood Cove, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/moonlights-kiss/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0313-_90A0317_20150623_2X1.jpg Moonlight's Kiss Moonlit Airglow over Crater Lake and Wizard Island, Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Milky Way spiral arm rises above Crater Lake and strong aurora induced airglow as moonlight illuminates the lake, Wizard Island and the caldera rim. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/eternitys-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2247-_90A2250_20140828_16x20.jpg Eternity's Glow The Milky Way over Crater Lake and Grotto Cove, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above Grotto Cove and Crater Lake at night as s faint airglow illuminates the skies above.There's something about Crater Lake which always captivates me. It's absolutely amazing to stand at the rim and look out at the caldera filled with nothing but rain and snowmelt. Add in the truly dark skies up here at night and it's truly a wonderful sight. The lake stretches 6 miles across, and it feels every bit as vast as it looks. Add in the thousands upon thousands of stars in the dark night skies above with the Milky Way rising high above and it's a feeling of standing smack dab in the middle of eternity. It's a reminder of the power of nature, as well as its ability to recover. 7700 years ago, Mount Mazama collapsed during an eruption. This beautiful lake we now see is the result of nature's ability to recover. It's a reminder of how one kind of beauty in nature can transform into something completely different yet equally as beautiful. It's a perfect compliment to the wonderful views of the night sky, the light of which actually happened a long time ago and is just now reaching us. It's a wonderful mix of the past and the present. Scenes like this always seem to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed, and the wonderful mix of past and present here is a wonderful reminder of why we must preserve the beauty of nature so that future generations may also experience it's wonders. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-magicians-cauldron/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0991-_90A0994_20150625_16x20.jpg The Magician's Cauldron Aurora Borealis Glow over Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Or The magentas and greens of the Aurora Borealis illuminate the night sky and reflect off the still waters of Crater Lake as the Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way northern spiral arm rise high into the skies above. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/auroras-dreamland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0978-_90A0981_06252015_2x1.jpg Aurora's Dreamland The Aurora Borealis, Andromeda Galaxy and Milky Way Spiral Arm over Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The magentas and greens of the Aurora Borealis light up the skies above Crater Lake and Wizard Island as the spiral arm of the Milky Way rises into the night skies above. It takes a rare, exceedingly strong geomagnetic storm to bring the Aurora Borealis this far south. When the Aurora is this strong, you can easily capture the impressive glow of it all and that's what I went for here vs a more traditional photo of dancing and pillars. You can see elements of both in the photo, but the sheer colorful display of everything is what caught my eye. Our eyes see mostly monochromatic at night, but during a strong display such as this our eyes can see hints of color even in the dark. As is so common here in the Pacific Northwest, the clouds were obscuring things early on. Hoping for a break in the clouds, I decided I'd wait all night if I had to. Once the clouds finally broke, it was magnificent. The colors were so intense they were illuminating the waters of Crater Lake, and the Aurora colors were split, with greens towards the NE and into the upper parts of the sky and the magentas hanging on towards the horizon and the North. It was an amazing display, one which transformed Crater Lake into what felt like Aurora's Dreamland. It felt like dreams mixed with reality. It's not often that displays this strong happen that far south, but when they do it's a sight to behold. It's even more rare to see the colors of the Aurora split like this, so that's exactly what I aimed to capture. I always try to look for the unique beauty of each Aurora display. I consider how it makes me feel and how it hits my senses. I aim to photograph that, something which allows me to have a wide variety of looks and emotions in my Aurora Borealis photos. I stayed up, taking in the scene and taking pictures until the sun came up and the Auroras faded into the light of day. At that point it was time to go to sleep and visit dreamland, though whatever beauty my brain could muster in dreams would surely pail in comparison to the ethereal beauty of Aurora's Dreamland that I had just witnessed. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/night-watchman/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0427-_90A0443_20140829_2x1.jpg Night Watchman The Milky Way over Crater Lake, Wizard Island and Watchman Peak, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Milky Way rises high into the night skies over Crater Lake, Wizard Island and Watchman Peak in Crater Lake National Park Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/oregons-love/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1747-_90A1775_20140828_2x1.jpg Oregon's Love Sunset over Palisade Point, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The setting sun creates a sun star as it lights up Crater Lake, Oregon's only National Park, while casting a warm glow over Palisade Point Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sapphire-summer/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1673-_90A1694_20140828_2X1.jpg Sapphire Summer Crater Lake and Cleetwood Cove in the Summer, Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The setting sun casts a golden hue over the rim above the Sapphire blue waters of Crater Lake as Cleetwood Cove slips into the shade. Cleetwood Cove, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/last-dance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_6640-_MG_6644_20130809_2x1.jpg Last Dance Cloudcap sunset over Crater Lake, Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park The sun's rays create a warm glow on the Rim of Crater Lake as the colors of sunset reflect off the waters below Cloudcap, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mazamas-requiem/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1834-_90A1889_20140828_2X1.jpg Mazama's Requiem Crater Lake and Cloudcap Overlook at Sunset, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The colors of sunset above reflect off the waters of Crater Lake some 2000 feet below. The setting sun stars off the edge of the rim above Crater Lake as it creeps behind the rim of Mount Mazama's Caldera, all that's left of the former 12,000 foot mountain after it's climactic eruption and destruction 7700 years ago.Crater Lake has long been one of my favorite spots in Oregon. The water there is a deep cobalt blue like nothing I've ever seen. It's always so peaceful looking out at the Caldera Rim, watching the sun creep behind the caldera walls. The irony of that is not lost on me, considering the cataclysmic eruption that formed this beautiful and serene place. Warm rays of sunshine illuminated the face of Garfield Peak, and as the sun began to move below the rim it created a sunstar as the soft pastel light beams of color shined across the rim. There was a crescent moon in the sky, which is hard to see in the photo on a small screen but easy to see in print. It's a wonderful duality of nature; the moon and the sun both setting as they end their day. This was fitting, as Crater Lake has always been one of those places where you are reminded of the duality of nature. It's a place where you are reminded that even the most destructive forces in nature will yield beauty. The peak of Mount Mazama may be long gone, but beauty still reigns supreme as you look out over the rim towards its water filled caldera. Cloudcap, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/night-spell/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0958_06252015.jpg Night Spell The Milky Way and Green Airglow over Wizard Island and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Milky Way rises over Crater Lake and Wizard Island as the green airglow softly illuminates the dark night skies above. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/night-enchantment/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0339_06242015.jpg Night Enchantment The Milky Way over Cleetwood Cove and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Milky Way core rises above Cleetwood Cove and Crater Lake as green aurora induced airglow stretches across the sky. Cleetwood Cove, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glimmering-waters/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0984_06262015.jpg Glimmering Waters The Aurora Borealis, Andromeda Galaxy and Milky Way over Wizard Island and Fumarole Bay, Crater Lake National Park The magentas and greens of the Aurora Borealis light up the skies above Crater Lake and Wizard Island as the spiral arm of the Milky Way rises into the night skies above. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-magic-cauldron/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0966_06252015.jpg The Magic Cauldron The Aurora Borealis and Big Dipper over Cloudcap Bay, Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park Magentas and greens of the Aurora Borealis light up the skies above Crater Lake as the colors reflect off the waters of Cloudcap Bay. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/magic-slumber/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0345_06252015.jpg Magic Slumber The Milky Way over Crater Lake, a Whitebark Pine and Wizard Island, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Milky Way rises above Crater Lake, Wizard Island and a lonely Whitebark Pine as airglow stretches across the night sky. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-magicians-scepter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0336_06252015.jpg The Magician's Scepter The Milky Way rises over a Whitebark Pine, Wizard Island and Crater Lake under Moonlight, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The setting moon illuminates a lonely Whitebark Pine, Wizard Island, and Crater Lake as the Milky Way core rises into the night sky above. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wizards-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0752_20191013.jpg Wizard's Magic Sunset over Wizard Island and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Sunset brings a pastel alpenglow to the skies over Crater Lake and Wizard Island as the day draws to a close. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/million-miles/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0161_20200714.jpg Million Miles Comet NEOWISE over Wizard Island and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Faint aurora airglow rises over Crater Lake and Wizard Island as Comet NEOWISE streaks through the night sky, a rare moment captured above one of Oregon's most iconic landscapes. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/magic-of-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2242-_90A2246_20140828_SQ.jpg Magic of Night The Milky Way over Grotto Cove, Skell Head and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above Grotto Cove and Crater Lake at night as s faint airglow illuminates the skies above. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/charmed-paradise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2217-_90A2221_20140828_SQ.jpg Charmed Paradise The Milky Way over Pumice Point and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above Pumice Point and Crater Lake as faint airglow illuminates the skies above.Crater Lake has always had some of the darkest skies I've ever seen. Places like Crater Lake allow us to enjoy the wonders of the night sky, something that's increasingly harder to find. There's always something special about heading out into the dark of night and staring up at the stars above. We're essentially peering into the past, as the light we're looking at  happened many years in the past and is just now reaching us. It's incredibly humbling and inspirational. It's amazing to see this ancient light, twinkling far above these wonders of nature. Life slows down and everything makes sense, as whatever is troubling your mind seems to melt away. Crater Lake always feels like a Charmed Paradise. It's a beautiful, magical place that heels the soul and leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Nature always has a way heeling our soul, and the ancient light we can experience in places like this take that to a whole new level. There's something about staring out at the caldera of Crater Lake as the Milky Way twinkles above that never gets old. It's a sight I've enjoyed for a long time, and it's one I'll always continue to enjoy. Life just makes sense in places like this. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/night-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0975_06252015.jpg Night Magic The Aurora Borealis, Andromeda Galaxy and Milky Way over Crater Lake and Fumarole Bay, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The magentas and greens of the Aurora Borealis light up the skies above Crater Lake and Wizard Island as the spiral arm of the Milky Way rises into the night skies above. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-glowing-cauldron/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0311_20150623.jpg The Glowing Cauldron Moonlit Milky Way Spiral Arm over Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Milky Way spiral arm rises above Crater Lake and strong aurora induced airglow as moonlight illuminates the lake and the caldera rim. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/into-the-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2225_20140828.jpg Into the Night The Milky Way over Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Milky Way rises high into the night skies above Crater Lake as airglow faintly illuminates the night sky above. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/purple-dance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0375-_90A0376_06242015.jpg Purple Dance The Aurora Borealis over Crater Lake and Wizard Island, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Milky Way spiral arm rises high in the night sky as the purples of the Aurora Borealis reflect off the waters of Crater Lake. Light from the rising sun still far below the horizon can be seen creeping up just above the caldera rim. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/false-sunrise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0324_20150626.jpg False Sunrise Crater Lake Milky Way, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The light on the horizon may look like the sun rising, but it's really the light pollution from Klamath Falls, Oregon many miles away. The setting moon illuminates Crater Lakes caldera rim as the Milky Way rises high into the sky above. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wizards-core/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0338_90A0340_20150626_16x20.jpg Wizard's Core The Milky Way over Crater Lake, Wizard Island and a Whitebark Pine, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The setting moon illuminates Wizard Island, Crater Lake, and Whitebark Pines as the Milky Way core rises high into the sky as green airglow stretches across the sky.Sometimes, the brightest of light is found in the darkest of skies. That's where the light truly reveals itself. It's in those moments, surrounded by nothing but the trees, water, and the dark night sky that everything begins to make sense. These moments are when I'm truly at peace. It's when you can process whatever ails you, so you're not crushed under the weight of a thousand boulders during the busyness of daylight. There's something sacred about the dark of night. The sun is beautiful during the day, but it's the stars shining brightly in the night sky that bring about the most serene moments of peace. It's when you slip back into sync with your soul, and everything makes sense. Moments like these are more than just peaceful moments in nature, it's as if you're conversing with an old friend who always welcomes you back with the most beautiful of sights. Perhaps that's the most wonderful thing about nature, it's always there when you need it. That soft wind blowing across your face as you look out over the rim while the stars twinkle brightly in the night sky above. Those moments of silence are like little quiet conversations with heaven. Perhaps the most wonderful thing about it is each and every night it's always there to greet you again with open arms, a subtle reminder to never forget that the brightest light shines in the darkness. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glimmering-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0334-_90A0335_06242015_16x20.jpg Glimmering Magic The Milky Way over Cleetwood Cove, Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park The sky illuminates green from airglow as the Milky Way core rises over Cleetwood Cove and Crater Lake in Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake has long been one of my favorite places in Oregon, and I've been there more times than I can count. I still remember the first time I peered over the rim and saw that deep cobalt blue water. It really is a sight you have to see to believe. The waters which fills the collapsed caldera of Mount Mazama are always a stunning site, and when the stars fill the skies overhead it's something magical. There's something about the cool, crisp air up there that has always relaxed me. The airglow this night was absolutely amazing to witness, though I suppose it wasn't true airglow. Airglow is very similar to the auroras, in that the molecules in the atmosphere get excited and produce color in the night sky. The main difference is with airglow, the cause of your glow is completely different than the geomagnetic storms that cause auroras, and air glow is present in some form almost every night. Some nights it's more vivid than others, but it's always there even at a low level. We may not be able to see it due to our eyes being primarily monochromatic at night, but thankfully camera sensors don't have that problem. That said, this airglow was actually Aurora induced. There were Auroras going on behind me this night (it was a very strong geomagnetic storm which I also photographed), and the geomagnetic storm was exciting the molecules in the atmosphere enough the colors of airglow enveloped almost the entire sky, which produced a beautiful scene outside of the auroras going on themselves to the north. Auroras are only visible this far south during a super strong geomagnetic storm, and even then you rarely see dancing or pillars. It's mostly beautiful deep glow to the northern Horizon. Clouds actually covered the sky for a good while this night, but I know from experience that clouds come and go very fast at Crater Lake, so I waited it out hoping they'd dissipate. The result was a stunning mix of the night sky, beautiful airglow and the calm and serene waters of Crater Lake far below the Crater Rim. It's vintage Crater Lake at night, as it captures the beauty of the lake, the caldera and the dark skies night above. The icing on the cake however this night was how still the waters of Crater Lake itself were. Sometimes the waters are still enough you can see a reflection in the lake, and sometimes the wind kicks up enough you cannot see a reflection. It was incredible to see and photograph the Milky Way faintly reflecting in the almost 6 mile wide waters of Crater Lake, with all the colors of the night sky faintly reflecting in the water as well. It was one of those perfect nights. There might have been clouds for awhile, but patience was definitely rewarded. Cleetwood Cove, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/craters-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2256-_90A2260_20140829_16x20.jpg Crater's Dream The Milky Way over Cleetwood Cove and Crater Lake, Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above Cleetwood Cove and Crater Lake at night as faint airglow illuminates the skies above. Crater Lake has always been one of my first loves when it comes to outdoor beauty and Oregon. There's nothing quite like this place, a 1,943 foot deep lake in the middle of the Caldera of collapsed Mount Mazama. The deep blue color of Crater lake is simply mind boggling during the day, and the dark skies above at night are quite a treat once the sun goes down. There is not a bad view to be had from anywhere on the rim. The first time I laid eyes on Crater Lake when I was younger, it was love at first site. I still get the same feeling when I visit today as I did that first time I laid eyes on it. Whenever I stare out at the deep blue, I have the same thought: it's amazing how something like the eruption which collapsed Mount Mazama can lead to something so beautiful. Perhaps even more amazing is how the water of the nearly 6 mi wide lake can sometimes be so still, that reflections can be visible in it. One of my favorite things about this night has always the Milky Way core reflecting in the waters of Crater Lake. It's a site I've been fortunate enough to see before, and one that never gets old no matter how many times I see it. Cleetwood Cove, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/shimmering-brilliance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2229-_90A2235_20140828_16x20B2.jpg Shimmering Brilliance The Milky Way over Cloudcap Bay and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above Cloudcap Bay and Crater Lake as meteors from Perseid meteor shower streak across the sky.There's something magical about staring out into the collapsed caldera of a volcano and seeing nothing but deep water which always takes my breath away. Even in the dark of the night, you can see a hint of deep blue in the water. The brilliant, shimmering night skies above the lake always make for a wondrous sight above. The power of nature is on full display here, as the 1949 foot deep lake replaces the former 12,000 + foot high volcano Mount Mazama. Looking closely at the caldera walls, you can still see evidence of the explosion which led to the collapse of the volcano. The high peak of Mount Mazama collapsed and was replaced with a deep Caldera, filled now with a brilliant, shimmering cobalt blue water. 100% of the water in Crater Lake is snow melt, as the lake has no outlet. It's the purest water in the world. No matter how many times I've been there, it's always breathtaking to look out and see stunning lake. Perhaps my favorite thing about this place has always been how nature took one thing, the destruction of a volcano, and created something, new, beautiful and brilliant in its place. Nature's ability to create something beautiful out of almost any circumstance never ceases to amaze me. It's a lesson we can all learn from. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/hello-old-friend/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0174_20200714.jpg Hello Old Friend Comet NEOWISE over Wizard Island and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon As Nautical Dawn approaches, moonlight illuminates Crater Lake and Wizard Island while Comet NEOWISE streaks across the quiet morning sky Crater Lake National Park, Orego https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cosmic-dance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0159_20200714.jpg Cosmic Dance Comet NEOWISE over Wizard Island and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Faint aurora airglow rises over Crater Lake and Wizard Island as Comet NEOWISE streaks through the night sky, a rare moment captured above one of Oregon's most iconic landscapes.I spent almost 2 months straight chasing photos in 2020, and it started with the almost 3 week chase of Neowise, which lasted until it finally faded away into the night sky when I was on the Oregon coast. I would photograph it in a different spot every night, sometimes crossing the entire state on back to back days so I could be where I needed to be for the photo the next night. I drove 6,000 miles all over the Pacific Northwest for photos, sleeping in my car (that got really tiring). My journey started with Neowise early in July up on Mount Hood, took me all over Oregon and Washington, and ended back up on Mount Hood in early September. I visited Crater Lake to photograph Neowise early during this trek, on a night when Auroras were showing up. As the moon began to rise, a beautiful faint Aurora glow mixed with the faint rising moonlight to produce a wonderful scene as Comet Neowise streaked overhead. Years have passed since this long journey in the summer of 2020, but this moment still stands as one of my favorites from the entire journey. Crater Lake has long been one of my favorite spots in Oregon, and this quiet night, alone with my wife and son on the rim, staring out at all the beauty of the universe had to offer will always one of my most memorable experiences there. Crater Lake National Park, Orego https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/blue-dawn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0213_20200714.jpg Blue Dawn Comet NEOWISE at Nautical Dawn over Wizard Island and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon As nautical dawn takes hold, Comet NEOWISE fades into the horizon above Wizard Island and Crater Lake while the first hints of sunrise color the eastern sky. Crater Lake National Park, Orego https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/craters-welcome/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0175_20200714.jpg Crater's Welcome Comet NEOWISE over Wizard Island and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The moon illuminates Crater Lake, the caldera rim and Wizard Island as Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) shines bright in sky. The last bit of night fades away as Nautical Dawn sets in. Crater Lake National Park, Orego https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wizards-beam/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0796_20191013.jpg Wizard's Beam Hunter's Moon over Wizard Island and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Hunter's Moon rises above Wizard Island and the caldera rim, casting its warm glow across the waters of Crater Lake as night settles in. Crater Lake National Park, Orego https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/hunters-watch/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0763_20191013.jpg Hunter's Watch Moonrise over Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon The Hunter's Moon rises over the rim of the Crater Lake caldera at dusk in Crater Lake National Park in OregonSometimes photos are carefully planned, other times you simply photograph the beauty in front of you. This photo was the latter, quite literally a quick pivot from what I was doing. I was photographing sunset the other direction and lost track of time. I saw the glorious color of moon rising behind me from the corner of my eye. I had on my 24-70 and didn't have time to run and get my 400mm and put it on my camera, so I quickly sized up the scene and ran to my newly chosen location. I have always loved how the slopes of the caldera lead sharply down towards the deep blue waters of the Crater Lake. The trees at the top of the rim give a wonderful reference to just how steep the slope really is as you look across the rim. The Hunter's Moon was rising between a few spots on the rim which still slightly caught a glow from the setting sun, perfectly aligned with a small group of trees partway down the slope. The entire thought process played out in my head within a matter of seconds. I quickly ran to my chosen spot, composed the scene, dialed in my settings and took the photo. Things always slow down in moments like this, and those precious few seconds never really seem like that short of a timeframe. That's one of my favorite things about nature: it's easy to get lost in its beauty, and time slows down as you enjoy the moment while time seems to stand still. