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  • It's not easy to find water that's not frozen in Abisko National Park in the winter. But the river was flowing fast enough here that the middle was kept ice-free.
    Cold Flow
  • The rivers in Alaska are unlike anywhere else I've been. They are very wide, but split into many channels separated by sandbars. Their courses are ever-changing, influenced by floods and ice jams. Some rivulets were deep and fast-flowing, while others were shallow and calm. This river is fittingly named the Delta. To reach the flowing water I had to walk farther than the map showed. The setting sun painted the high clouds gold while lower clouds hugged the peaks of the Alaska Range 40 miles away. There are no bridges over the Delta River so getting across it is tricky. Much of the land in between the river and the mountains is undisturbed forest and tundra. But there also exists unexploded ordnance since it's a testing range used by the military. After this I stumbled across a large carcass which reminded me that this isn't always the friendliest of places. Alaska is home to approximately 32,000 grizzly bears and I didn't want to stick around here long enough to meet one.
    Delta River Sunset
  • The Tongue River was flowing quite a bit in early June. This was the view in the morning from my campsite while backpacking in Tongue River Canyon.
    Rapid Morning
  • Most of the ice at Piney Creek was covered by a layer of snow. But this portion of the creek was different, and the ice had a beautiful turquoise color. For some reason the water was flowing on top of the ice here, with slush in some areas. If I stood on the wet ice for very long my boots would freeze in place.
    Turquoise Ice
  • It was the first time I've hiked to Solitude Falls and it was flowing pretty good. This was the start of a very hot day and it felt great to be standing here in the mist of the waterfall.
    Solitude Falls
  • Most of the ice at Piney Creek was covered by a layer of snow. But this portion of the creek was different, and the ice had a beautiful turquoise color. For some reason the water was flowing on top of the ice here. It almost looked like a hot spring was melting the ice in this spot and surging up over the ice. But there are no hot springs in the Bighorn Mountains.
    Water On Top of Ice
  • Matthiessen State Park is located in North Central Illinois. There are at least 6 waterfalls located throughout the park with several creeks cutting through the gorges. The creek in this shot flows from Matthiessen Lake down to the Vermillion River. The trails alongside the creek are only accessible when the water level isn't too high. Giant's Bathtub is the name of this waterfall and it's located in the upper dells area, not far from Lake Falls.
    Giants Bathtub
  • At 90 feet high, Wildcat Falls is the tallest waterfall in Starved Rock State Park. Starved Rock is located in North Central Illinois and contains 17 canyons, many of which have waterfalls. Each canyon flows into the Illinois River to the north.
    Wildcat Falls
  • Franklin Creek flows quietly past sandstone bluffs. After a recent snowfall, this state park was looking especially beautiful. The creek is fed by several natural springs, which flow directly out of the rock. Pioneer families took advantage of this location in the 1830's by building a nearby grist mill powered by a spring.<br />
<br />
Date Taken: January 27, 2015
    Leaning Tree
  • The Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River thunders over a cliff as seen from almost a mile away. At 309 feet high, this waterfall is nearly twice the height of Niagara Falls. It is the largest waterfall in the Rocky Mountains by volume, although the flow rate was a lot less in September when this was taken. The 24-mile long Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone starts here and in some places is over 1,000 feet deep. The canyon walls consist of a volcanic rock called rhyolite, and display a wide variety of colors. Hot springs and other geothermal features are scattered throughout the canyon along the river. If you look closely you can see a viewing platform just above the falls to the right.
    Falls of the Yellowstone
  • It’s one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. At the terminus of the Castner Glacier in the highest mountain range in North America is this frozen cave. I’m sure it’s easier to get to in the summer. But with 2 feet of snow covering the trail, and moose tracks outnumbering those of humans, I almost gave up on finding it. The cave is not visible until you’re standing right at the entrance. Inside is a world of ice reflecting every shade of blue. Rocks and gravel were locked in the ceiling just waiting to fall. It felt like I was in the belly of a giant beast, examining what it ate for breakfast hundreds of years ago. Down the middle flowed a silty stream. Further back very little light reaches and a water crossing prevented further exploration. Eery booming sounds came from deep within the darkness. But at least I felt safer visiting during the cold season when the glacier wasn’t actively melting. Many maps and descriptions of this place are no longer accurate. Glacier caves are temporary features which change from year to year, and as the Castner Glacier recedes there’s no telling how long this cave will last.
    A World of Ice
  • The temperature was somewhere around 10 to 15 degrees below zero when I went for a hike besides Piney Creek in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains near Story. There were all kinds of interesting ice formations along the edge of the creek. Delicate frost feathers had formed on top of the clear layers of ice and all the boulders were simply lumps of snow. The water flows fast enough that I didn't see any parts of the creek that were frozen over completely. Standing above snowy trees at the entrance to the canyon is this colorful stained cliff. It doesn't see any sunlight until late afternoon.
    Piney Creek Cliff
  • Iceland has no shortage of scenic waterfalls. This one is called Hraunfossar (meaning Lava Falls) and it's located near Húsafell in the western interior. The water splits into numerous cascades as it trickles through the mossy lava field and flows into the Hvítá River. Volcanic activity still heats the many hot springs found in this valley, which includes the most powerful one in Europe. The river is fed by the Langjökull Glacier, the 2nd largest in Iceland. Glacial silt suspended in the water gives it the beautiful turquoise color. A forest of short but colorful birch trees grew around the river, an unusual sight in this mostly treeless country.
    Hraunfossar
  • Big Timber Falls flows through a narrow gorge in the Crazy Mountains not far from Half Moon Campground. The roar of the water can be heard from far away.
    Big Timber Falls
  • The Belle Fourche River flows beneath Devils Tower after a fresh snowfall.
    Frozen Belle Fourche
  • Iceland has no shortage of scenic waterfalls. This one is called Hraunfossar (meaning Lava Falls) and it's located near Húsafell in the western interior. The water splits into numerous cascades as it trickles through the mossy lava field and flows into the Hvítá River. Volcanic activity still heats the many hot springs found in this valley, which includes the most powerful one in Europe. The river is fed by the Langjökull Glacier, the 2nd largest in Iceland. Glacial silt suspended in the water gives it the beautiful turquoise color. A forest of short but colorful birch trees grew around the river, an unusual sight in this mostly treeless country.
    Lava Falls
  • A vibrant sunset is reflected in the muddy waters of the Little Missouri River. This river flows over 500 miles on it's way to the Big Missouri. Echoing across the wilderness was the sound of bugling elk, and stampeding bison. The Wind Canyon overlook is one of the most scenic views in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The 26th president started a cattle ranch here in 1885. Even though the harsh North Dakota winter drove him out a few years later, it was his time here that inspired him to establish many national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.
    Glowing River
  • Rapid Creek flows past golden aspen trees in the Bighorn Mountains.
    Rapid Creek Aspens
  • San Antonio Falls is a 100 foot high waterfall in the San Gabriel Mountains. It flows year round from springs higher up the mountain. I passed this waterfall on my hike up Mount Baldy.
    San Antonio Falls
  • Fallen leaves accumulate around a small waterfall in Pewit's Nest State Natural Area, Wisconsin. This is the first of 3 waterfalls on Skillet Creek as it flows through this deep and narrow gorge.
    Creekside Leaves
  • This was the lowest of the falls in Paradise Valley before the stream flowed into the fjord.
    Falls to the Fjord
  • It was 17 miles completed, with 6 more to go on the longest hike I've ever done. It's hard to appreciate the size and depth of the Grand Canyon without seeing it from within. From many of the viewpoints along the rim, you can't even see the bottom because the canyon is so deep with many layers. The park service advises against hiking to the bottom and back in the same day, but it's not impossible with the right planning and preparation. And a dayhike was my only option since I lacked a backcountry permit. On my way back up the Bright Angel trail, I made a detour to Plateau Point, where I found this sweeping view of the Colorado River. The river flows 1400 feet below this point, while the rim rises 3-4 thousand feet above. The upper portion of the trail was the most brutal part with 35 switchbacks in the last 3 miles. The weather was as nice as it could have been, with the temperature swinging from the 20's to 80°F during the course of the day.