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/regal-wonder/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8515-_90A8547_20140721_2X1.jpg Regal Wonder Alpenglow on Mount Hood and Trillum Lake at Sunset, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Alpenglow illuminates the snow covered slopes of Mount Hood and the skies above as the scene reflects in the still waters of Trillium Lake in the Mount Hood National Forest Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/alpine-wonderland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0722-_90A0729_20150308_3x1.jpg Alpine Wonderland Alpenglow on Mount Hood at Sunset, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Alpenglow illuminates the snow on Mount Hood at Sunset as soft pastel colors light the clouds in the sky above. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rising-in-the-dark/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1729-_90A1731_07212015_16x20.jpg Rising In The Dark Perseid Meteor Shower and the Aurora Borealis over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mt Hood National Forest, Oregon The Perseid Meteor Shower, the Aurora Borealis and the Andromeda Galaxy light up the night skies above Mount Hood and Trillium Lake as the spiral arm of the Milky Way rises high into the skies above the mountain. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/morning-tranquility/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0482-_90A0483_2020709_16x20.jpg Morning Tranquility Sunrise over Mount Hood and the White River, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon The White River flows down the slopes of Mount Hood as sunlight illuminates the White River Glacier, Newton Clark Glacier, and a bit of the Palmer Snowfield (Palmer Glacier) at sunrise during the morning Golden Hour. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/hide-and-seek/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5937_20210526.jpg Hide-And-Seek Alpenglow and the Belt of Venus over Mount Hood at Sunrise, Columbia Plateau, Oregon Alpenglow illuminates the slopes of Mount Hood at sunrise while the Belt of Venus bathes the skies above in soft, pastel light. The colors of the rising sun illuminate the low laying clouds and the foothills below as a new day begins. Mount Hood, Columbia Plateau, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-flow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3746_20210122.jpg Winter's Flow A Glacial River on Mount Hood in the Winter at Night, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon A glacial river carves its way down Mount Hood in the winter, cutting a frozen divide into the snowfield as moonlight paints the landscape in silver light. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/crisp-reflections/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_9571-_MG_9575_20131017.jpg Crisp Reflections Alpenglow after Sunset over Mt Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon The last bit of alpenglow at dusk illuminates the sky and the snow on Mount Hood with a golden glow as the scene reflects in the still waters of Trillium Lake Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/twilight-solace/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8563_90A85692014721.jpg Twilight Solace Alpenglow at Dusk on Mt Hood and Trillum Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon After sunset, alpenglow at dusk illuminates the slopes of Mount Hood and the skies above as a lenticular cloud forms above the peak of the mountain. Soft colors glow across the waters of Trillium Lake as the scene fainly reflects in the serene waters. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/where-the-water-flows/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6338_20210612.jpg Where the Water Flows Storm Clouds over Green Apple Creek, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Green Apple Creek flows through a tunnel of foliage on its way down the southern slopes of Mount Hood as dark storm clouds line the skies above. Green Apple Creek, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rise-hood/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1125_20160604.jpg Rise Hood The Milky Way Spiral Arm at Astronomical Sunrise over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Astronomical Sunrise sets in over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake as the Northern Spiral Arm of the Milky Way rises into the sky. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ascension/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5879_20210526.jpg Ascension Alpenglow at Dawn over Mount Hood, Columbia Plateau, Oregon Alpenglow illuminates the slopes of Mount Hood with the soft glow of dawn while soft pastels begin to light the skies above as the Belt of Venus slowly begins to creep up on the horizon. Mount Hood, Columbia Plateau, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/oregons-beauty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0016_20200704.jpg Oregon's Beauty Moonlight illuminates Mountt Hood, Cooper Spur, Eliot Glacier, and Barrett Spur, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Rays of light from the rising full moon illuminate Mount Hood, Cooper Spur, Eliot Glacier, Coe Glacier, Langille Glacier, Langille Crags, Barrett Spur, Stranahan Ridge, and the forest below. Pulpit Rock sits in the shadow of the mountain, as it rises above the subalpine forest below. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/hoods-treasure/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_9503-_MG_9506_20131017.jpg Hood's Treasure Alpenglow at Sunset over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Just after sunset, alpenglow illuminates the snow on Mount Hood with a warm glow as the scene reflects in the still waters of Trillium Lake. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frozen-in-a-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A9137_20211121.jpg Frozen in a Dream Alpenglow at Sunset over Mount Hood and a Frozen Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Alpenglow just after sunset illuminates Mount Hood as the surrounding forest still glows in the lingering light. A thin sheet of ice begins to seal the quiet, cold lake below, capturing faint reflections, frozen patterns and trapped methane bubbles beneath its glassy surface. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/astral-projection/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1728_07212015.jpg Astral Projection The Aurora Borealis, Perseid Meteors, Andromeda Galaxy and Milky Way over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon A pink glow from the Aurora Borealis begin to show above Mount Hood. Perseid Meteors shoot across the sky while the Milky Way Spiral Arm and the Andromeda Galaxy rise high into the sky above while the mountain and stars reflect in the still, silent waters of Trillium Lake. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/night-crown/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0760_20150320.jpg Night Crown Stars in the Night Sky above Mount Hood, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Green Airglow illuminates the night sky behind the clouds as a Lenticular Cloud forms around the summit of Mount Hood Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/still-waters/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_9467_20131017.jpg Still Waters Alpenglow at Sunset over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Just after sunset, alpenglow illuminates the snow on Mount Hood with a warm glow as the scene reflects in the still waters of Trillium Lake. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wonders-of-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3557_20210122.jpg Wonders of Winter Mount Hood and a Glacial River under Moonlight in the Winter, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Winter moonlight illuminates Mount Hood at night as a glacial river carves a channel through the deep, icy snowfield below. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/life-in-the-wasteland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6339_20210612.jpg Life in the Wasteland Storm Clouds over the White River, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Fed by the White River glacier on the southern slopes of Mount Hood in Oregon, the wild and scenic White River flows down from the mountain, cutting a new channel for the river after winter flooding changed the landscape. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-river-wild/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6325_20210612.jpg The River Wild Storm Clouds over the White River, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Fed by the White River glacier on the southern slopes of Mount Hood in Oregon, the wild and scenic White River flows down from the mountain, cutting a new channel for the river after winter flooding changed the landscape. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edge-of-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5907_20210526.jpg Edge of Light The Belt of Venus over Mount Hood before Sunrise, Columbia Plateau, Oregon The Belt of Venus begins to show during morning twilight in the skies above Mount Hood as alpenglow faintly begins to illuminate the slopes of the mountain. Mount Hood, Columbia Plateau, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/majestic-rise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0005_20200704.jpg Majestic Rise Moonlight illuminates Mt Hood, Cooper Spur, Eliot Glacier, and Barrett Spur, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Rays of light from the rising full moon illuminate Mount Hood, Cooper Spur, Eliot Glacier, Coe Glacier, Langille Glacier, Langille Crags, Barrett Spur, Stranahan Ridge, and the forest below. Pulpit Rock sits in the shadow of the mountain, as it rises above the subalpine forest below. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mount-hood-mirror/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8486_20140721.jpg Mount Hood Mirror Sunset over Mt Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Alpenglow appears over Mount Hood just after sunset as the scene reflects in the still waters of Trillium Lake in the Mount Hoot National Forest. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/auroras-climb/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1268_20160605.jpg Aurora's Climb The Milky Way Sprial Arm and Aurora Borealis over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Climbers make their way towards the summit of Mount Hood during the night as the pinks from the Aurora Borealis begin to show behind the clouds. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/disappearance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0157_20200717.jpg Disappearance Comet NEOWISE behind Mount Hood and the White River, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) begins to disappear behind Mount Hood and the White River as it flows down from the White River Glacier up on the mountain. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/faded/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0019_20200711.jpg Faded Comet C/2020 F3 (Neowise) over foggy Trillium Lake at Nautical Dawn, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) reflects in the foggy waters of Trillium Lake in the Mount Hood National Forest of Oregon at Nautical Dawn as the faint glow of sunrise below the horizon illuminates the horizon above the trees.This photo was taken very early on in my 6,000 mile, 3 week journey chasing and photographing Neowise all across Oregon and Washington. It was probably not the greatest year for most people, but I had the time of my life chasing Neowise, sleeping in my SUV and photographing it all across the PNW. This morning was very serene. As nautical dawn arrived, there was a soft fog layer beginning to rise on the lake. The reflection of Neowise in the still waters of Trillium Lake was magical as the soft colors of sunrise began to creep up on the horizon. There's a few lone stars hanging on near Neowise, determined to hang on in the early morning sky as the rest slowly fade away. As I sat and watched the dark of night fade and the light of morning approach, I couldn't help by smile. It should have been a rough year, but this once in a lifetime visitor provided the adventure of a lifetime right when I needed it most. Life is all about how we view things, is the glass half empty or is it half full? I truly do believe life is whatever we make it. I often think back to the memories made while taking this photo. I'm so very thankful that Neowise was here to remind me of this important lesson just when I needed it most. Trillium Lake, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/hoods-magic-moment/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A9136_20211121.jpg Hood's Magic Moment Alpenglow at Sunset over Mount Hood and a Frozen Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Alpenglow just after sunset illuminates Mount Hood as the surrounding forest grows still in the fading light. A thin sheet of ice begins to seal the quiet, cold lake below, capturing faint reflections, frozen patterns and trapped methane bubbles beneath its glassy surface. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/split-infinity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8549-_90A85552014721.jpg Split Infinity Alpenglow on Mount Hood and Trillum Lake at Sunset, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Alpenglow after sunset begins to set in over Mount Hood and the still waters of Trillium Lake in the summertime. A lenticular cloud forms over the peak of the mountain as the day draws to a close. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/last-light-of-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0422_20220331.jpg Last Light of Winter Last Light of Sunset over Mount Hood in Winter, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Winter clouds shroud the peak and upper slopes of Mount Hood at sunset, while the mountain rises above a deep, icy snowfield as the last light of day softly glows in the clouds in the sky above. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-guardian-and-the-watchman/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1082_20190311.jpg The Guardian and the Watchman Sunset over Mount Hood and a One Room Schoolhouse, Wasco County, Oregon Mount Hood stands guard over an Abandoned One Room Schoolhouse at Sunset as a lone bird sits like a watchman atop the flagpole.This scene has long been one of my favorites, as several different things come together here in perfect harmony. The wood of the old, one room schoolhouse provides a certain warmth to the foreground, just as the soft pastel colors in the sky do behind the the mountain. Mount Hood stands guard over the schoolhouse and landscape below, as a lone bird perches on top of the flagpole like a watchman keeping an eye on the untouched fields of snow below. It was as if I was lost in a time warp, watching the beauty of nature unfold around the remnants of a time long since gone. Mount Hood will stand as a guardian over this landscape long after this schoolhouse is gone, but for a brief moment in time their beauty came together in perfect harmony, as the lone watchman remains high upon the flagpole. Wasco County, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rise-up/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A5918_20210526.jpg Rise Up Alpenglow and the Belt of Venus over Mount Hood at Sunrise, Columbia Plateau, Oregon Alpenglow bathes the slopes of Mount Hood just before sunrise as the soft pastel light of the Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above. Mount Hood, Columbia Plateau, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mighty-hood/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0706_20150308.jpg Mighty Hood Alpenglow on Mount Hood at Sunset, Mt Hood, Oregon Alpenglow lights the snow on the slopes of Mount Hood just after sunset, as it rises above the evergreen forests below and into the heavens above. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winterland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3756_20210122.jpg Winterland A Glacial River on Mount Hood in the Winter at Night, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon The White River flows down from Mount Hood, creating a divide in the snow and ice field as Moonlight illuminates the landscape. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mountain-music/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3467_20210122.jpg Mountain Music Winter on Mount Hood during Nautical Twilight, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Long after sunset and dusk on a cold winter evening, the last light lingers in the clouds above Mount Hood painting them with subtle pastel tones as a glacial river cuts through the snow and ice fields below. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dance-with-the-alpenglow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A9183_20211121.jpg Dance with the Alpenglow Alpenglow after Sunset over Mount Hood and a Frozen Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Long after sunset as civil twilight deepens, true alpenglow ignites Mount Hood and the skies above with ethereal pastel colors. The lingering light bathes part of the forest in a warm glow, while a thin sheet of ice begins to seal the quiet, cold lake below capturing faint reflections, frozen patterns and trapped methane bubbles beneath its glassy surface. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/balance-of-nature/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6142-_90A6143_20210607.jpg Balance of Nature Alpenglow and a Lenticular Cloud over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake at Sunset, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon A lenticular cloud crowns the peak of Mount Hood just after sunset as alpenglow illuminates the clouds above while the scene reflects in the smooth, mirror like waters of Trillium Lake. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-kiss/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3448_20210122.jpg Winter's Kiss Winter Alpenglow on Mount Hood after Sunset, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Alpenglow sets fire to the glaciers and snow covered slopes of Mount Hood after sunset, as a glacial river slices through the deep, ice packed snowfield below. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fade-away/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1198_20200825.jpg Fade Away Alpenglow and Moonset after sunset over Mount Hood, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Soft pastel colors illuminate the sky after sunset as dusk nears. The setting moon shines brightly in the skies above Mount Hood as Alpenglow illuminates the slopes of the mountain and the surrounding subalpine forests below. A lone, twisted, gnarled krummholz subalpine fir grows at the edge of a high ridge on the rugged northeast slopes of Mount Hood as the day draws to a close. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dematerialize/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0143_20200709.jpg Dematerialize Sunrise over Mount Hood and Foggy Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Morning Twilight brings the colors of sunrise to the clouds and skies over Mount Hood as fog rises from the still waters of Trillium Lake Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/freeze-frame/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0006_20200711.jpg Freeze Frame Comet NEOWISE over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) rises into the night skies above moonlit Mount Hood as it reflects in the still waters of Trillium Lake. This was one of the first photos I took of Neowise on what ended up being a 6000 mile trek all across the Pacific Northwest over a period of 2 months, and ironically it's only a little over 1 hour from my house. This has long been one of my favorite spots on Mount Hood, and it's long been one of my favorite compositions of the mountain. Hood is extremely photogenic, and it's easy to see why. The water here isn't always calm. A little bit of wind can change the mood of the whole photo, and a glass like reflection was important in order to capture the reflection of Neowise and Hood in the lake. Sometimes a line of climbers can be seen attempting to summit the mountain, and if you look closely you can see that here. As an added bonus, a partial moon softly illuminated Mount Hood as fog started to slowly rise up from the lake due to the temperature differential. It all came together in a very relaxing, serene manner. I had a lot of fun this night / early morning, especially helping my then 7 year old son learn photography and get some photos of his own with my backup camera body and travel tripod. Getting photos of Neowise and Hood was great, but it was the time spent helping my son learn behind the camera which really made this night special. Photographing it with my son as Neowise sailed over the still waters of Trillium Lake while the partial Moon faintly illuminated Mount Hood is something I will never forget Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silent-solitude/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1203_20200825.jpg Silent Solitude Alpenglow and Moonset at Dusk over Mount Hood, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Pastel colors softly illuminate the sky at dusk. The setting moon shines brightly in the skies above Mount Hood and the forest below as the last bit of Alpenglow fades away.I've always loved those soft, subtle pastel colors of dusk over Mount Hood. The soft alpenglow which hangs on is magical, especially combined with the correct phase of moonlight. The setting moon really pulls everything together here, softly illuminating the landscape below. It's a wonderous sight, standing at the edge of a cliff looking out at the mountain rising high above the forest below. It's a beautiful silence when it's just you and the mountain as the last light of day hangs on.  Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-glowing-mountain/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0747_20150309_E.jpg The Glowing Mountain Alpenglow after Sunset over Mt Hood, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Long after sunset has passed, alpenglow illuminates Mount Hood at dusk as the Belt of Venus faintly illuminates the skies above. Last Chance Mountain and East Zigzag Mountain rise up, framing Mount Hood as it rises above the surrounding forests of the Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/alpenglow-reflections/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8556-_90A85622014721.jpg Alpenglow Reflections Alpenglow after Sunset on Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon After sunset, alpenglow at dusk illuminates the slopes of Mount Hood and the skies above as a lenticular cloud forms above the peak of the mountain. Soft colors glow across the waters of Trillium Lake as the scene fainly reflects in the serene waters. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-lonely-mountain/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8402_2014721.jpg The Lonely Mountain Sunset and Alpenglow over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Sunset over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake brings amazing colors to the skies above and the waters of the lake below as alpenglow begins to illuminate the slopes of the mountain. A lenticular cloud forms over the peak of the mountain as the day draws to a close. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/zig-zag/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6342_20210612.jpg Zig-Zag Storm Clouds over the White River, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Fed by the White River glacier on the southern slopes of Mount Hood in Oregon, the wild and scenic White River flows down from the mountain, cutting a new channel for the river after winter flooding changed the landscape. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/slalom/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6331_20210612.jpg Slalom Storm Clouds over the White River, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Fed by the White River glacier on the southern slopes of Mount Hood in Oregon, the wild and scenic White River flows down from the mountain, cutting a new channel for the river after winter flooding changed the landscape. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/shine/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0241_20200720.jpg Shine Comet NEOWISE setting behind Mt Hood, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) sets behind the slopes Mount Hood as green airglow illuminates the sky above. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peace/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0109_20200717.jpg Peace Comet NEOWISE and a Perseid Meteor over Mount Hood and the White River, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) above Mount Hood and the White River as a Perseid Meteor streaks across the sky.Mount Hood is one of my favorite spots in my home state, so it's only natural I would end up photographing Neowise up here from several locations over the course of 3 weeks. I love the peaceful feeling of the waters flowing down from the mountain with the backdrop of Neowise in the skies above. This photo was taken in the middle of Astronomical Twilight, so the last hint of blue from Nautical Twilight was hanging on in the skies before they would take on the dark of night about 10 minutes later (if you'd like to see the change in light that 10 minutes makes, look for my photo "Flow"). There's a lone Perseid Meteor in the photo. This was when the meteor shower first started, well before the peak of it. The meteor shower actually lasts for about 6 weeks, though the famous peak of it is about 4 weeks into it. It was quite a treat to see the lone meteor in the sky, parallel with Neowise high above Mount Hood and the waters below. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/forest-melody/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0233_20200709.jpg Forest Melody Sunrise over Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Fog rises near the shore of Trillium Lake while the colors of sunrise illuminate the clouds in the skies above as the scene reflects in the calm, still waters of the lake. Trillium Lake, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/diffused-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0008_20200711.jpg Diffused Magic Comet NEOWISE over foggy moonlit Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Moonlight illuminates Trillium Lake in the Mount Hood National Forest as fog rises above the water and Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) rises into the skies above. Trillium Lake, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emerald-slumber/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1794_20150721.jpg Emerald Slumber The Milky Way over Mount Hood, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above Mount Hood and the trees of the forest as a meteor streaks across the sky. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/shimmering-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1769_07212015.jpg Shimmering Magic The Milky Way over Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above evergreen forests and the waters of Trillium Lake.The Milky Way was looking beautiful this night, with the stars directly overhead seemingly having a slight twinkle to them. I thought about possible compositions based on the Milky Way's alignment, and I knew just the spot. Once I arrived, the scene was very peaceful. The water was still, stars were twinkling and shimmering overhead, and there were no sounds but the sounds of silence. It's always relaxing, staring up at the night sky and taking in the views. It's a luxury far too many people don't have with all the light pollution found in cities. It was a wonderful, serene moment. There's nothing quite like a peaceful night up in the mountains. Time always seems to stand still when I'm up there. Trillium Lake, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mount-hood-rising/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0664_20170529_C16x20.jpg Mount Hood Rising Mount Hood Sunset over the Columbia River, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Sunset illuminates the skies over Mount Hood as it rises above the Columbia River and the surrounding landscape as Golden Hour light sets in. Columbia River & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/alpine-majesty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0079_20190617_16x20.jpg Alpine Majesty Alpenglow at Sunset on Mount Hood, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Alpenglow illuminates the slopes of Mount Hood at Sunset as small wildflowers (shooting star, lupine, Gray's Lovage, Lyall's Anemone, and more) grow in a meadow at the edge of the forest. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/alpine-glass/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1629-_90A1631_20160606_SQ.jpg Alpine Glass The Milky Way over Mount Hood and Lost Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon The Milky Way rises high into the night sky over Lost Lake and Mount Hood as the scene reflects like a mirror in the still, calm water of the lake. Lost Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/edge-of-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0086-_90A0092.jpg Edge of Night Comet NEOWISE at Nautical Dusk over Mt Hood and the White River, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) begins to faintly appear in the sky above Mount Hood and the White River at Nautical Dusk. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lost-in-time/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0845_20181105.jpg Lost in Time Sunset over Hackberry General Store on Route 66, Hackberry, Arizona Sunset over the Hackberry General Store on Historic Route 66 in Arizona brings warm colors to the skies above. The Hackberry General Store was originally opened by Bob Waldmire, an artist who traveled Route 66 in his orange Volkswagen Microbus. Bob was the unoffical inspriation for Fillmore in the movie Cars. Route 66, Hackberry, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/golden-years/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0838_20181105.jpg Golden Years Sunset over Hackberry General Store on Route 66, Hackberry, Arizona Sunset over the Hackberry General Store on Historic Route 66 in Arizona brings warm colors to the skies above. The Hackberry General Store was originally opened by Bob Waldmire, an artist who traveled Route 66 in his orange Volkswagen Microbus. Bob was the unoffical inspriation for Fillmore in the movie Cars. Route 66, Hackberry, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/get-your-kicks-on-route-66/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0796-_90A0803_20161106.jpg Get your Kicks on Route 66 The Mother Road. The Main Street of America. The Will Rodgers Highway. Route 66. This is Americana, part of the cultural heritage of America. Now mostly regulated into the annuals of American History, Williams Arizona was the last spot on U.S. Route 66 bypassed by Interstate 40. Route 66 was originally established in 1926 as part of the first US federal highway system, connecting Chicago Illinos to Santa Monica Califoria. Interstate 40 bypassed Williams Arizona on October 13, 1984 making it the last town on Route 66 town to be bypassed by the interstate highway. Route 66 was decommissioned the following year in 1985. The Williams Historic Business District (part of which can be seen here in this photo) was listed on the National Register of Historic places May 19, 1989. It's now a glimpse into a bygone era. Crusiers Cafe 66 (building on far right side of photo) is housed in an old gas station building daiting to the 1930s, with the building next to it dating to 1910 when it was home to The Postal Telegraph Co. Later on during Route 66's heyday, it would become a radio and appliance store before eventually becoming the Western Auto store. Route 66, Williams, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/christmas-on-route-66/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0486_20181104.jpg Christmas on Route 66 Christmas Lights at Station 66 Italian Bistro, Williams, Arizona Neon and Christmas Lights adorn the exterior of Station 66 Italian Bistro in Williams Arizona during the Christmas season. Interstate 40 bypassed Williams Arizona on October 13, 1984 making it the last town on Route 66 town to be bypassed by the interstate highway. Route 66 was decommissioned the following year in 1985. Station 66 Italian Bistro, Williams, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/route-66-for-the-holidays/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0475_20181105.jpg Route 66 for the Holidays Christmas Lights at Station 66 Italian Bistro, Williams, Arizona Neon and Christmas Lights adorn the exterior of Station 66 Italian Bistro in Williams Arizona during the Christmas season. Interstate 40 bypassed Williams Arizona on October 13, 1984 making it the last town on Route 66 town to be bypassed by the interstate highway. Route 66 was decommissioned the following year in 1985. Station 66 Italian Bistro, Williams, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/another-era/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0366_20181103.jpg Another Era Mr D'z Route 66 Diner, Route 66, Kingman, Arizona Neon lights illuminate the outside of Mr D'z Diner in Kingman Arizona along Route 66. It was originally a 1939 cafe and gas station, before being purchased by Scott and Roy Dutton in the 1980s and remodeled into a classic retro diner. Route 66, Kingman, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/throwback/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0349_20181103.jpg Throwback Old Trails Garage, Route 66, Kingman, Arizona Red neon signage illuminates the front of historic Old Trails Garage on Route 66 in Kingman Arizona, as the neon Packard sign glows brightly at night against the walls of the garage. The garage was originally by J.W. Thompson for M.G Wagner in 1915. Wagner has originally operated the business on South Front Street (now known as Topeka Street), before moving to this location in 1915. It is one of the oldest auto repair facilities remaining in Kingman Arizona and the front facade of the building retains its original, unaltered apperance. The 1930s era Packard sign on the front of the building was installed during renovations that included adding auto company logos to the front facade of the building. Route 66, Kingman, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/letters-from-route-66/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0345_20181103.jpg Letter's from Route 66 Route 66 Post Office, Kingman, Arizona The neon lights of the Route 66 Post Office in Kingman Arizona shine brightly at night outside the Route 66 contract post office at night. The post office is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was Kingman Arizona's the first major federal construction project, built in an Italian Revival style and opening on February 1, 1936. Route 66 Post Office, Kingman, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glow-of-yesteryear/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0343_20181103.jpg Glow of Yesteryear Neon Route 66 Post Office Sign, Kingman, Arizona The neon Route 66 Post Office sign in Kingman Arizona glows brightly at night against the dark of night. The post office is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was Kingman Arizona's the first major federal construction project, built in an Italian Revival style and opening on February 1, 1936. Route 66 Post Office, Kingman, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/waitin-on-santa-fe/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0337_20181103.jpg Waitin' on Santa Fe Historic Santa Fe Railway Kingman Station on Route 66, Kingman, Arizona Built in 1907 by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, Kingman Station is a historic spanish mission style single story train station along Route 66 in Kingman Arizona. It has been restored and is still in use by the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) and by Amtrak for their Southwest Chief train. The historic Kingman Railroad Depot at Kingman Station is also home to the Kingman Railroad Museum. The historic Kingman Railroad Depot was constructed of reinforced concrete in 1907 (even the roof is concrete). It was built to be fireproof after the two previous railroad depots (built in 1885 and 1901) burned to the ground. Stucco siding was applied over the concrete. The Kingman Railroad Depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places in May 1986. Kingman Station, Kingman, Arizon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/neon-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0324_20181103.jpg Neon Dream Old Trails Garage, Route 66, Kingman, Arizona Red neon signage illuminates the front of historic Old Trails Garage on Route 66 in Kingman Arizona, as the neon Packard sign glows brightly at night against the walls of the garage. The garage was originally by J.W. Thompson for M.G Wagner in 1915. Wagner has originally operated the business on South Front Street (now known as Topeka Street), before moving to this location in 1915. It is one of the oldest auto repair facilities remaining in Kingman Arizona and the front facade of the building retains its original, unaltered apperance. The 1930s era Packard sign on the front of the building was installed during renovations that included adding auto company logos to the front facade of the building. Route 66, Kingman, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/standin-on-the-corner/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0125_20170427_C.jpg Standin' On The Corner Route 66, Winslow, Arizona Standin' On the Corner in Winslow, Arizona, what a fine site to see! We've all heard the famous lyrics from The Eagles song "Take It Easy." This is a still, surreal, peaceful cityscape of that famous scene in the song brought to life along Route 66 in Winslow Arizona at night. Route 66, Winslow, Arizona https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/teton-light-dance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1323_20140527.jpg Teton Light Dance Airglow over the Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming The skies above the Teton Range dance with light at night as airglow slowly moves across the sky. Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peak-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0377-_90A0479_20180609_4x1.jpg Peak Glow Golden Hour over Cascade Canyon, the Cathedral Group, Laurel Canyon and the Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Rays from the setting sun illuminate Cascade Canyon and northern slopes and faces of the Cathedral Group (from left to right: Teewinot Mountian, Grand Teton and Mount Owen) during the Golden Hour as Storm Point, Ice Point and Symmetric Spire sit in shadows. Sunlight touches Rock of Age and it shines through Laurel Canyon and illuminates the upper north facing peaks of Mount Saint John and Rockchuck Peak. Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/instability/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0980_20180610_2X_BW.jpg Instability Storm Clouds over the Cathedral Group of the Teton Range and a Beaver Dam along Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming A beaver dam along the Snake River slows down the flow as morning storm clouds during the golden hour blanket the skies above the Cathedral Group of the Teton Range. A lone Trumpeter Swan rests near the shore of the Beaver Pond. Peaks visible in this photo (from left to right): Mount Wister, South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain and The Jaw (just behind the trees). Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/forgotten-dreams/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0808-_90A0818_20180610_3x1.jpg Forgotten Dreams Morning Twilight before Sunrise over the John Moulton Barn and the Cathedral Group in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Alpenglow begins to light the slopes of the Cathedral Group (South Teton, Nez Perce Peak, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain) as the colors of sunrise come to life in the skies above the John Moulton Barn and the Teton Range. John Moulton Barn, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/forever-and-a-day/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0582_20180608_BW.jpg Forever and a Day The Cathedral Group of the Teton Range and Beaver Ponds along the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Cathedral Range from left to right: South Teton, Nez Perce Peak, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/feels-like-home/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0472_20180608.jpg Feels Like Home Sunrise over the TA Moulton Barn and the Grand Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming First light at sunrise illuminates the peaks of the Grand Teton Range as the TA Moulton Barn stands in a green meadow below. Peaks of the Teton Range visible in this photo (from left to right): Prospectors Mountain, Static Peak, Buck Mountain, Veiled Peak, Mount Wister, South Teton, Spalding Peak, Nez Perce Peak, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain. TA Moulton Barn, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cosmic-wave/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1343-_90A1356_20140527_2x1.jpg Cosmic Wave The Milky Way Arch over Jackson Hole Valley, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming The Milky Way arch stretches across the night sky in Jackson Hole Valley and Grand Teton National Park as green airglow illuminates the night skies between the arch and the horizon. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/time-without-end/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0465_20180608.jpg Time Without End Morning Twilight before Sunrise over the TA Moulton Barn and the Grand Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Alpenglow during civil twilight before sunrise begins to illuminate the top of the peaks of the Grand Teton Range as a small creek runs through the green meadow in front of the TA Moulton Barn in Grand Teton National Park Peaks of the Teton Range visible in this photo (from left to right): Prospectors Mountain, Albright Peak, Static Peak, Buck Mountain, Veiled Peak, Mount Wister, South Teton, Spalding Peak, Nez Perce Peak, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain and The Jaw. TA Moulton Barn, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/perspective/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1327_20150527.jpg Perspective The Milky Way over Jackson Hole Valley and the Gros Ventre Range, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Green airglow fills the night sky as the Milky Way rises over Jackson Hole Valley and the Gros Ventre Range in the distance. Photography is all a matter of perspective. Growing up, I wanted to explore the stars and the Universe. As I grew older, I realize exploring earth would have to do. Even though earth seems so vast and large, it's all a matter of perspective really. I wanted to photograph something which captured this and put our place in the galaxy in perspective. So, during a strong solar storm, I decided to shoot across Jackson Hole Valley towards the Gros Ventre Range. The tallest peaks of this range top out at 11,700 feet but the distance and vast expanse of the night sky would render these tall mountains just a small blip below the Milky Way core and the clouds above. To me, this really puts our place in the Universe in perspective. The Rocky Mountains are filled with some of the tallest peaks in the lower 48, but they pale in comparison to the vast expanse of the Universe. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/teton-skyglow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1315_20140527.jpg Teton Skyglow Airglow over the Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming The skies above the Cascade Canyon and the Teton Range dance with light at night as airglow slowly moves across the sky. Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/unspoiled-majesty/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0477_90A0478_20180608_2x1.jpg Unspoiled Majesty Sunrise over the TA Moulton Barn and the Grand Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming First light at sunrise illuminates the peaks of the Grand Teton Range as the TA Moulton Barn stands in a green meadow below. Peaks of the Teton Range visible in this photo (from left to right): Veiled Peak, Mount Wister, South Teton, Spalding Peak, Nez Perce Peak, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain. TA Moulton Barn, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silent-wonder/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0461_20180608.jpg Silent Wonder Morning Twilight before Sunrise over the TA Moulton Barn and the Grand Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Alpenglow during civil twilight before sunrise begins to illuminate the top of the peaks of the Grand Teton Range as a small creek runs through the green meadow in front of the TA Moulton Barn in Grand Teton National Park Peaks of the Teton Range visible in this photo (from left to right): Albright Peak, Static Peak, Buck Mountain, Veiled Peak, Mount Wister, South Teton, Spalding Peak, Nez Perce Peak, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Teewinot Mountain. TA Moulton Barn, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/olden-love-story/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0473_20180618.jpg Olden Love Story Sunrise over the TA Moulton Barn and the Grand Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming First light at sunrise illuminates the peaks of the Grand Teton Range as the TA Moulton Barn stands in a green meadow below. Peaks of the Teton Range visible in this photo (from left to right): Albright Peak, Static Peak, Buck Mountain, Veiled Peak, Mount Wister, South Teton, Spalding Peak, Nez Perce Peak, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain. TA Moulton Barn, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peace-of-mind/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1196-_90A1326_20180610_2x1.jpg Peace of Mind Morning Light over the Teton Range and the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Morning Light illuminates the upper slopes of of the Cathedral Group (South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain) as branches of the Snake River merge together near the remnants of a fallen tree trunk along the shore. Teton Range peaks from left to right: Mount Wister, South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain, Buckingham Palace, The Jaw, Mount Saint John, Rockchuck Peak and Mount Moran. Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/where-the-waters-meets/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1165_90A1166_20180610_2x1.jpg Where the Waters Meets Morning Light over the Teton Range and the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Morning Light illuminates the upper slopes of the Cathedral Group (South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain) as branches of the Snake River merge together. Teton Range peaks from left to right: Mount Wister, South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain, Buckingham Palace, The Jaw, Mount Saint John, Rockchuck Peak and Mount Moran. Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/past-time/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0823_20180610_2x1.jpg Past Time Sunrise over the TA Moulton Barn and and the Cathedral Group, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Alpenglow begins to light the slopes of the Cathedral Group (South Teton; Nez Perce Peak; Middle Teton; Grand Teton; Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain) as the colors of sunrise come to life in the skies above the TA Moulton Barn and the Teton Range. TA Moulton Barn, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mountain-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0742-_90A074820140526_16X20.jpg Mountain Light The Cathedral Group Proper at Sunset, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Rays from the setting sun shine up from behind the Cathedral Group, bathing the sky in a glorious mountain light that unveils its majesty for all to behold. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/american-matterhorn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0029_20140526_16x20.jpg American Matterhorn Golden Hour over Grand Teton and Mount Owen of the Cathedral Group, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Grand Teton and Mount Owen rise up sharply from the floor of Jackson Hole Valley like an American Matterhorn. Sunlight illuminates the snow on the steep faces and sharp peaks gold as they rise up from the valley like a Cathedral of Rock. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/majestic-reflection/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0563_20180608.jpg Majestic Reflection Morning Light over the Cathedral Group of the Teton Range and Beaver Ponds along the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Peaks visible (from left to right): Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/undisturbed/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0352_20180609.jpg Undisturbed Golden Hour over Teewinot Mountain, Broken Falls and Lupine Meadows, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Rays from the setting sun during the golden hour illuminate the northern face of Teewinot Mountain, Crooked Thumb and parts of the Teton Range crest as Broken Falls tumbles 300 feet over seven tiers down the eastern slopes of Teewinot Mountain towards Lupine Meadows below. Lupine Meadows, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/tetons-luster/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0805-_90A0811_20140526.jpg Teton's Luster Grand Teton and Mount Owen of the Cathedral Group at Sunset, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming The skies ignite with soft glowing hues at sunset as marvelous beams of pastel light rise up from behind Grand Teton and Mount Owen and into the heavens above. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lone-guardian/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0332_20180609.jpg Lone Guardian Golden Hour over Teewinot Mountain, Broken Falls and Lupine Meadows, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Golden hour illuminate skies above Teewinot Mountain as Broken Falls tumbles 300 feet over seven tiers down the eastern slopes of Teewinot Mountain towards Lupine Meadows below. Lupine Meadows, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heavens-glimmer/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0812-_90A0825_20140526_B.jpg Heaven's Glimmer Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain of the Cathedral Group at Sunset, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Radiant beams of light burst from behind Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain and into the heavens above, igniting the sky in glorious pastel light for all to behold. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heaven/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0672_20180609.jpg Heaven Alpenglow at Sunset on the Cathedral Group above Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Sunlight shines through Cascade Canyon at sunset and illuminates the northern faces of Teewinot Mountain, Grand Teton and Mount Owen (the Cathedral Group). Storm Point, Ice Point and Symmetric Spire east of Cascade Canyon sit in shadows as sunlight illuminates the northern face of Mount Saint John. Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/renewal/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1024_20180609.jpg Renewal Belt of Venus at Sunrise over Mount Moran, the Snake River and Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming The soft colors of the Belt of Venus illuminate the sky at sunrise as the belt and Mount Moran and reflect in waters of the Snake River at Oxbow Bend in Grand Teton National Park. Fog begins to form along the shoreline of the Snake River. Visable Peaks (from left to right): Mount Fryxell, Mount Woodring, Mount Moran, Window Peak and Bivouac Peak. Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/alpine/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0490_20180609.jpg Alpine Sunset over the Cathedral Group and Wildflowers, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Light from the setting sun shines through Cascade Canyon and illuminates the slopes of Buck Mountain, Nez Perce Peak, Teewinot Mountain, Grand Teton and Mount Owen (the last three are the known as The Cathedral Group) at Sunset as the peaks rise high above wildflowers (Arrowleaf Balsamroot and Blue Lupine) growing among a field of sagebrush. Shadow Peak, Storm Point, and Ice Point lay in shadows Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/exalted/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1129_20180610.jpg Exalted Sunrise over the Cathedral Group (South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain) as the scene reflects in the still waters of a Beaver Pond along the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Teton Range from left to right: Buck Mountain, Mount Wister, South Teton, Middle Teton, Disappointment Peak, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain, Buckingham Palace, The Jaw. Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/between-the-peaks/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0844-_90A0850_20140526.jpg Between the Peaks Sunset over the Cathedral Group, Cascade Canyon and Mount St John, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Warm colors of sunset ignite the skies above Cascade Canyon, an orange glow framed by the Cathedral Group (Grand Teton, Mount Owens and Teewinot Mountain) and Mount St John as a pastel glow bathes the skies above in glorious light. Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cathedral-spires/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0734_20180609.jpg Cathedral Spires Alpenglow on the Cathedral Group at Sunset, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Pastel colors illuminate the sky at sunset as alpenglow begins to illuminate the upper slopes of Teewinot Mountain, Grand Teton and Mount Owen (The Cathedral Group). Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/alpine-cathedral/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0728-_90A0734_20140526.jpg Alpine Cathedral The Cathedral Group Proper at Sunset, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain rise up into the sky at sunset like spires of an alpine cathedral, as rays of sunshine rise up into the sky from behind the mountains announcing their grandeur in all its glory. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/alpine-radiance/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0784-_90A0790_20140526.jpg Alpine Radiance Grand Teton and Mount Owen of the Cathedral Group at Sunset, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming As the sun dips behind the Cathedral Group, radiant beams of light and pastel hues ignite the skies above Grand Teton and Mount Owen. This fleeting alpine light elevates the landscape into a moment of pure serenity and majesty, honoring the timeless grandeur of the Tetons. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/freds-view/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0693-_90A069920140526.jpg Fred's View The Cathedral Group at Sunset, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Sunset lights the skies above the Cathedral Group (Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain, Nez Perce Peak, Middle Teton) with soft pastel hues as rays of sun shine into the sky from behind the Mountains in Grand Teton National Park. This is a photo which is very near and dear to my heart. It was taken well over a decade ago. I took it in honor of my late father, whose name was Fred. My father always told me "if heavens not like Jackson Hole, I don't want to go." So, after he'd passed away I drove 1,000 + miles specifically for this shot: the setting sun behind the Cathedral group in Jackson Hole Valley. If this was his heaven, the Cathedral group was its heart and soul. Before I left, I'd actually been sick for several weeks to the point I was worried I wouldn't be able to drive there and take the photo. However, about 8 hours before I was to leave I started feeling better, so I hopped in the car and drove. By the time I reached Jackson Hole Valley, I felt perfectly fine. The next evening, it was time to decide on a location and photo. To honor him, I wanted something other than the cliché photos that have come to represent Grand Teton National Park. I wanted something with seemed fitting of him, so I chose a view that's seen often but not photographed often by professionals like myself. The skies came alive at sunset, and I couldn't have captured a better photo in his honor: the setting sun casting rays of light into the sky as pastel colors illuminate the skies. I like to think he's right there behind Grand Teton, shining those rays up into the sky to say hello. I named the photo, and this view, in honor of his heaven: Fred's View in his honor. This photo is for you Dad. RIP Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/a-new-path/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6335_20210612.jpg A New Path Storm Clouds over the White River, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Fed by the White River glacier on the southern slopes of Mount Hood in Oregon, the wild and scenic White River flows down from the mountain, cutting a new channel for the river after winter flooding changed the landscape. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/divide/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3736_20210122.jpg Divide A Glacial River on Mount Hood in the Winter at Night, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Beneath a winter night sky, a glacial river carves its way down Mount Hood, cutting a frozen divide into the snowfield as moonlight paints the landscape in silver light. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/chilled/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A9245-_90A9251_20211121.jpg Chilled Moonlight over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Moonlight from the almost full Waning Gibbous Moon illuminates the landscape, Mount Hood and the night sky as a patch of ice floats in the mirror like still waters of Trillium Lake.I absolutely love it up in the mountains when the weather transitions to winter. The cold, crisp air arrives as waters of the lake begin to freeze over. There were a few ice patches floating around towards the shore of the lake, the perfect complement to the season transitioning into winter. It's that moment just before the first snow begins to fall. The warm glow of the moon reflected off the streaks of clouds, casting a warm glow over the scene as Mount Hood peaks out from behind the ridge. The way to clouds streaked across the sky was reminiscent of highways in the sky. The waters of the lake were incredibly still, creating a mirror reflection only broken up by the patches of ice floating around the lake. These cold, crisp, chilled nights are always my favorite. I could stay out forever, bundled up taking in the grandeur of nature in all its glory as it transitions to winter. It's those quiet nights like that seemingly live on forever long after the moment has passed. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peak-perfection/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6140_20210607.jpg Peak Perfection Alpenglow and a Lenticular Cloud over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake at Sunset, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Alpenglow illuminates the clouds above Mount Hood just after sunset as a lenticular cloud covers the peak of the mountain. The scene reflects in the still waters of Trillium Lake as the day draws to a close.Mount Hood and Trillium Lake has long been one of my favorite spots. I live about an hour from here, so I've spent most of my life coming here. Being from northern Oregon, Mount Hood was one of my first loves, and it's stayed that way most of my life. Trillium in particular has long been a favorite of mine. The water often gets calm here, turning into a mirror, which reflects Mount Hood and the skies above. It's nature at its finest, a peaceful moment where is easy to just stand and reflect as the alpenglow and the mountain reflect in the water like a portal to a perfect place. My favorite sunset here have always been ones with clouds, the way the clouds catch the colors is always amazing and can lead to a variety of beautiful colors in the sky at sunset. I've always been amazed at how different this spot can look depending on when you visit, and perhaps that's long been one of my favorite things about it. No matter how many times you visit, you always come away with different scenes and experiences every time Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rarity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A9207-_90A9208_FS_20221121.jpg Rarity Alpenglow on Mount Hood at Dusk, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Long after sunset as dusk sets in, true alpenglow bathes Mount Hood and the skies above with ethereal pastel colors while a thin sheet of ice begins to seal the quiet, cold lake below capturing faint reflections, frozen patterns and trapped methane bubbles beneath its glassy surface.Alpenglow is among my favorite things in nature. When those soft pastels show up after the sun has set, it's truly a sight to see. This photo was taken at dusk, long after the sun had set. It was one of the most stunning examples of Alpenglow I've ever witnessed. Sunset itself was amazing, but as twilight set in the colors grew more intense. True alpenglow occurs after the sun has set. It happens due to the curve of the earth, as the sun's rays clear the horizon long past where we can see and reflect off the upper atmosphere. This night was pure magic, as the cloud cover was just right to catch the clouds in addition to lighting up the slopes. Mount Hood reflected faintly in the frozen waters of the lake, as a few frozen methane bubbles can be seen to the left just behind the log. The delicate formations on the newly formed ice were stunning, reminiscent of waves of ice. Alpenglow where the colors last on this long after sunset are rare, but it's something I've been fortunate enough to witness on many occasions. This night, the frozen lake, ice formations and methane bubbles in the frozen ice were the icing on the cake. It's one of those moments in nature where everything comes together in perfect harmony. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/seeing-double/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0140_20200709.jpg Seeing Double Sunrise over Mount Hood and Foggy Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Morning Twilight brings the colors of sunrise to the clouds and skies over Mount Hood as fog rises from the still waters of Trillium Lake Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/majestys-goodnight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6185-_90A6193_20210607.jpg Majesty's Goodnight Nautical Twilight over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Clouds envelop the peak of Mount Hood during nautical twilight as stars slowly begin to shine in the sky above. Rocks and grass line the shore while the scene reflects in the still waters of Trillium Lake. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/chill-of-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6157---90A6183_20210607.jpg Chill of Night Nautical Twilight over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Clouds envelop the peak of Mount Hood during nautical twilight as stars slowly begin to shine in the skies above. The last light of day hangs on in the western sky as the scene reflects in the still waters of Trillium Lake. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-long-goodbye/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3461_20210122.jpg The Long Goodbye Winter Alpenglow on Mount Hood during Nautical Twilight, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Long after sunset and dusk, as nautical twilight sets in, a glacial river meanders through a frozen blanket of snow and ice while alpenglow sets fire to the slopes and glaciers of Mount Hood White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/just-a-glimpse/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0410_20220331.jpg Just a Glimpse Sunset over Mount Hood in Winter, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Mount Hood peaks through winter clouds at sunset, as glacial river flows down from the glaciers above carving a channel through the snow and ice fields below as it makes its way down the mountain. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/warmth-of-winter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3793_20210412.jpg Warmth of Winter Winter Alpenglow on Mount Hood after Sunset, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Winter alpenglow after sunset sets the glaciers and snow covered slopes of Mount Hood ablaze in soft pink light, as the mountain rises up above the deep, icy snowfield filling the canyon belowThere's something about winter which takes the pastel colors of alpenglow to a whole new level. It's a bit of warmth mixed in with the bitter cold of winter, a fascinating contrast of cold and warm, white, magentas and purples. When the snow catches the soft pastel colors, it brings them to life in an entirely different manner. I love how the alpenglow here catches the slopes of the mountain, leaving the snowfield below covered in a beautiful white coat of snow and ice. It's a beautiful contrast, a beauty unique to a winter wonderland like this. The soft pastels in nature have long been my favorite, and when the snow and ice of winter mix with the pastels it's a magical sight straight out of winter in heaven. It creates a serene winter scene mixed with a hint of warmth, a slight truly befitting of a magical place such as this. It's a thin place, one of those places which seems to blur the lines between Heaven and Earth. John Muir once said "going to the mountains is going home," but to me going to the mountains is so much more. Going to the mountains in the winter is like experiencing winter in heaven. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/over-the-ridge/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3443_20210120.jpg Over the Ridge Winter on Mount Hood and the Salmon River Canyon, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Partial Moonlight in the winter illuminates the snow covered ridges of the Salmon River Canyon on Mount Hood, while the warm glow of distant lights behind the ridge reflects off the distant fog and low cloud cover to create a sunrise like glow in the clouds above.I always look for the unexpected beauty in nature, and this magical scene is one of those cases. The lights at night from behind and below the ridge caught the clouds in the sky, which diffused the light as if it was the glow of sunrise. Partial moonlight illuminated the foreground, leaving faintly visible shadows behind the trees. I love how the moonlight leaves a shadow line on the ridge, where the snow covered slopes steeply drop away. It's cold, vintage winter on the mountain mixed with an unexpected warmth. A bit above where I'm standing are the headwaters for a river which forms at the edge of one of Mount Hood's glaciers, and then travels down the mountain below the ridge I'm standing on. It's always a beautiful scene, but the unexpected beauty coming from over the ridge transformed this beautiful winter wonderland into an ethereal beauty befitting of a place like Mount Hood. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/forest-whispers/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0299_20200721.jpg Forest Whispers The Milky Way, Jupiter, and Saturn over Fir Trees, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon The Milky Way rises high into the night sky above the Fir trees of the Mount Hood National Forest as Saturn and Jupiter shine brightly between the tree branches.There's something about the Milky Way rising over a forest of trees at night that is captivating. It's two beautiful things in nature coming together: the forest and the night sky. In the silence of night, you can almost hear the forest whispering to the night sky "hello old friend." This photo was taken at the edge of the forest, where meadows and the open spaces lead back into the wonderful world of trees. Jupiter and Saturn shine brightly from between the tops of the trees as the Milky Way rises above it all, covering the forest in a blanket of stars. A glacial erratic stands guard at the edge of the forest, greeting all those who comes to bask in its wonder as new seedlings spring up all around. It's a peaceful, beautiful and serene scene as you stand there, listening to the Forest Whispers at night while taking in all the wonders it had to offer. Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/flow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0117_20200717.jpg Flow Comet NEOWISE over Mount Hood and the White River, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) rises into the night sky above Mount Hood and the White River.Chasing Neowise around Oregon and Washington while photographing this once in  a lifetime event for 3 weeks was one of the highlights of my life. I drove over 6,000 miles and spent many a night sleeping in the back of my vehicle. This photo was actually taken about 12 minutes after a very similar one I took here that night. I've always found how the light changes as the skies darken fascinating, so after the first photo I left my tripod setup and waited for the light in the sky to darken a little more before taking this one. It's amazing how just 12 minutes changes how the light falls on the landscape and in the sky. As nautical twilight gives way to astronomical twilight, the skies began to darken from a blue to a darker shade as night gets closer. The way the light falls on the landscape shifts, and it creates a different mood. During the chase, I would drive wherever the photo for the next night would line up. This photo was taken at about the mid-point on my Neowise chase, after driving clear back across the state from the previous night to get to this location. Despite the long nights and short sleep, this will always be an experience I look back on fondly. White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cloud-capped/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6293-_90A6295_20210612.jpg Cloud-Capped Storm Clouds at Sunset over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Storm clouds resembling steps cover the western slopes and the peak of Mount Hood like a cap as the mountain rises high above Trillium Lake while storm clouds blanket the sky. A faint glow from sunset lights the lower clouds to the west Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/guardian-of-the-lake/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6144_20210607.jpg Guardian of the Lake Alpenglow and a Lenticular Cloud over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake at Sunset, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon A lenticular cloud crowns the peak of Mount Hood just after sunset as alpenglow illuminates the clouds above. Rocks guard the shores of Trillium Lake as the scene reflects in its smooth, mirror like waters Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/chasing-neverland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1509-_90A1511_20200826.jpg Chasing Neverland Alpenglow after sunset on Mount Hood, Oregon Alpenglow after sunset illuminates the snow and slopes of Mount Hood (the tallest peak in Oregon) a beautiful magenta as crops blanket the fields in the landscape below. Hood River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/into-the-wilderness/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0135_20190617.jpg Into the Wilderness Alpenglow at Sunset on Mount Hood, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Alpenglow illuminates the slopes of Mount Hood at Sunset as small wildflowers (shooting star, lupine, Gray's Lovage, Lyall's Anemone, and more) grow in a meadow at the edge of the forest. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/morning-hour/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0033_20200711.jpg Morning Hour Comet NEOWISE over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake as Dawn approaches, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) and the stars above fade into the morning sky as color begins to illuminate the slopes of Mount Hood as dawn approaches. I'll always look back on the summer of 2020 fondly, which I know is ironic all things considered. But this experience was so magical. I spent 3 weeks driving all over Oregon and Washington with my wife and son, sleeping in our vehicle and photographing Neowise non-stop until it faded away into the night sky for another 6800 years. It was some the most fun I've ever had. This one was taken early on in the chase, when you could still see Neowise in the early morning light. Neowise was one of the last things to fade into the dawn sky on this day, and the colors of the fast approaching dawn and the hint of alpenglow on the Mount Hood was simply surreal to see against the backdrop the entire scene reflecting in the mirror like waters as morning fog rose from the lake. It's been years now since that magical summer, and to be honest I still miss it. I think it's an important reminder: life's whatever you make it regardless of circumstances, so make it a good one! Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/infinity-mirror/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0005_20200711.jpg Infinity Mirror Comet NEOWISE over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) rises into the night skies above moonlit Mount Hood as it reflects in the still waters of Trillium Lake.This was one of the first photos of Neowise I planned out before my long, 3 week 6,000 mile journey chase of Neowise started. It was taken very early on in the journey, on the 9 year anniversary of my father's passing. I had a very narrow window date wise to take this before Neowise would no longer be in the right place in the sky. I actually tried for it one day earlier, but clouds rolled in at night almost completely covering the mountain. As I tried again the next night, I hoped that maybe Dad would put in a good word and the skies would stay clear. Conditions couldn't have been better. The lake was still and the reflection was like a mirror as Neowise shined bright in the sky to the right of Mount Hood. It was a truly magical sight, and as I stood there alone with my wife and son, I couldn't help but think that Dad was right there with us. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mystique/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0198_20200709.jpg Mystique Fog rising from Trillium Lake at Sunrise, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Fog rises from Trillium Lake at sunrise, clinging to the slopes of Eureka Peak as it reflects in the still waters below. Trillium Lake, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/vapors/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0191_20200709.jpg Vapors Fog rising from Trillium Lake at Sunrise, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Fog rises from Trillium Lake at sunrise, enveloping the summit of Eureka Peak as it reflects in the still waters below. Trillium Lake, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/queen-of-oregon/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0511-20200802.jpg Queen of Oregon Full Moon rising behind Mount Hood during Civil Twilight, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Alpenglow illuminates the snow on glaciers of Mount Hood during civil twilight as the Full Moon rises behind the slopes of the mountain. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mountain-home/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0020_20190616.jpg Mountain Home Alpenglow on Mount Hood after Sunset, Mount Hood, Oregon Alpenglow illuminates the snow covered slopes of Mount Hood and the clouds in the sky as Mount Hood rises above the Sandy River Valley during civil twilight after sunset. Mount Hood, Sandy, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/twisted-moonlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0582_20160513.jpg Twisted Moonlight Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest under Moonlight, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California The moon illuminates a twisted, Ancient Bristlecone Pine as the stars shine brightly in the skies above. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bristlecone-gold/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0579_20160513_B.jpg Bristlecone Gold Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest under Moonlight, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California The moon illuminates a twisted, Ancient Bristlecone Pine and it's younger sibling as it casts a golden color over the slopes of the White Mountains while the stars shine brightly in the skies above. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rebirth/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0575_20150513_B.jpg Rebirth Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest under Moonlight, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California The moon illuminates this twisted, Ancient Bristlecone Pine tree as the stars shine brightly in the skies above. Many people think this Ancient Bristlecone Pine tree is dead, but it's not. Bristlecone Pines grow twisted and gnarled as they get older, often resembling a dead snag. As one section of the tree dies, another continues to grow. This gives old Bristlecone Pines their twisted, gnarled shape. A Bristlecone pine can look 99% dead, but it only takes one small bit of green to keep a section of it alive. Such is the case with this tree. From almost every angle, this Bristlecone Pine appears dead with zero green. But from one perfect angle, you can see a small bit of new green life growing from one of the top branches like an ancient tree reborn. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/misdirection/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0566_20160513.jpg Misdirection Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest under Moonlight, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California The moon illuminates an Ancient Bristlecone Pine on the slopes of the White Mountains of California as the stars shine brightly in the skies above. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bristlecone-youth/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0560_20150513.jpg Bristlecone Youth Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest under Moonlight, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California The moon illuminates a younger Ancient Bristlecone Pine tree as the stars shine brightly in the sky above and the Sierra Nevada range rises up from the airglow in the background. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/twin-pine-skyglow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0558_20160513.jpg Twin Pine Skyglow Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest under Moonlight, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California The moon illuminates a pair of Ancient Bristlecone Pine trees as the stars shine brightly in the skies above as the Sierra Nevada range rises up from the airglow in the background. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/moonlit-bristlecones/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0556_20150513.jpg Moonlit Bristlecones Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest under Moonlight, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California The moon illuminates Ancient Bristlecone Pines on the slopes of the White Mountains of California as the stars shine brightly in the skies above. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ancient-wonders/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0265_20160513.jpg Ancient Wonders Sunrise in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California Sunrise illuminates the skies above a Bristlecone Pine in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains of California. This tree has withstood the test of time for countless millennia. The oldest tree in this forest is over 5,000 years old. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/father-time/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0251_20160513.jpg Father Time Sunrise in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California Sunrise illuminates the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, the slopes of the White Mountains and the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains across Owens Valley as the colors of daybreak illuminate the skies above. This tree has withstood the test of time for countless millennia. The oldest tree in this forest is over 5,000 years old. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/elevated-ancients/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0244_20160513.jpg Elevated Ancients Sunrise in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California Sunrise illuminates the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, the slopes of the White Mountains and the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains across Owens Valley as the colors of daybreak illuminate the skies above. This tree has withstood the test of time for countless millennia. The oldest tree in this forest is over 5,000 years old. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-overseer/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0237_20160513.jpg The Overseer Sunrise in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California Sunrise illuminates the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, the slopes of the White Mountains and the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains across Owens Valley as the colors of daybreak begin to illuminate the skies above. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ancient-sentinel/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0230_20160513.jpg Ancient Sentinel Sunrise in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California Sunrise illuminates the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, the slopes of the White Mountains and the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains across Owens Valley as the colors of daybreak illuminate the skies above. This tree has withstood the test of time for countless millennia. The oldest tree in this forest is over 5,000 years old. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/shepherd-of-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0216_20160513.jpg Shepherd of Light Sunrise in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California Sunrise illuminates the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, the slopes of the White Mountains and the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains as the colors of daybreak illuminate the skies above. This tree has withstood the test of time for countless millennia. The oldest tree in this forest is over 5,000 years old.This was a sunrise I'll never forget. I stood alone at 10,000 feet as the colors of the rising sun to the east illuminated the tops of the Sierra Nevada across Owens Valley with beautiful Alpenglow. This is such a magical place, and twists and turns of this old weathered tree is a fitting beauty in this rugged, unforgiving landscape. There is so much beauty in this world, beauty that has been around long before me and will be around long afterwards. Day in and day out, this tree has stood as a Shepherd of Light, each morning ready to greet the new day. Time seemed to slow down as I watched the colors of sunrise slowly creep across the landscape, and I couldn't help but wonder what wonderous sights this tree must have witnessed each new day as it greets the morning light. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sierra-watchman/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0209_20160513.jpg Sierra Watchman Sunrise in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California A Bristlecone Pine stands watch over the Sierra Nevada Mountains across Owens Valley as sunrise illuminates the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, the slopes of the White Mountains and the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains while the colors of daybreak begin to illuminate the skies above. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-sages-scepter/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0202_20160513.jpg The Sage's Scepter Sunrise in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California Light from the Belt of Venus hangs on as sunrise illuminates the skies above the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains of California. This tree has withstood the test of time for countless millennia. The oldest tree in this forest is almost 5,000 years old. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-philosophers-tree/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0195_20160513.jpg The Philosopher's Tree Sunrise in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California Sunrise illuminates the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, the slopes of the White Mountains and the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance as the colors of daybreak begin to illuminate the skies above. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/timeworn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0181_20160513.jpg Timeworn Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest at Sunrise, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California Sunrise nears in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and White Mountains as the alpenglow illuminates slopes the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance and The Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-weathered-sage/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0174_20160513_16x20.jpg The Weathered Sage Alpenglow at Dawn in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California Dawn arrives in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest as alpenglow illuminates the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the background and The Belt of Venus lights the skies above as the first light of day begins to arrive.This was a very serene experience. I've heard stories about how crowded it can get here, but I had the place all to myself (which honestly tends to happen quite a bit when I'm out). There wasn't another person around for miles and miles. As the pastel colors of the Belt of Venus rose over the Sierra Nevada Mountains at dawn, alpenglow kissed the snow covered slopes of the Sierras. The Belt a Venus has always been one of my favorite parts of twilight in before sunrise and after sunset. You can see it when you look in the opposite direction of the Sun. It's that pink belt above the blue belt below. The pink belt is the first (or last in the evening) rays of sun, illuminating the sky through indirect light. The blue belt is the Earth's shadow, slowly fading away in the morning (or slowly creeping in in the evening). It's always been one of my favorite parts of sunrise and sunset, so seeing it against Bristlecone Pines and the wondrous Sierra Nevada mountains was truly magnificent. Bristlecone Pines are an amazing tree, even one small green leaf and they are still alive. This tree, old and withered, still had one hidden green leaf on it. It's a testament to the Bristlecone Pines ability to survive in a harsh environment. It's amazing to see the Belt of Venus rise over the 14,000 foot Sierra Nevada Mountains while standing at 10,000 feet elevation in another 14,000 foot mountain range. It's even more amazing when you realize this tree has witnessed that, day in and day out, for over 4,000 years. The trunk and branches of this tree may be twisted and gnarled, but the sights this weathered sage has seen over the millennia are truly a thing of beauty. As I looked out across the White Mountains toward the Sierra Nevada, I was so very grateful I was able to share this experience with this beautiful weathered sage. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/timekeeper/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0167_20160513.jpg Timekeeper Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Alpenglow at Dawn, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California An old, withered Ancient Bristlecone Pine stands tall at Dawn as Alpenglow and The Belt of Venus begins to illuminate the skies above and snow capped slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains behind it. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/alpine-guardian/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0160_20160513.jpg Alpine Guardian Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Alpenglow at Dawn, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California An old, withered Ancient Bristlecone Pine stands tall at Dawn as Alpenglow and The Belt of Venus begins to illuminate the skies above and snow capped slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains behind it. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bristlecone-first-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0095_20160513.jpg Bristlecone First Light Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Milky Way at Nautical Dawn, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, CaliforniaT he last visible light of the Milky Way fades away as night gives way and morning approaches. The first light of Nautical Dawn arrives as the first light of Sunrise illuminates the skies and the surrounding landscape in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains of California. Mars is still visible just to the right of the Ancient Bristlecone inside the right edge of faintly visible Scorpius. Antares is to the lower left of Mars, to the left of Mars between two branches. Saturn can be seen just to the left of one of the top branches. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/neverland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0094_20160513_H.jpg Neverland Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Milky Way Sunrise, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California Morning draws close as the Milky Way and night sky begin to fade in the skies above the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains while dawn nears over an ageless tree in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains of California. Mars is visible just to the right of the Ancient Bristlecone inside the right edge of Scorpius. Antares is to the lower left of Mars, to the left of Mars between two branches. Saturn can be seen just to the left of one of the top branches."Second star to the right and straight on till Morning." This scene always reminds me of that. Antares is to the lower left of Mars between two branches, while Mars is visible near the inside edge of Scorpius. With in the blue hue from the fast rising Morning light and the remoteness of this place, it felt as if I was in Neverland. I've always loved those short few minutes I call "the magic minute" or "Milky Way Sunrise." It's the time when night and the stars quickly begin to fade as the morning light draws near. The sky takes on a blue hue while the color of the stars still tries to hang on. There is a very narrow window to capture an image before everything fades away. The light pollution behind the Sierras actually added a great affect here. As the Milky Way and night began to fade in the skies above the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains while dawn nears over the ageless tree, I thought to myself I surely must have made it to Neverland, and what a wonderful place it was. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ancient-towers/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0088-_90A0091_20160513_C-SQ.jpg Ancient Towers Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Milky Way, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California Night comes to a close as the rising sun below the horizon brings changes to the morning sky as Nautical Dawn approaches. Color slowly changes as the night sky begins to fade above the trees of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains of California. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-wizards-wand/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0086_20160513_C.jpg The Wizard's Wand Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Milky Way, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California Resembling a wizards twisted wooden wand, a pair of Ancient Bristlecone Pine trees rise towards the night sky on the slopes of the White Mountains of California as the Milky Way and the stars shine brightly overhead. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/twisted-starlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0081_20150513_E.jpg Twisted Starlight Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Milky Way, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California The Milky Way and the stars shine bright in the skies above a pair of twisted Ancient Bristlecone Pine trees on the slopes of the White Mountains of California. Saturn can be seen as a bright looking star just into the right edge of the image, next to the Milky Way core. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/scorpion-tree/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0067_20160513.jpg Scorpion Tree Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Milky Way, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California The Milky Way rises into the sky above a pair of Ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees on the slopes of the White Mountains of California. Mars is visable just to the right of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine resembling a Scorpion (the tree on the right) and just inside the constellation Scorpius. Antares, the heart of Scropius, is to the lower left of Mars between two branches. Saturn can be seen just to the left of one of the top branches. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ancient-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0066_20130513.jpg Ancient Light Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Milky Way, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California The Milky Way rises into the sky above a pair of Ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees on the slopes of the White Mountains of California. Mars is visible just to the right of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine resembling a Scorpion (the tree on the right) and just inside the constellation Scorpius. Antares, the heart of Scorpius, is to the lower left of Mars between two branches. Saturn can be seen just to the left of one of the top branches.Bristlecone Pine trees never cease to amaze me. The oldest of them is around 5,000 years old (the oldest living thing on the planet), and located above 10,000 feet in elevation they survive some of the harshest conditions around. It's definitely enough to make you contemplate everything, especially at night when you're looking at trees thousands upon thousands of years old while staring up at a night sky which can be billions of years old. The conditions these trees survive in is truly a thing of beautiful, and when I'm up here I often thing about everything which has happened since these trees first germinated. Time is a funny thing, it's all relative. These trees seem old to us, yet compared to the ancient light I'm staring up at they are still young. Still, it's amazing to think about how long they have endured under conditions in which little else can survive. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/counting-stars/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0051_20160513.jpg Counting Stars Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Milky Way, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California The Milky Way stretches across the night skies above an Ancient Bristlecone Pine tree growing on the slopes of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains in California. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/immortality/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0043_20160513.jpg Immortality Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Milky Way, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California The Milky Way rises into the sky above a pair of Ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees on the slopes of the White Mountains of California. Some of these Ancient Bristlecone Pines are almost 5,000 years old, meaning they germinated before Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Ancient Egypt and even Ancient Babylon were founded. These trees continue to grow on the slopes of the White Mountains, as if immortal against the elements and the test of time. Mars is visible just to the right of the Ancient Bristlecone inside the right edge of Scorpius. Antares is to the lower left of Mars, to the left of Mars between two branches. Saturn can be seen just to the left of one of the top branches. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/steep-rise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0032_20150513.jpg Steep Rise Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Milky Way, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California A pair of Ancient Bristlecone Pines cling to a steep slope, growing despite the harsh conditions as the Milky Way rises in the night sky above. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/guardians-of-the-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0014_20160513.jpg Guardians of the Night Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Milky Way, Inyo National Forest, White Mountains, California A grove of Ancient Bristlecone Pine trees grows along the slopes of the White Mountains of California, standing tall like guardians of the night as the Milky Way rises in the eastern sky and moonlight from the setting moon illuminates the slopes. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bixbys-goodbye/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0820-_90A0825_20171214.jpg Bixby's Goodbye Nautical Sunset over Bixby Bridge and the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur, CaliforniaNautical Sunset sets in over the Bixby Bridge and the Pacific Ocean as the last light of sunset fades away on the horizon while the stars begin to shine above. Bixby Bridge, Big Sur, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/backwaters-soul/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1873_20190516.jpg Backwater's Soul Storm Clouds over Coastal Wetlands, Pacific Coast, California Storm clouds settle in over coastal wetlands along the Pacific Coast of California as sand dunes rise up from the sandy coastline next to the Pacific Ocean Zmuduwski Wetlands, California Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bixby-by-moonlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1143_20161109.jpg Bixby by Moonlight Bixby Bridge under Moonlight, Big Sur, CaliforniaMoonlight illuminates the famous Bixby Bridge along Highway 1 in Big Sur, California Bixby Bridge, Big Sur, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/paradise-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1106_20161109_16x20.jpg Paradise Dream McWay Falls Sunset in the Winter, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, CaliforniaMcWay Falls (McWay Creek) drops straight over the cliffs and directly into the Pacific Ocean at sunset. The waves of the Pacific Ocean crash up into McWay Cove and onto McWay Beach at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur, California. McWay Falls, Big Sur, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fountain-of-youth/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1097_20161109.jpg Fountain of Youth Dusk over McWay Falls and the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur, California Turquoise water fills McWay Cove as dusk illuminates the skies over McWay Falls and the Pacific Ocean long after sunset.There's something about the water here that's mesmerizing. That deep turquoise blue water which can form in the cove is always something else to see. McWay Falls is famous for being one of only three waterfalls on the Pacific Coast to drop straight into the ocean, but it's that water in the cove which really leaves you breathless. The contrast between the rugged, rocky cliffs and the thin stream of water dropping straight into ocean filled with blue turquoise water below is stunning. It's a thin place, place where heaven and earth seem to blur. Time always slows down here, and with a place this beautiful it's hard not to just stare out and ponder. It's a wonderfully complex yet simple natural beauty all at the same time. I've always found sunsets over the ocean magical, and with a foreground of turquoise ocean water and a thin waterfall falling off the rugged cliffs directly into the ocean, this has to be one of the most beautiful and unique sunsets I've seen on the Pacific Coast. The colors hung on forever, which can happen in places like the coast where you have great line of sight to the horizon. This was certainly one I'll never forget. McWay Falls, Big Sur, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heavenly-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1081_20161109.jpg Heavenly Glow Keyhole Arch at Sunset, Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, CaliforniaSea stacks and the colors of sunset reflect in a pool of water on Pfeiffer Beach as the Pacific Ocean rages in the background. The setting sun peaks through from between the rocks creating beams of light. A lone beam of light shines through Keyhole Arch while water plunges through arch opening in Big Sur along the California coast's famed Highway 1. Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/last-kiss-of-day/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1062Q1_20171216_16x20.jpg Last Kiss of Day Dusk over Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Pigeon Point, CaliforniaDusk sets in over Pigeon Point Lighthouse as Civil Twilight comes to an end and Nautical Twilight begins. Pigeon Point Lighthouse, California Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/alone-in-the-ocean/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1059Q1_20171217.jpg Alone in the Ocean Sunset over Pelican Rock and the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur CaliforniaThe Pacific Ocean splashes over Pelican Rock at sunset as the Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above while water cascades off the edges forming temporary ocean waterfalls. Pelican Rock, California Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/tides-of-change/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1029_20171216.jpg Tides of Change Tide Pools, Greyhound Rock and the Pacific Ocean at Sunset, Pacific Coast, California Low tide in the Pacific Ocean at sunset exposes tide pools around Greyhound Rock along the Pacific Coast of California. Greyhound Rock, California Coast https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heavens-keyhole/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0968Q1_20161109.jpg Heaven's Keyhole Keyhole Arch at Sunset, Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, CaliforniaThe setting sun creates a beam of light through Keyhole Arch on Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California. Keyhole Arch, Big Sur, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-other-side-of-eden/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0965Q1_20161109.jpg The Other Side of Eden Keyhole Arch at Sunset, Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, CaliforniaLight beams shine through Keyhole Arch along Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur as sunset illuminates the skies above. Keyhole Arch, Big Sur, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silent-harbor/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0885_20171216.jpg Silent Harbor Santa Cruz Harbor at Christmas, Santa Cruz, CaliforniaChristmas lights adorn the boats of Santa Cruz Harbor as the scene reflects in the still waters at night. Santa Cruz Harbor, Santa Cruz, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/path-of-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0882Q1-_90A0888Q1_20161109.jpg Path of Light Sunset Through the Trees, Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California The sun creates radiant beams of light as it shines through the trees along California's famed Big Sur coastline near Pfeiffer Beach. Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glowworm/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0826-_90A0830_20171214.jpg Glowworm Nautical Sunset over Bixby Bridge and the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur, CaliforniaNautical Sunset sets in over the Bixby Bridge and the Pacific Ocean as the last light of sunset fades away on the horizon while the stars begin to shine above. Bixby Bridge, Big Sur, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-lonely-cypress/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0819_20171214_16x20.jpg The Lonely Cypress A Lone Cypress Tree at Sunset, Big Sur, CaliforniaThe soft pastels of sunset light the skies as a lone cypress tree clings to the jagged cliffs of the rugged California coastline near Big Sur, California. Point Lobos, Big Sur, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/when-the-sun-whispers-goodbye/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0732-_90A0738_20171214.jpg When the Sun Whispers Goodbye Sunset over the Pacific Ocean, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Big Sur, CaliforniaThe sun dips below the horizon at sunset as waves from the Pacific Ocean crash onto the rocks near the rugged shoreline. Point Lobos, Big Sur, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winter-solstice-in-the-cove/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0339_20161220_80-15-82-15.jpg Winter Solstice in the Cove Winter Milky Way Spiral Arm over the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur, CaliforniaThe Milky Way shines bright in the sky over the Pacific Ocean on the Winter Solstice. Point Pinos, Monterey Peninsula, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pacific-winter-solstice/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0330_20161220_80-2.jpg Pacific Winter Solstice Winter Milky Way Spiral Arm over the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur, CaliforniaThe Milky Way rises high into the night sky over the Pacific Ocean and Big Sur in Northern California during the Winter Solstice. Point Pinos, Monterey Peninsula, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-stars-whisper-hello/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0323_20161220.jpg The Stars Whisper Hello Nautical Twilight over the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur, CaliforniaThe stars begin to come out as the last light from the long past sunset hangs on as Nautical Twilight sets in over Pacific Ocean and the rugged Pacific Coast of Central California. Point Pinos, Monterey Peninsula, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dusk-on-the-rocks/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0320Q1_20161220.jpg Dusk on the Rocks Dusk over the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur, CaliforniaAfter sunset, the skies over the Pacific Ocean illuminate at dusk as civil twilight fades. Seagulls use a rocky outcrop just offshore for nesting and rest the rugged Pacific Coast of Central California. Point Pinos, Monterey Peninsula, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/birds-nest/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0317Q1_20161220.jpg Bird's Nest Dusk over the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur, CaliforniaAfter sunset, dusk brings colors to the skies over the Pacific Ocean as civil twilight fades. Seagulls use a rocky outcrop just offshore for nesting and rest the rugged Pacific Coast of Central California. Monterey Peninsula, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/eye-of-the-needle/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0304_20161218_16x20.jpg Eye of the Needle Dusk through a Sea Cave looking over the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Coast, CaliforniaA view through an opening of a sea cave shows the colors of dusk setting in over the Pacific Ocean along the Pacific Coast of California Santa Cruz Coast, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/guardian-of-the-pacific/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0293_20161218.jpg Guardian of the Pacific Venus at Dusk over Shark Fin Cove and the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Coast Highway, CaliforniaDusk sets in over the Pacific Ocean as Venus reflects in the tide pools of Shark Fin Cove along the Pacific Coast Highway in California Shark Fin Cove, Santa Cruz, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/medusas-revenge/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0266_20161218.jpg Medusa's Revenge Venus at Sunset over Sharkfin Cove and the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Coast Highway, CaliforniaVenus shines brightly as colors illuminate the skies over the Pacific Ocean and Shark Fin Cove at Sunset. The namesake rock rises up out of the water like the fin of a giant shark turned to stone by Medusa from Greek Mythology. Shark Fin Cove, Santa Cruz, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/twin-cypress/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0163_20180405.jpg Twin Cypress Sunset over Cypress Trees and the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur, CaliforniaIn a spot nicknamed The Lone Cypress, two Cypress trees actually sit perched on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean Monterey Peninsula, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/twos-company/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0162_20180405.jpg Two's Company Sunset over Cypress Trees and the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur, CaliforniaTwo cypress trees stand guard atop the rocky cliffs rising out of the Pacific Ocean along the rugged California coastline. Monterey Peninsula, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wildflowers-at-sea/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0155-_90A0158FS_20180405.jpg Wildflowers at Sea Wildflowers at Sunset over the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur, CaliforniaA patch of wildflowers blooms along the the Pacific coastline of central California near Big Sur as the clouds illuminate with color at sunset. Monterey Peninsula, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pacific-bliss/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0054_20181021.jpg Pacific Bliss Sunset over the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Coast Highway, California Turquoise water of the Pacific Ocean rolls ashore below the headlands at sunset as light rays shine through the clouds. Montara Beach, San Mateo Coast, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lovely-wild/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0021-_90A0035FS_20180405_16x20.jpg Lovely Wild Storm Clouds at Sunset over the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur, CaliforniaWildflowers grow from the sand between the rocks along the shore as storm clouds form over turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean near Big Sur, California Monterey Peninsula, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/starblast/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/90A1127-_90A1085-20141113.jpg Starblast Winter Milky Way over Devil's Golf Course, Death Valley National Park, California The Winter Milky Way rises over Devil's Golf Course in Death Valley National Park Devils Golf Course, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/natures-watercolor/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_3564_20131112_2.jpg Nature's Watercolor Badwater Basin Salt Hexagons at Sunset, Death Valley National Park, California Like something out of a watercolor panting, sunset illuminates the clouds over Badwater Basin brilliant hues of color as the day draws to a close in Death Valley National Park. Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/under-the-sea/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_3562_20131103.jpg Under The Sea Badwater Basin Salt Hexagons at Sunset, Death Valley National Park, California The colors of sunset bathe the sea of clouds in the skies above Badwater Basin with a brilliant glow as a soft magenta hue reflects off the hexagonal shaped salt rings below. Badwater Basin is the lowest elevation in the United States at -282 feet below sea level. It sits at the bottom of ancient Lake Manly, whose shoreline 128,000 years ago used to reach 600 feet above the modern day salt flats. Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/badwater-magic/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_3525-_MG_3533_20131112_SQ.jpg Badwater Magic Storm Clouds over Badwater Basin at Sunset; Death Valley National Park, California A dramatic sunset in mid November paints the storm clouds above Badwater Basin with a brilliant glow as a soft magenta hue reflects off the hexagonal shaped salt rings below. Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fire-in-the-sky/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_3489-3491_20131112.jpg Fire in the Sky Badwater Basin Salt Formations at Sunset, Death Valley National Park, California Sunset bathes the storm clouds above Badwater Basin in Death Valley with brilliant light as the salt formations in the salt flat below stretch as far as the eye can see. Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sunset-torpedo/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_3465-_MG_3479_20131112_SQ.jpg Sunset Torpedo Storm Clouds over Badwater Basin at Sunset; Death Valley National Park, California Sunset pierces through the clouds above Badwater Basin and Death Valley in late November, cutting through the clouds like a yellow torpedo in the sky. Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/storms-over-badwater/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_MG_3414_20131112.jpg Storms over Badwater Badwater Basin Salt Formations at Sunset, Death Valley National Park, California Storm clouds at sunset brews in the skies above Badwater Basin in Death Valley, as light from the setting sun shines through some of the storm creating a mix of contrasting colors. Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/night-at-the-races/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A2211-_90A2216_20141112_16x20.jpg Night at the Races The Milky Way over Racetrack Playa, Death Valley National Park, California The winter Milky Way rises over Racetrack Playa and its famous sailing stones high up in the mountains of Death Valley National Park as airglow faintly illuminates the skies. Racetrack Playa, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/boulder-path/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1142_90A1146_20181106_16x20.jpg Boulder Path The Milky Way over Devils Golf Course, Death Valley National Park, California The Milky Way spiral arm rises high into the skies above Devils Golf Course Salt Pan in Death Valley National Park Devils Golf Course, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cracked-starlight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1131-_90A1134_20181106_SQ.jpg Cracked Starlight The Milky Way over Devils Golf Course, Death Valley National Park, California The Milky Way spiral arm rises high into the skies above Devils Golf Course Salt Pan in Death Valley National Park Devils Golf Course, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/gleam/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1109-_90A1111_SQ_20181106.jpg Gleam The Milky Way over Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California The Milky Way rises high into the skies over the Badwater Basin salt flats in Death Valley National Park as the stars above reflect in a spring fed pool of water from which Badwater Basin got its name. Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/split-eternity/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1096_20181106_A.jpg Split Eternity Milky Way over Mud Cracks, Death Valley National Park, California Deep cracks form in the dried mud beds of Death Valley as the Milky Way rises into the night skies overhead.Death Valley is a place of hidden beauty, where the beauty of nature finds a way to astound us even in the most desolate of places. I've always loved Death Valley, and I've always been enamored by mud cracks in the dry desert. There's something otherworldly about this landscape. I imagine this is what parts of Mars must look like, dry mud cracks split for all eternity. Perhaps that's what makes Death Valley so intriguing to me: it really does seem like an alien world here on earth. When I was a kid I always wanted to explore alien worlds, and as an adult exploring Death Valley is a nice substitute. My son also loves exploring here. One of his favorite things to do here is gaze up at the stars. I guess it's true: like father like son. Mud Cracks, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/fractured-twilight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1071-_90A1077_20181106.jpg Fractured Twilight Nautical Sunset over Mud Cracks, Death Valley National Park, California The stars begin to come out and the last light of day fades as dried mud in Death Valley National Park creates deep mud cracks shaped like geometric patterns in the landscape below. The last color of the long since set sun begins to fade as nautical twilight draws to a close and nautical dusk sets in. Mud Cracks, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/broken/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1066-_90A1069_20181106.jpg Broken Nautical Sunset over Mud Cracks, Death Valley National Park, California Dried mud in Death Valley National Park creates deep mud cracks shaped like geometric patterns as the last colors from sunset hang on while nautical twilight sets in. Mud Cracks, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/cracks-in-time/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1061-_90A1065_20181106.jpg Cracks in Time Dusk over Mud Cracks, Death Valley National Park, California Dried mud in Death Valley National Park creates deep mud cracks shaped like geometric patterns as the last colors of sunset illuminate the skies above at dusk.Death Valley has some very otherworldly scenery, and one of my favorites has long been the geometric patterns the mud creates when it dries and cracks. The deep cracks going up and down like a loosely assembled puzzle are an amazing sight unique to dry environments like this. The colors of sunset can hang on quite a long time in the Desert, and here the vibrant colors of sunset began to fade into the soft pastel colors of dusk, creating a wonderful backdrop against the cracks in the foreground. I sat there and marveled, immersed in the beauty weather and time can create in even the most desolate of places Mud Cracks, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/broken-road/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1056-_90A1060_20181106.jpg Broken Road Sunset over Mud Cracks, Death Valley National Park, California Dried mud in Death Valley National Park creates deep mud cracks shaped like geometric patterns as the colors of sunset illuminate the skies above. Mud Cracks, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/desert-waves/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0948_20161029_16x20.jpg Desert Waves Zabriskie Point Badlands at Sunset, Death Valley National Park, California The skies above the rolling badlands of Zabriskie Point light up with color at sunset in Death Valley as the day draws to a close. Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/zabriskies-last-light/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0917_2016102916x20.jpg Zabriskie's Last Light Zabriskie Point at Sunset, Death Valley National Park, California Sunset illuminates the skies above Zabriskie Point and the Red Cathedral soft pastel colors as the day draws to a close in Death Valley. Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-red-cathedral/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0914_20161029.jpg The Red Cathedral Zabriskie Point at Sunset, Death Valley National Park, California Sunset brings an array of colors to the skies over Red Cathedral and Zabriskie Point in the Amargosa Range of Death Valley National Park. The Badlands around Zabriskie Point are made up of sediment from Furance Creek Lake, which dried up 5 million years ago before Death Valley existed. Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/desert-mysteries/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0905_20181106.jpg Desert Mysteries Mesquite Sand Dunes Sunrise, Death Valley National Park, California The sands of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes roll endlessly as alpenglow illuminates the slopes of the Panamint Mountains at sunrise. Mesquite Sand Dunes, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/boundless/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0875-_90A0877_20181106.jpg Boundless Sunrise over Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Death Valley National Park, California The Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above the Mesquite Sand Dunes and Grapevine Mountains in Death Valley National Park as dawn gives was to sunrise.Death Valley has always been a place of great breadth, which is one of the reasons I've always loved going there. It's so different than my home in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. For such a seemingly desolate landscape, there is an amazing variety of things to see and photograph. The Mesquite Sand Dunes are arguably the most famous Sand Dunes in the park. It takes some hiking to find compositions without footprints or other photographers in them, but when you finally come across that spot you're greeted with a seemingly boundless expanse of sand dunes surrounded by high mountain peaks. When the Belt of Venus begins to creep up over the mountain peaks and the boundless expanse of sand at dawn, it's an unbelievable sight. It's a place of incredible wonder, one which my now 10 year old son thoroughly enjoys exploring with me. He's been exploring Death Valley with me since he was barely old enough to walk. At 1 year old he would walk out into Badwater Basin with me. At 2 he was following me out onto the Racetrack. Now he follows me up and down the Sand Dunes, his camera in hand eager to see what beauty awaits us. He loved the sights and colors this morning, and had a blast being in the sand. It always brings a smile to our face when we return to these spots, eager to see what undiscovered beauty awaits. I'm particularly excited for the next time we visit, now that he's began to take photographs with my backup camera body and backup tripod. It'll be all sorts of new adventures as we explore the boundless expanse of the Mesquite Sand Dunes. Mesquite Sand Dunes, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sand-waves/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0873_20181106.jpg Sand Waves Sunrise over Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and the Grapevine Mountains, Death Valley National Park, California The Belt of Venus illuminates the skies above the Mesquite Sand Dunes and the Grapevine Mountains in Death Valley National Park as dawn gives was to sunrise. Mesquite Sand Dunes, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ghosts-in-the-desert/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0799_20161029.jpg Ghosts in the Desert Ballarat Ghost Town during the Golden Hour, Death Valley National Park, California Golden Hour light illuminates the clouds above "the Jail, Morgue, and Motel if vacant" in Ballarat Ghost Town in Mojave Desert of Death Valley National Park as old mining carts and equipment lay scattered around. Ballarat, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/desert-spires/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0700-_90A0701_20161029.jpg Desert Spires Storms over the Trona Pinnacles during the Golden Hour, Mojave Desert, California Storm clouds line the skies above the Trona Pinnacles during the Golden Hour, as the tufa spires reflect in an ephemeral pool of water left over from a recent rains. Trona Pinnacles, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/return-to-the-past/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0674_20151113_C.jpg Return to the Past The Milky Way over Lake Manly," Death Valley National Park, California Floodwaters form Lake Manly in Badwater Basin as the Milky Way rises high into the night skies above. Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/celestial-salt-waves/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0611_20151113.jpg Celestial Salt Waves The Milky Way over Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California Salt formations in Badwater Basin resemble waves of salt as the Milky Way rises high into the skies above Death Valley National Park Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/happy-family/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0601_20181107.jpg Happy Family Sunset over Joshua Trees in the Mojave Desert, Death Valley National Park, California Soft magenta and purple pastel colors at sunset illuminate the skies above a small group of Joshua Trees in the Mojave Desert of Death Valley National Park. Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heart-of-the-desert/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0599_20181107.jpg Heart of the Desert Sunset over a heart shaped Joshua Tree in the Mojave Desert, Death Valley National Park, California Soft magenta and purple pastel colors at sunset illuminate the skies above Joshua Trees in Mojave Desert of Death Valley National Park. Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/stardust/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0597_20151113.jpg Stardust Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way over Badwater Basin," Death Valley National Park, California The Andromeda Galaxy and the northern spiral arm of the Milky Way rise high into the night skies over Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/badwater-destruction/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0588_20151113.jpg Badwater Destruction The Milky way over Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California Receding flood waters reveal the destruction of the salt formations in Badwater Basin as the Milky Way rises high into the sky above Death Valley National Park. Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/desert-wonder/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0586_20181107.jpg Desert Wonder Sunset over a Joshua Tree in the Mojave Desert, Death Valley National Park, California Soft magenta and purple pastel colors at sunset illuminate the skies above a Joshua Tree in Death Valley National Park as twilight sets in. Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/artists-symphony/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0353_20181107.jpg Artist's Symphony The rocks of the Black Mountains in Death Valley produce a variety of colors, like a Symphony of colors on an Artist's Palette. The various colors are produced by oxidation of the metals in the rocks. Iron rich rocks produce red, pink, and yellow, mica produces turquoise, and manganese produces purple. The oxidation which produces the colors is caused by chemical weathering and hydrothermal alternation. Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/perpetual-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0345-_90A0359_20171106_2x1.jpg Perpetual Dream Sunrise over Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California Sunlight shines through clouds at sunrise over the badlands of Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park. Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/morning-glow/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0336_20171106.jpg Morning Glow First light on Zabriskie Point at Sunrise, Death Valley National Park, California The first rays of morning sunlight illuminate the badlands of Zabriskie Point at sunrise in Death Valley National Park. Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/glowing-beacon/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0303_20171106_16x20.jpg Glowing Beacon Storm Clouds over Red Cathedral and Manly Beacon at Sunrise, Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California Sunrise illuminates the top of Manly Beacon, Red Cathedral and the Panamint Range across the valley a golden color as storm clouds cover the skies above Zabriskie Point. Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/red-cathedral-sunrise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0283_20171106.jpg Red Cathedral Sunrise Zabriskie Point Sunrise, Death Valley National Park, California The clouds above the Red Cathedral and Zabriskie Point illuminate with color at Sunrise in Death Valley National Park Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/death-valleys-awakening/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0271_20171106.jpg Death Valley's Awakening Zabriskie Point Sunrise, Death Valley National Park Sunrise illuminates the skies above Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park as the peaks of the Panamint Range illuminate pink with Alpenglow Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pink-dawn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0267_20171106.jpg Pink Dawn Sunrise over Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California Sunrise illuminates the Badlands of Zabriskie Point and the peaks of the Panamint Range pink with Alpenglow as a new day begins in Death Valley National Park.I've always been enamored with the multicolored badlands of Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Pak. Green and reds mixed in with brown and other colors creates a wonderful palette for the eyes and imagination. When the high peaks of the Panamint Range light up with Alpenglow, it's a real treat. I'm not much of a morning person, but I'll always drag myself out of bed for good light and this morning was definitely one of those mornings. I'd looked at the weather the night before, decided the cloud cover might be right, and decided to be there for dawn. The pinks and pastel colors between dawn and sunrise are always among my favorite light, and it certainly worked out this day. The indirect light of the still rising sun illuminated the peaks with Alpenglow, as the clouds in the skies above lit up with the pastel colors I love so much. It was the climax of a beautiful dawn, framed in pink. Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/changeover/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0257_20171105.jpg Changeover Milky Way over Badwater Basin at Nautical Sunset, Death Valley National Park, California The Milky way rises high into the sky over Badwater Basin at Nautical Dusk, as Nautical Twilight draws to a close and night begins to set in. The last light of the long since set sun can be seen reflecting off the clouds above. Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/zenith/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0251_20171105.jpg Zenith Nautical Sunset over Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California Dried salt forms hexagonal shaped geometric patterns in the Badwater Basin salt flats of Death Valley National Park. Sunset has long since passed. The last remaining light from the long set sun fades away as nautical twilight comes to a close. Day transitions to night as the stars begin to show in the skies above. Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/jigsaw/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0169-_90A0190_20181107.jpg Jigsaw Mud Cracks, Death Valley National Park, California Dried mud in Death Valley National Park creates deep mud cracks shaped like geometric patterns. Mud Cracks, Death Valley National Park, California https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/nature-in-a-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1195_20180610.jpg Nature in a Dream Morning Light over the Teton Range and the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Morning Light illuminates the upper slopes of the Cathedral Group (South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain) as the Snake River flows past a fallen tree trunk on the shore. Teton Range peaks from left to right: Buck Mountain, Mount Wister, South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain, Buckingham Palace, The Jaw, Mount Saint John, Rockchuck Peak and Mount Moran. Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/peace-found/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1165_20180610.jpg Peace Found Morning Light over the Teton Range and the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Morning Light illuminates the upper slopes of the Cathedral Group (South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain) as branches of the Snake River merge together. Teton Range peaks from left to right: Mount Wister, South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain, Buckingham Palace, The Jaw, Mount Saint John, Rockchuck Peak and Mount Moran. Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/unspoiled-forever/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1099_20180610.jpg Unspoiled Forever Morning Light over the Cathedral Group and the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Morning Light over the Cathedral Group (South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain) as the scene reflects in the still waters of a Beaver Pond along the Snake River. Teton Range from left to right: Buck Mountain, Mount Wister, South Teton, Middle Teton, Disappointment Peak, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain, Buckingham Palce, The Jaw. Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/stir-of-sunrise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1049_20180609.jpg Stir of Sunrise Sunrise over Mount Moran, the Snake River and Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming First light at sunrise illuminates the slopes of Mount Moran, Bivouac Peak and Mount Woodring (through the trees to the left) as the scene reflects in the still waters of the Snake River at Oxbow Bend in Grand Teton National Park. Fog slowly begins to rise from the waters near the shoreline of the snake river as a new day begins. There's Sunrise in the mountains that always captivates the soul. That first stir of sunrise, when the soft pastel light begins to light the sky as the mountain slopes lay bathed in that beautiful morning light is always magical. It's as if we've been granted a short window into the beauty of Heaven, and my what a beautiful sight it is. It's a brief moment. A few minutes later the light will change in within 15 minutes it will be gone, but time always seems to stand still during those brief few moments. Everything slows down, as life begins to make sense as the beautiful scene lifts our spirits as we ready for a new day. There's something healing about these brief moments. The quiet sounds as you stare out at the mirror reflection of sunrise in the river and the mountain peaks rise up above is quite a sight. There's nothing quite like that first stir of sunrise. Perhaps that's why for generations we've continually seeked these types of moments out, and it's probably why we always will. There's always peace and solitude to be found in nature, and does the world seems to get busier and busier, these brief few moments of heaven each morning become so much more meaningful. They take us back to a simpler time, and that feeling always seems to do wonders for our soul. Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dawns-awakening/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1023_20180609.jpg Dawn's Awakening Belt of Venus at Sunrise over Mount Moran, the Snake River and Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming The soft colors of the Belt of Venus illuminate the sky at sunrise as the belt and Mount Moran and reflect in waters of the Snake River at Oxbow Bend in Grand Teton National Park. Fog begins to form along the shoreline of the Snake River. Visable Peaks (from left to right): Mount Woodring, Mount Moran and Window Peak. Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/untamed/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0980_20180610_2X.jpg Untamed Morning Storm Clouds over the Cathedral Group of the Teton Range and a Beaver Dam along Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming A Beaver Dam along the Snake River slows down the flow as morning storm clouds during the Golden Hour blanket the skies above the Cathedral Group of the Teton Range. A lone Trumpeter Swan rests near the shore of the Beaver Pond. Peaks visible in this photo (from left to right): Mount Wister, South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain and The Jaw (just behind the trees). Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/silence-and-solitude/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0964_20180608.jpg Silence and Solitude Sunset over the Cathedral Group of the Teton Range and a Beaver Pond, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Sunset softly illuminates the skies over Grand Teton and the Cathedral Group in Grand Teton National Park as the scene reflects in a Beaver Pond formed in the still waters of the Snake River. Peaks visible in this photo (from left to right): Mount Wister (between the trees), South Teton (just behind the trees), Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain. Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pure-bliss/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0879_20180608.jpg Pure Bliss Sunset over the Cathedral Group of the Teton Range and the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Sunrays at Sunset shine into the sky above and blanket the peak of Grand Teton and The Jaw below as the scene reflects in the still waters of the Snake River. Peaks visible in this photo (from left to right): South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain, and The Jaw. Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ripple/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0866_20180610.jpg Ripple Storm Clouds at Sunrise over the Cathedral Group of the Teton Range and the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Storm clouds cover the peaks of Grant Teton and Mount Owen as sunrise illuminates the slopes of the Cathedral Group of the Teton Range and the clouds above. A branch of the Snake River meanders its way through small meadow while the scene faintly reflects in the waters along. Peaks visible in this photo (from left to right): Static Peak, Buck Mountain, Mount Wister, South Teton, Middle Teton, Grand Teton (obscured by clouds), Mount Owen (obscured by clouds), Teewinot Mountain, and The Jaw. Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/times-gone-by-at-ta-moulton-barn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0825_20180610.jpg Times Gone By at TA Moulton Barn Sunrise over the TA Moulton Barn and the Cathedral Group, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Alpenglow begins to light the slopes of the Cathedral Group (South Teton; Nez Perce Peak; Middle Teton; Grand Teton; Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain) as the colors of sunrise come to life in the skies above the TA Moulton Barn and the Teton Range. TA Moulton Barn, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/times-gone-by-at-john-moulton-barn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0821_20180610.jpg Times Gone By at John Moulton Barn Sunrise over the John Moulton Barn and the Cathedral Group, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Alpenglow begins to light the slopes of the Cathedral Group (South Teton; Nez Perce Peak; Middle Teton; Grand Teton; Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain) as the colors of sunrise come to life in the skies above the John Moulton Barn and the Teton Range. John Moulton Barn, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/castles-in-the-sky/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0766_20180609.jpg Castles in the Sky Alpenglow on the Cathedral Group at Sunset, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Pastel colors illuminate the sky at sunset as alpenglow illuminates the upper slopes of Teewinot Mountain, Grand Teton and Mount Owen. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-three-wise-men/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0692_20180609.jpg The Three Wise Men Alpenglow at sunset on the Cathedral Group above Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Alpenglow shines through Cascade Canyon at sunset and illuminates the northern faces of Teewinot Mountian, Grand Teton and Mount Owen as Storm Point, Ice Point and Symmetric Spire sit in shadows. Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dance-with-the-mountains/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0651_20180609.jpg Dance with the Mountains Sunset over the Cathedral Group and Wildflowers, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Sunlight slightly illuminates the slopes of The Cathedral Group (Teewinot Mountain, Grand Teton and Mount Owen) at Sunset as the peaks rise high above wildflowers (Arrowleaf Balsamroot and Blue Lupine) growing among a field of sagebrush. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/stillness/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0582_20180608.jpg Stillness Morning Light over the Cathedral Group of the Teton Range and the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Morning Light over the Cathedral Group of the Teton Range and Beaver Ponds along the Snake River. Cathedral Range from left to right: South Teton, Nez Perce Peak, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/morning-rise/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0489_20180608.jpg Morning Rise Sunrise on Buck Mountain and the Teton Range above a Wetland Meadow, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming A soft morning glow at Sunrise illuminates Albright Peak, Static Peak, Buck Mountain, Veiled Peak and Mount Wister as they rise above a wetland meadow and the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park. Blacktail Ponds, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/grand-awakening/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0479_20180608.jpg Grand Awakening Sunrise over Grand Teton and the Cathedral Group above a Wetland Meadow, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming A soft morning glow at Sunrise illuminates South Teton, Nez Perce Peak, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and Teewinot Mountain as they rise above a wetland meadow along the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park. Blacktail Ponds, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/rejuvenation/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0477_20180608.jpg Rejuvenation Sunrise over the TA Moulton Barn and the Grand Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming First light at sunrise illuminates the peaks of the Grand Teton Range as the TA Moulton Barn stands in a green meadow below. Peaks of the Teton Range visible in this photo (from left to right): Veiled Peak, Mount Wister, South Teton, Spalding Peak, Nez Perce Peak, Middle Teton, Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain. TA Moulton Barn, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/revived/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0462_20180608.jpg Revived Morning Twilight before Sunrise over the TA Moulton Barn and the Grand Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Alpenglow during civil twilight before sunrise begins to illuminate the top of the peaks of the Grand Teton Range as a small creek runs through the green meadow in front of the TA Moulton Barn in Grand Teton National Park Peaks of the Teton Range visible in this photo (from left to right): Albright Peak, Static Peak, Buck Mountain, Veiled Peak, Mount Wister, South Teton, Spalding Peak, Nez Perce Peak, Middle Teton, Grand Teton and Mount Owen TA Moulton Barn, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/light-the-way/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0366_20180609.jpg Light the Way Golden Hour over Cascade Canyon and the Cathedral Group, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Rays from the setting sun illuminate Cascade Canyon and northern slopes and faces of the Cathedral Group (from left to right: Teewinot Mountian, Grand Teton and Mount Owen) during the Golden Hour as Storm Point, Ice Point and Symmetric Spire sit in shadows. Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/in-the-meadows-of-eden/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0349_20180609.jpg In the Meadows of Eden Golden Hour over Teewinot Mountain, Broken Falls and Lupine Meadows, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Rays from the setting sun during the golden hour illuminate the northern face of Teewinot Mountain, Crooked Thumb and parts of the Teton Range crest as Broken Falls tumbles 300 feet over seven tiers down the eastern slopes of Teewinot Mountain towards Lupine Meadows below. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/heart-of-the-tetons/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0233_20140526.jpg Heart of the Tetons Clouds over the Cathedral Group, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming Clouds blanket the skies above the Grand Teton, Mount Owen and Teewinot Mountain as the peaks rise up into the sky like cathedral spires made of snow and stone. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/breath-of-the-unending/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6871-_90A6874_20210915.jpg Breath of the Unending Bioluminescence and Haystack Rock in the Foggy Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon Bioluminescence illuminates waters of the Pacific Ocean as a thick marine fog layer envelopes Haystack Rock on the Oregon Coast at Cannon Beach. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/veil-of-silence/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6806-_90A6816_20210915.jpg Veil of Silence Bioluminescence and Haystack Rock in the Foggy Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon Bioluminescence illuminates waters of the Pacific Ocean as a thick marine fog layer envelopes Haystack Rock on the Oregon Coast at Cannon Beach. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/emptiness/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6726_20210914.jpg Emptiness Bioluminescence, Fog and the Wreck of the Peter Iredale on the Oregon Coast, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon Clouds fill the sky at night while a marine layer of fog begins to roll in towards the Wreck of the Peter Iredale as the last Bioluminescence of the season illuminates the waters of the Pacific Ocean as it rolls ashore. Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pacific-dream/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0614_20200811.jpg Pacific Dream A Sea Stack and Bioluminescence in the Pacific Ocean on a Cloudy Night along the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon An unnamed sea stack rises out of the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast on a cloudy moonlit night as bioluminescence illuminates the waters of the Pacific. Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/off-to-dreamland/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0609_20200811.jpg Off to Dreamland Jockey Cap and Bioluminescence in the Pacific Ocean on a Cloudy Moonlit Night along the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon A pair of sea stacks rise up from the ocean on a moonlit night. Bioluminescence illuminates the waters of the Pacific Ocean while a small patch of stars peaks through the nighttime cloud cover. Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/breath-of-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0595_20200811.jpg Breath of Night Jockey Cap rises out of the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast on a cloudy moonlit night as bioluminescence illuminates the waters of the Pacific. Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/lonesome-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0576_20200816.jpg Lonesome Night Bioluminescence in the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast, Arch Cape, Oregon Stars and airglow illuminate the night sky as Bioluminescence illuminates the waters of Pacific along the North Oregon Coast. Stars reflect in a small stream of water left in the sand at low tide near Hug Point. Arch Cape, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sea-stars/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0574_20200816.jpg Sea Stars The Milky Way over Bioluminescence in the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast, Arch Cape, Oregon Bioluminescence illuminates the waters of the Pacific Ocean while the Milky Way reaches high into the night sky. Sodium vapor lights from a fishing boat far out at sea illuminate the horizon near the Milky Way. Arch Cape, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/whispers-in-the-night/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0556_20200816.jpg Whispers in the Night Bioluminescence in the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon Stars and airglow illuminate the night sky above the tree lined cliffs and the Pacific Ocean as bioluminescence illuminates the waters of Pacific around Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach along the North Oregon Coast. Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/adaptation/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0553_20200816.jpg Adaptation Bioluminescence in the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon Stars and airglow illuminate the night sky above the tree lined cliffs and the Pacific Ocean as bioluminescence illuminates the waters of Pacific around Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach along the North Oregon Coast. Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/jupiters-goodbye/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0430_20200815.jpg Jupiter's Goodbye Jupiter and Saturn above Bioluminescence and Haystack Rock along the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon Jupiter sets over the Pacific Ocean as Saturn shines in the night sky. Bioluminescence illuminates the waters of the Pacific while Haystack Rock reflects in pools of ocean water in the tidal zone. Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/pacific-goodnight/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0422_20200815.jpg Pacific Goodnight Jupiter, Saturn and the Milky Way over bioluminescence in the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon Bioluminescence illuminates the waters of the Pacific Ocean while the Milky Way reaches up into the night sky. Sodium vapor lights from a fishing boat far out at sea illuminates the horizon with a warm glow, while stars, the Milky Way and the colors of the night sky reflect in the pools of ocean water left in the tidal zone. There's always something special about the sparkling sand and blue glow of Bioluminescence along the Oregon Coast. The Oregon Coast is unique, in that 100% of the coastline in Oregon is public, protected land. That's always made spending time on the coast here all the more special to me. I spent many nights on the Oregon Coast this summer with my wife and son, enjoying and photographing this wonderful bioluminescence occurrence. The tide was low, it was dark, and the ocean was so far out I couldn't see where the ocean began. So I just started walking towards the ocean with a flashlight so I could keep tabs on the ocean tide line. When I arrived in the tidal zone, I was very far out. Much further out than you would normally be able to go. The low tide had left mounds and pools of ocean water, providing a perfect mix of sand and reflection. Jupiter and Saturn were getting close to setting, as sodium vapor lights on a fishing boat far out at sea lined up perfectly with the setting Milky Way, providing the warm look of sunset as the stars in the night sky rose above. It was an absolutely magical sight, as if the sun, Milky Way, stars and planets were all saying "goodbye" over the Pacific Ocean at once. Nature can be absolutely magical sometimes, and this night it certainly provided a wonderful sight. Cannon Beach, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/titan/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0333-_90A0337_20200815_SQ.jpg Titan Bioluminescence, the Milky Way, Jupiter and Saturn over the Pacific Oceanand the Oregon Coast, Warrenton, Oregon The Milky Way and Jupiter reflect off shallow water in the Pacific Ocean as they rise high into the sky above. Bioluminescence illuminates the waves of the ocean blue as they roll towards the shore along the Oregon Coast. This is another photo that was taken during my 2 month, 6,000 mile journey all across the Pacific Northwest during the summer of 2020 while chasing Neowise followed by bioluminescence on the Oregon Coast. It was low tide, so grabbed my gear and walked out towards the ocean tide line. I got close enough to be just in the shallow tide to capture the reflections on the wet sand, while far enough away to avoid the waves. It was a little nerve racking, being that far out that close to the waves in the dark. The vivid bioluminescence made it easier to keep an eye on the tide line: look for the white in the waves and the white caps. If you're wondering why I was looking for the white caps and the white in the waves, it's simple: the rods in our eyes are what are mostly responsible for our night vision, and rods don't see in color. They are mostly monochromatic and primarily see in black and white. So, what you end up seeing is white with where the bioluminescence is, though if it's strong enough you will see a hint of blue hue to it.  