    Plateau Point Panorama
  • A colorful sunset fills the sky as seen from Welch Ranch Recreation Area. The Tongue River flows is in the lower right and the snow capped Bighorn Mountains are in the background.
    A Change of Seasons
  • Piney Creek flows through the Bighorn Mountains west of Story.
    A Peaceful Place
  • The Mackinaw River is a very scenic river that flows past rolling hills, bluffs, and woods. There was only a little bit of fall color left on this warm November day.
    Mackinaw Bend
  • Lake Falls is a 45 foot high waterfall that flows from Matthiessen Lake in a state park with the same name. There was mist in the air the closer you get to the falls, making it challenging to photograph without getting my camera wet.<br />
<br />
Date Taken: May 10, 2013
    Lake Falls Mist
  • This is the biggest and last waterfall on Skillet Creek as it flows through Pewit's Nest State Natural Area. The fall colors were at their peak and the orange leaves were contrasting with the green moss on the sandstone walls. This deep and narrow gorge is located just outside of Baraboo, Wisconsin.
    Colorful Gorge
  • It’s one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. At the terminus of the Castner Glacier in the highest mountain range in North America is this frozen cave. I’m sure it’s easier to get to in the summer. But with 2 feet of snow covering the trail, and moose tracks outnumbering those of humans, I almost gave up on finding it. The cave is not visible until you’re standing right at the entrance. Inside is a world of ice reflecting every shade of blue. Rocks and gravel were locked in the ceiling just waiting to fall. It felt like I was in the belly of a giant beast, examining what it ate for breakfast hundreds of years ago. Down the middle flowed a silty stream. Further back very little light reaches and a water crossing prevented further exploration. Eery booming sounds came from deep within the darkness. But at least I felt safer visiting during the cold season when the glacier wasn’t actively melting. Many maps and descriptions of this place are no longer accurate. Glacier caves are temporary features which change from year to year, and as the Castner Glacier recedes there’s no telling how long this cave will last.
    Gravel Striations
  • The North Tongue River flows between snow-covered boulders near Burgess Junction.
    Downstream
  • Borrego Palm Canyon is found where the San Ysidro Mountains meet the Sonoran Desert. This arid region of San Diego County receives only 6 inches of rain annually. But this place is vastly different than the surrounding terrain. Fed by underground springs coming to the surface, lush plants fill the canyon and colorful wildflowers are found around every corner. Even though the water flows year round, it disappears a short ways downstream. Numerous waterfalls tumble over the boulders and I had to be careful not to step on the many frogs hopping around. The dozens of fan palms that grow here are some of the last remaining naturally occurring palms left in California. This cool and shady oasis is the perfect place to visit on a hot afternoon and it's the most popular hike in Anza Borrego Desert State Park.
    Borrego Palm Canyon
  • Aside from the graffiti, this place doesn't look like Orange County at all. Black Star Canyon Falls is a 65' high waterfall found in the Santa Ana Mountains. The waterfall only flows in the spring and winter, and can be reached by hiking 4 miles. The route becomes more difficult at the end and requires climbing up and around boulders.
    Black Star Canyon Falls
  • ome of the best parts of Iceland are the unexpected spots that aren't on a map. I saw this waterfall in the distance near Rif and followed a gravel road to get closer. But the main overlook was still a ways away, and it looked like I couldn't get any closer without crossing the river. But I watched another group of people make it to the top of the falls, so I followed their tracks. It was worth the effort since the view was much better up close. Svödufoss flows over moss-covered basalt columns below the slopes of Snaefellsjokull volcano.
    Svödufoss
  • A small cascade on Beaver Creek flows through a verdant valley in the northern Bighorn Mountains.
    Beaver Creek Cascade
  • The Rock River flows quietly between small islands and steep bluffs. The side of the river was covered with ice but the middle remained ice free.<br />
<br />
Date Taken: January 27, 2015
    Winter Silence
  • The Johnson's Shut-Ins are found on the Black River of Missouri. A shut-in is where the river splits into channels as it flows in between hard rock that is resistant to erosion. This view is from up above, on the west side of the river.<br />
<br />
Date Taken: May 7, 2014
    Above the Shut-Ins
  • The Johnson's Shut-Ins are found on the Black River of Missouri. A shut-in is where the river splits into channels as it flows in between hard rock that is resistant to erosion. When the water level isn't too high this is a very popular swimming area with many natural pools and water slides.<br />
<br />
Date Taken: May 7, 2014
    River Chute
  • The Johnson's Shut-Ins are found on the Black River of Missouri. A shut-in is where the river splits into channels as it flows in between hard rock that is resistant to erosion. In 2005, a broken dam flooded this area and caused extensive damage. It took 4 years to rebuild the state park facilities and restore the areas damaged by the flood.<br />
<br />
Date Taken: May 7, 2014
    Johnson's Shut-Ins
  • The moose is the tallest mammal in North America. And the Alaska Range is the tallest on the continent. They both came together for this shot. According to the sign at the overlook a herd of bison also roam here in the summer.
    Moose and Mountain
  • I went snowshoeing a few miles on this snowmobile trail in the Bighorn Mountains since I had never explored it before. The South Tongue River could only be seen in a few places, it was mostly frozen.
    Snowing On Snow
  • Colorful wildflowers surrounded the oasis in Borrego Palm Canyon.
    Burst of Color
  • Under a Wolf Moon
  • The peaceful Black River winds its way through the Saint Francois Mountains before it reached a series of waterfalls. These waterfalls are known as shut-ins.<br />
<br />
Date Taken: May 7, 2014
    Black River Falls
  • Shell Falls plunges 120 feet through a gorge located on the west side of the Bighorn Mountains.
    Shell Falls In Summer
  • The 60 meter tall Seljalandsfoss tumbles over a cliff in the evening sunlight.
    Mist in the Air
  • Skógafoss is a 60 meter high waterfall in southern Iceland. In the evening it is positioned perfectly for vivid rainbows to appear in the mist. I got here at the perfect time, once I made it to the top and back the rainbow was already gone.
    Rainbow of Skógafoss
  • This is the lower view of Kirkjufellsfoss. The light had already gone flat by the time I made it down here.
    Cloudy Kirkjufellsfoss
  • Just before the drenching rain started, I took one last shot and captured this bolt of lightning, reflected in Big Goose Creek.
    Electric Green
  • I liked the way Tongue River was reflecting the golden cliffs above. This canyon is always tricky to shoot because the sunlight disappears much sooner than I expect.
    A River Runs Through It
  • This is the view from the end of the Piney Creek trail. I tried to get a little closer to the small frozen waterfall, but I stopped in my tracks once the ice started creaking. Despite the subzero temperatures, the ice was never solid all the way across the creek.
    Frozen Piney Creek Falls
  • The Open Door towers above Granite Creek shortly after sunrise in the Gros Ventre Mountains.
    Granite Creek Morning
  • This rainbow appeared above Yellowstone Falls seen from the brink.
    Rainbow at the Brink
  • This 20 foot high waterfall in Matthiessen State Park doesn't even have a name. You have to hop across a creek and hike up a canyon to find it. The pollen on the surface of the water was continually swirling around the small pool.<br />
<br />
Date Taken: May 10, 2013
    Swirling Falls
  • On the northwest side of the Bighorn Mountains are at least 6 named waterfalls. Some of these waterfalls are an easy hike. Crystal Creek Falls however was not. Located near the top of a valley at 8,000 feet, it's not the distance that made it hard to reach. There is no trail here, and the waterfall is surrounded by cliffs and steep terrain, dense forest, thorns, and large amounts of deadfall. While not as bad as many other areas, pine beetle damage was evident around here as well. Despite the scenic views, by the time I got back I vowed to never go this way again. The terrain and climate in this area varies significantly in a very short distance. About 35 inches of rain falls annually at this elevation, but the dry basin just 10 miles to the west sees only 1/5 of that amount.
    Crystal Creek Falls
  • On this day a severe MCS (mesoscale convective system) roared across eastern Montana. Since I was out ahead of the storm near Miles City I had plenty of time to find an interesting place to watch it roll in. The Kinsey Bridge is a 4-span truss bridge that crosses the Yellowstone River. The single-lane bridge was built in 1907 and the poor condition made it unnerving to drive across. According to the National Bridge Inventory database, the Kinsey Bridge has a sufficiency rating of 56 out of 100 when it was last inspected. Just after 7PM the gust front passed overhead bringing with it strong winds, blowing dust, and heavy rain.