I kept a careful eye on the water, never turning my back to the ocean. The Pacific Ocean is always a beautiful sight, but when you combine it with the Milky way, bioluminescence, a streaking meteor and beautiful reflections in the wet sand it's one of those wonderful moments where time seems to stand still. Stand still time did. This moment was frozen in time. I still remember exactly what it felt like to be out there, and if I close my eyes I can take myself back to that exact moment. Perhaps that right there is my favorite thing about photography: its ability to freeze a moment in time, providing you the ability to share you're moments of serenity and beauty with everyone for all of eternity. Warrenton, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mastery-of-water/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0323_20200815.jpg Mastery of Water Bioluminescence, the Milky Way, Jupiter and Saturn over the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast, Warrenton, Oregon The Milky Way and Jupiter reflect off shallow water in the Pacific Ocean as they rise high into the sky above. Bioluminescence illuminates the waves of the ocean blue as they roll towards the shore along the Oregon Coast. This night was one of the more vivid displays of Bioluminescence I've ever seen on the Oregon Coast. My wife and son joined me on this trip, and it was certainly memorable for all of us. I live 90 minutes from this spot, so we're all here quite a bit. But there's nothing quite like seeing the sand light up with faint blue sparkles as you walk across the wet sand. For this one, I walked out towards the tide line so I could get the reflection of the Milky Way in the wet sand just right. You have to be careful and keep a careful eye on things when doing that (especially at night) since the tide can come in hard and fast. It's always serene, being near the ocean. At night it's an entirely different experience. The lack of light really allows you to listen and take in the rhythmic sound of the Waves rolling ashore. Throw in some bioluminescence, stars in the Milky Way and it's one of those experiences were you just get lost in the beauty of nature. There's so much more to the beauty of nature than what we can see, and experiences like this are a beautiful reminder of that.  Everything came together perfectly, and experiences like this are a reminder of just amazing our planet truly is. Warrenton, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mysterious-nights/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0311_20200814.jpg Mysterious Nights Bioluminescence, the Milky Way, Jupiter and Saturn over the Wreck of the Peter Iredale and the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon Bioluminescence illuminates the waves of the Pacific Ocean blue as they roll onto the sand behind the Wreck of the Peter Iredale along the Oregon Coast. The Milky Way rises high into the sky above the ocean as Jupiter (right) and Saturn (left) shine brightly in the sky just to the left of the Milky Way. Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/mysteries-of-the-sea/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0307_20200814.jpg Mysteries of the Sea Bioluminescence, the Milky Way, Jupiter and Saturn over the Wreck of the Peter Iredale and the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon Bioluminescence illuminates the waves of the Pacific Ocean blue as they roll onto the sand behind the Wreck of the Peter Iredale along the Oregon Coast. The Milky Way rises high into the sky above the ocean as Jupiter (right) and Saturn (left) shine brightly in the sky just to the left of the Milky Way. The beautiful glow of bioluminescence is one of those things that makes you appreciate the wonders of nature. There's something magical about the way the crashing waves illuminate that makes you stop and appreciate life. This shipwreck occurred over 100 years ago, but bioluminescence has been occurring here on and off much longer.  The light from the stars and Milky Way shining in the sky is older still, and the position of Jupiter and Saturn right near Sagittarius and the Milky Way core was something that hadn't occurred in a very long time, and it's something that won't even remotely occur again until 2080 (it will be further away from the MW and Sagittarius to the left of both by then). It's a wonderful mix of old, new, and truly unique which came together for one beautiful sight. Nature is full of wonderous mysteries and the night sky is filled with even more. Bioluminescence is certainly one of the most wonderful sights I've seen in nature and at night. It's a beautiful glow reminding you to appreciate the mysteries of the sea. Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/ocean-melody/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0304_20200814.jpg Ocean Melody Bioluminescence, the Milky Way and Jupiter over the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast, Warrenton, Oregon Bioluminescence illuminates the waves of the Pacific Ocean blue as they roll onto a sandy beach along the Oregon Coast. The Milky Way rises high into the sky above the ocean as Jupiter shines brightly in the sky just to the left of the Milky Way. Warrenton, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-wizards-mirror/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0319-_90A0320_20150624_16x20.jpg The Wizard's Mirror The Milky Way over Wizard Island and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Wizard Island and the Milky Way reflect in the moonlit waters of Crater Lake as aurora induced airglow fills the sky on a tranquil summer night.I've always loved Crater Lake, so I've been there more times than I can count. It's a place which always feels like going home whenever I'm there. It's a unique kind of beauty, there's something about staring into the 6-mile wide caldera of a collapsed volcano that's oddly soothing. Even in the summertime when the weather is hot down below, up at 8,000 feet it's cold with a chill, just how I like it. The clouds move fast up at this elevation, and they can form and go away in seemingly the snap of a finger. I can't count how many times I've been up there, blessed with beautiful clouds at sunset only to have them clear out a short while later once the night comes. On this night, there were a few wispy clouds which hung on, and they really added a beautiful element to the photo. There was massive solar storm going on and the glow of the Aurora emanating up from the horizon was visible to the north. The display was strong enough to see something to the north even through moonlight, and since the moon was setting I knew I could get some of the resulting airglow as it stretched across the sky with a slightly illuminated foreground.The skies are incredibly dark up here, and when the 6 mile wide lake is still enough to reflect the stars and the Milky Way it's truly a sight to see. Soft, low angled partial moonlight combined with airglow was truly the icing on the cake this night. It's so very serene, especially when you're the only one up there. There's something about when it's just you, nature and the camera that makes it feel like a small slice of heaven. Perhaps what always amazes me most about Crater Lake is how the eruption which collapsed Mount Mazama transformed the great mountain into an entirely new, unique kind of beauty. The wonders of nature never cease to amaze me, and a Crater Lake is always a perfect example of that. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/the-magicians-wand/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0326_20150626.jpg The Magician's Wand The Milky Way over Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. The setting moon illuminates a tree snug with a warm glow along the rim of Crater Lake in Crater Lake National Park as the Milky Way rises high into the sky. Wizard Island can be seen peeking out from behind the snag.I've always loved it when things come together in nature to produce a stunning, otherworldly scene which combines multiple things together in a manner we typically don't see. This single exposure was actually taken at 1:14am, as the moon was setting. The moon was at 55%, and as it dipped towards the horizon to the west, it cast a warm glow on the landscape, and a bluish hue in the sky. The warm light from the setting Moon created a warm glow on Wizard Island, this tree snap and the mound is rests on as colors which resemble sunrise and sunset illuminate the horizon above the rim. These sunrise colors are a result of the moonlight mixing with light pollution from far away and far below, creating a beautiful warm look on the horizon. Everything came together in such a beautiful manner, an otherworldly scene in an otherworldly place. Crater Lake has long been one of those places where time seemingly stands still, and the impossible suddenly seems possible. Its beauty has inspired me for longer than I can remember, and scenes like this are a good reminder of why it probably always will. No matter how many times I've been to this wonderous place, I'll always find my way back here. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/whispering-cascade/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0808_20150624.jpg Whispering Cascade Vidae Falls, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Vidae Falls tumbles over a forested ridge near the rim of Crater Lake, catching soft sunset light as a faint purple and warm magenta glow lingers in the clouds above. Vidae Falls, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/sages-wisdom/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0761_20191013.jpg Sage's Wisdom Sunset over Wizard Island and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Alpenglow lights the skies and waters of Crater Lake after sunset as Dusk sets in above Wizard Island and a Whitebark Pine growing on the caldera rim.I've always loved those soft pastels which often set in after sunset. It's magical to see the soft glow in the sky after sunset. The soft colors are like something out of a wonderful dream, one last glimpse of magical light before night sets in. It's a mix of Rayleigh Scattering, refracted light and reflected light, and it illuminated the skies above this old beautiful tree snag in an otherworldly manner. The way the alpenglow catches the water is one of those things that just freezes time. I can lost in those precious few minutes of light forever. For those brief moments, time stands still and everything seems perfect. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/wizard-on-the-water/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0754-_90A0756_20191013_16x20.jpg Wizard on the Water Sunset over Wizard Island and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Sunset brings a pastel alpenglow to the skies over Crater Lake and Wizard Island as the day draws to a close. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/bewitched/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0740_20191013.jpg Bewitched Sunset over Wizard Island and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Sunset lights the skies over Crater Lake and Wizard Island as the day draws to a close.I've always loved Crater Lake, it's such a unique kind of beauty. The caldera stretches 6 miles across, has no outflow and is filled entirely with snowmelt and runoff. As a result, it's the clearest, cleanest water in the world  The water takes on a deep cobalt blue color which has to be seen believe. There's nothing quite like standing at the edge of the caldera, staring out at that beautiful, deep cobalt blue water stretching 6 miles across. At sunset, the colors softly glow on the horizon and the skies above the caldera as bits of color reflect on the water, mixing with the cobalt blue. Scenes like this in places like this are almost to perfect for this world. They have the feeling of a thin places, one of those rare places and moments that seem to blur the lines between heaven and Earth. Time stands still as the colors transform the scene for one unique kind of beauty into something entirely unique in a whole different manner. The way it all comes together is a moment of true serenity and peace. No matter how many times I visit this wondrous place, my jaw drops just like it did the first time I ever laid eyes on it and I know I'll always find my way back to this beautiful place. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/dances-with-dawn/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0177-_90A0187_20200714.jpg Dances with Dawn Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) over Wizard Island and Crater Lake, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Comet NEOWISE shines above Wizard Island as moonlight bathes Crater Lake and the caldera rim. Stars begin to fade as Nautical Dawn quietly rises behind the eastern skies.This is still one of my favorite memories. It was taken July 14, 2020 during my "Great Neowise Chase." I drove close to 6,000 miles all over Oregon and Washington photographing Neowise. I never knew where I was heading until 24 to 48 hours prior, since it all depended on the weather. Lots of planning done on short order was involved. At one point I literally crossed the state from end to three times in 24 hours. Lots of sleeping in the SUV and eating homemade camping meals. But, what a blast it was! We saw so many beautiful, once in a lifetime sights. This was one of them. There had actually been faint Auroras visible until the moon rose and washed them out. Neowise hung on until the last bit of Nautical Dawn began to wash it away, which is when this was taken. It was marvelous seeing those colors of dawn begin to creep up on the horizon as the stars, the comet and the blue dark night sky faded away. It was one of those things I'll truly never forget. One thing has always stuck with me ever since I took this photo: this was Comet Neowise first trip EVER over Crater Lake. When it passed Earth prior, Crater Lake didn't exist since Mount Mazama had not erupted and collapsed yet. It was truly mind blowing to think about the fact that we were the first generation of people to ever see this comet over this place. What an amazing gift this view was! Crater Lake National Park, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/hoods-luster/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A8508-_90A85142014721.jpg Hood's Luster Sunset over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Alpenglow sets in over Mount Hood as it reflects in the still waters of Trillium Lake, while magenta and purple sunset light stretches across the sky.I've always loved Mount Hood. As a lifelong Oregonian, it holds a special place in my heart. I grew up within an hour of the mountain, and still live within an hour of Mount Hood. I remember visiting Hood with my mother and father, staring in awe at Hood's beauty as the mountain rose high into the sky above the surrounding landscape. As an adult, it's a place I still frequent with my wife and son. When the waters of Trillium Lake are still, the reflections are a sight to see. Alpenglow can reflect off the clouds, bouncing back and forth between the lake, the clouds and off the snow covered slopes of the mountain. It can result in some intense displays of color, beauty seemingly sent down from heaven. I've witnessed many beautiful sunsets at Trillium Lake over the years, but this display of Alpenglow after sunset during civil twilight will always be one of my favorites. It was one of those thin moments where the lines between Heaven and Earth are seemingly blurred. Moments like this are why going to the mountains is always like going home. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/hello-my-love/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A1343-_90A1349_20160605_E.jpg Hello My Love Dawn over Mount Hood and the Sandy River, Oregon First light glows over Mount Hood and the Sandy River as sunrise colors begin to warm the morning sky. Mount Hood, Sandy River, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/halo/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A7511_20211012.jpg Halo The Aurora Borealis over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon The Aurora Borealis dances across the night sky above Mount Hood. Fog begins to rise from Trillium Lake as the scene reflects in the calm, still waters belowThe Aurora Borealis is always hit-and-miss in the lower 48. Plenty of times I've headed out, only to find a faint Aurora glow emanating up from the horizon and not the dancing pillars I had hoped for. On this day, the weather was cold and my original cardiologist had me convinced just days before I didn't have long and needed an insanely priced surgery (he was wrong on both counts). The Auroras were predicted to show up, but I was in too much of a funk to go chase them. I decided I wasn't going to head out. I was too down and worried. As I sat at my computer, the light above me and across the room started to flicker. These are lights that had not done this before (and have not done this since). I thought maybe this was my Dad telling me from the other side that I should head out. So, I talked to my wife, grabbed my cold weather gear, grabbed my camera gear and headed up the mountain. It was 22° f, so I bundled up and headed out to the lake to wait. At first, it was the typical Aurora glow in the sky I've seen so many times here. Then it happened: greens, magentas, and pillars all dancing like a halo above the peak of Mount Hood and the waters of Trillium Lake. It was honestly just what I needed at that moment, and it pretty much immediately pulled me out of my funk. It was as if it was halo from heaven, reminding me everything would be alright. The next day, I found a new cardiologist for a second opinion and scheduled an appointment with him. After testing, he would tell me I was perfectly fine, didn't need an ICD and things were looking up. He also told me not only did I not need surgery, testing showed I didn't even qualify for it. It was another boost of confidence I needed right when I needed it. In the years since, I've gained my confidence back, continued to increase my ejection fractions and continued to see many wondrous things in nature. It all started this moment though, when those pillars from heaven lit the skies above Mount Hood. Over the years, I've learned out in nature you'll often find just what you need right when you need it. It's these quiet moments in those thin places that blur the line between Heaven and Earth where things truly begin to make sense. This photo is dedicated to my good friend Robyn Lakeman, who I've photographed with at this spot before when she was visiting the area. She passed before I was able to show her this photo. RIP my friend! You're missed!! Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/river-in-the-heavens/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6205-_90A6211_20210607_stacked.jpg River in the Heavens Milky Way over the White River, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon The Milky Way rises into the night sky as the wild and scenic White River flows down from Mount Hood White River, Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/alpine-air/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A6132_20210607.jpg Alpine Air Sunset and a Lenticular Cloud over Mount Hood and Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Sunset illuminates the clouds as a Lenticular Cloud covers the peak of Mount Hood. The scene reflects in the still waters of Trillium Lake. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/winters-edge/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3912_20210123.jpg Winter's Edge Mount Hood in Winter under Moonlight, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Winter covers Mount Hood and the surrounding landscape in a deep blanket of snow and ice as stars in the night sky peak out from behind the moonlit clouds.The view from up on this ridge is stunning, as you witness Mount Hood rising up high above as a snowfield comes down off the mountain covering the landscape below. A river originating high up on Mount Hood from one of its many glaciers snakes through the frozen landscape on the far side of the canyon as trees line the tops of both sides. It's as if you're standing on the edge of winter, admiring all the beauty it has to offer. I've always enjoyed cold weather photography, and at 14°F outside the conditions were perfect. When I'm out on the mountain in the winter, I tend to like to stay out. So I had 30-40 lbs. of camera gear on my back while bundled up in multiple layers head to toe, with extreme cold rated boots with snow shoes, crampons and poles. Hiking in the moonlight was a very surreal experience. Between that and the snow of winter, it transformed this alpine landscape into a new kind of beauty. The clouds were the perfect thickness, thick enough to reflect moonlight yet thin enough to let some stars shine through. Everything came together so well here. Time stands still at times like this, and I could have just stood here staring out at the wonders of nature forever. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/made-in-the-mist/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A0154_20200709.jpg Made in the Mist Sunrise over Mount Hood and Foggy Trillium Lake, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Morning Twilight brings the colors of sunrise to the clouds and skies over Mount Hood as fog rises from the still waters of Trillium Lake There's something magical about fog rising up from a lake during morning twilight as sunrise nears. The way it filters the light and softens the scene makes it feel as if you're witnessing the beauty of heaven. Scenes like this always feel like a "thin place," a place which blurs the lines between heaven and earth. The way the mountain and the colors of sunrise softly reflect like a mirror in the waters of the lake is truly stunning. I've witnessed many beautiful scenes here over the decades, but the way the clouds danced across the sky and mixed with the fog rising from the lake this morning was truly stunning. There's a rainbow of color in the sky as the rising sunlight begins to overtake the sky and day draws near. This has always among both my and my wife's favorite things in nature. I often refer to it as the "sunrise rainbow." It's always amazing to witness, but when you mix it in the wondrous beauty of the mountains, the fog and the perfect amount of clouds time seems to stand still. You get lost in the moment and time seems to stand still as you take in the beauty of nature in all its grandeur. Trillium Lake & Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/photo/frosted/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/images/xl/_90A3905_20210123.jpg Frosted Mount Hood in Winter under Moonlight, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon Moonlight illuminates Mount Hood at night in the winter as a water channel cuts through the deep snow and ice field There's something about a moonlit winter night up on the mountain surrounded by a field of ice and snow that will always take my breath away. Even though it's cold, it's serene and peaceful. It was about 14°F when I took this, but the cold temps were the furthest thing from my mind. The snow glistening, reflecting the moonlight as the river coming off the glacier on Mount Hood cut it's path though the snowfield. It was the middle of the night, just me and the mountain. This scene caught my eye from a ways out, and I snowshoed up to the ridge and along its base as the scene unfolded in front of me. It felt like I was lost in winter in heaven, and it was glorious. The small bit of glacial blue in a pocket in the snow caught my eye in this spot, a perfect compliment to the mountain rising up from between the ridges which formed a v shaped snowfield in valley. I must have snowshoed 7 miles total this night, hiking all over lost in the moment. Moments like this are always peaceful. The beautiful mix of snow, moonlight and the mountain are so perfect it's seemingly straight out of heaven. I could have spent forever up there, and as I set up to take this I couldn't help but feel as if I was snowshoeing up and photographing up in the mountains of heaven. That's my favorite thing about moments like this: they center you, and for those brief few moments everything is perfect and right. Mount Hood, Oregon https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/news/ https://www.jamesmeadphotography.com/contact/