    Yellowstone River Shelf
  • Bridal Veil Falls is found in the northern Black Hills just outside of Spearfish. The waterfall cascades about 50 feet down a granite cliff in Spearfish Canyon. The cloudy weather was perfect for shooting with longer exposures.
    Bridal Veil Falls
  • The last light on the cliffs of Piney Creek Canyon is reflected in the cold water.
    Gold Under Ice
  • There aren't very many waterfalls in the world that allow you to walk behind them and watch the sunset. But you can do just that at Seljalandsfoss on the southern coast of Iceland (foss is Icelandic for waterfall). This is only possible during the late summer and early fall, when the sun lines up and transform the curtain of water into liquid gold. A rain jacket or poncho is essential if you want to get behind the waterfall without getting soaked. The force of the water falling 200 feet and hitting the pool below almost seemed to create it's own wind, with the spray going everywhere. It only took a few seconds before my lens was covered with water droplets. To get this shot I huddled over my camera in a corner, waiting for just the right moment when the sun popped out and no one was walking in front of the falls. This is a popular tour bus stop along Iceland's Ring Road, so it can get very crowded at times.
    Liquid Gold
  • Kirkjufellsfoss is one of the most iconic scenes in Iceland. Just Google "Iceland" and see how many times it shows up. The name translates to "church mountain waterfall" because of the peak's nearly perfect symmetrical shape. There is a trail (if it can be called that) leading to the top of Kirkjufell which is one of the steepest I've ever hiked. In the evening, tour buses stop here and this small spot is filled with hordes of tourists and photographers lined up tripod to tripod to capture the sunset. But I wanted to avoid that so I came back in the morning when it was much quieter. There was a storm moving in and the sunrise didn't look very promising. But the eastern sky took on an orange glow for a short time.
    Kirkjufellsfoss Sunrise
  • This scenic waterfall is near the beginning of the Lost Twin Lakes Trail in the Cloud Peak Wilderness.
    Middle Tensleep Falls
  • This was the first major snowfall of the season in northern Wyoming. Up to 12" fell in the valleys, with more in the higher elevations. I went to take pictures at one of my favorite places to hike, Tongue River Canyon. This deep canyon ascends into the northern Big Horn Mountains west of Dayton. The canyon looked stunning with snow clinging to the sheer cliffs and trees, and the river gurgling below. Above the walls are found interesting geological features likes arches, spires, and caves, one of which has over a mile of passages. I wasn't sure if I would be able to make it up the narrow gravel road which was unplowed, but it wasn't a problem with 4WD. Last time I was here I spotted a black bear running up the road, but I'm sure most of them are in hibernation by now.
    Snowy November Sunset
  • Water gushes over the top of Manido Falls right before the larger drop. The wooden overlook can been on the other side of the river.<br />
<br />
Date Taken: 10/3/14
    Manido Falls
  • Greenland is the only place I've been able to drink straight from a stream without regretting it. The water is some of the purest on the planet.
    Purest Water On Earth
  • Just because Greenland doesn’t have trees, doesn’t mean it lacks fall colors. Shrubs and bushes burst with shades of red, orange, and gold. Juicy berries grow among the abundant green moss covering the ground. The first week of October was a bit past the peak, but I found the best remaining colors in a place called Paradise Valley. With numerous waterfalls, snowy peaks, lakes, and views of iceberg-strewn beaches, it’s a spot that certainly lived up to its name. The dark, moody weather was perfect for trying out longer exposures on the falls to give it the milky look. The water in Greenland is some of the purest on the planet. Fed by glaciers and snowmelt, one can drink directly from most streams with no consequences.
    Red Foliage Falls
  • In the northwest corner of Washington state is one of the wettest places in the US. Up to 10 feet of rain falls here annually, which creates a lush rain forest. The dense canopy blocks out the sun, and the forest floor is covered with moss and ferns. When the massive trees do fall, many of the logs end up in rivers and are carried out to sea, where they become piled up along the beaches. Marymere Falls is a 90 foot high waterfall found not far from the shore of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. This hot August day was the perfect time to photograph the rain forest, since thick wildfire smoke was blocking out all of the big views.
    Falls and Ferns
  • I don't think I've ever seen the zodiacal light glow this prominently before. As soon as it became dark enough it jumped out at me right away. The ghostly glow is caused by the sun illuminating dust within our solar system. The glow extends diagonally along the path of the ecliptic, also known as the zodiac. Only under very dark skies like this spot near St Xavier, Montana, are views like this possible.
    Bighorn River Zodiacal Light
  • In a high valley deep within the Absaroka Mountains, the night sky simply doesn't get any darker than this. The willows and the Wood River were lit entirely by starlight. A month ago the milky way would have been in a better position in between the two peaks. But visiting much earlier in the summer isn't possible because the water level is too high. This river must be driven through, there is no bridge. Even though the sounds of moving water can be soothing, I always feel a little uneasy being next to a river at night in grizzly country. All other noises are masked out by the water, so I'm unable to hear or be heard by any wildlife that may be nearby. I left my camera here to shoot a time lapse, but the lens predictably fogged up after a couple hours. In the 1880's gold was discovered on Spar Mountain (on the left). The mining town of Kirwin quickly sprung up, but it didn't last long before it was abandoned. Several historic buildings still remain in this fascinating ghost town.
    Night in the Absarokas
  • Of the 3 waterfalls I stopped at, I liked the foliage around Spearfish Falls the best. The upper viewing platform can be seen at the top.
    Fall at Spearfish Falls
  • An owl hooting, geese honking, coyotes howling, and a river gurgling - these were the sounds that filled the air on this frosty night. At this dot on the map called Moorhead in southeast Montana, there’s nothing really here. But that’s the point. It’s in a black zone on a light pollution map, which means the night sky doesn’t get any darker than this. The core of the Milky Way galaxy, after going behind the sun for the winter, has now returned to the pre-dawn skies. Also joining the Milky Way is a trio of planets: Saturn, Mars and Jupiter. I wasn’t sure if they would make it over the bluff before astronomical twilight began. But they did, casting long shimmering reflections on the Powder River. When two or more planets pass close to each other in Earth’s sky, it’s called a planetary conjunction. Since the planets more or less orbit the sun in the same plane, conjunctions are not all that rare. But they’re always beautiful to see.
    Milky Way and 3 Planets
  • A moonlit Devils Tower is reflected in the Belle Fourche River near the campground.
    Belle Fourche Reflection
  • Bridal Veil Falls is found in the northern Black Hills just outside of Spearfish. The waterfall cascades about 50 feet down a granite cliff in Spearfish Canyon. The cloudy weather was perfect for shooting with longer exposures.
    Black Hills Cascade
  • This is Bright Angel Creek at the bottom of the Grand Canyon next to Phantom Ranch.
    Bright Angel Creek
  • I came across several blooming pricky pear cacti while descending the South Kaibab Trail. This was the only one I could find with the Colorado River visible behind it.
    Prickly Pear and River
  • On my way back from Canada, I stopped at James Kipp Recreaton Area in northern Montana. The cottonwood trees around the Missouri River were at peak color.
    Golden Riverbank
  • Since I was camping near Seljalandsfoss, I went over to get a few shots of the aurora above the falls. I wished I could have turned off the spotlights, since they were a bit too bright. The moon was positioned at the top of the falls.
    Seljalandsfoss Aurora
  • I walked the loop around Seljalandsfoss about 3 times, capturing the different angles as the light changed. I was glad I had my rain jacket with me.
    Seljalandsfoss Evening
  • At the base of the 200' tall Skógafoss waterfall in Iceland I saw something I've never seen before: a 360° rainbow. Every rainbow is actually a full circle, but the lower part is almost always blocked by the horizon. There are only a few situations where a full 360° rainbow may become visible. One way is to have a very high vantage point, where you can clearly see below. A steep mountaintop or an airplane window would work under perfect weather conditions. But in this case, it was spray from the waterfall that caused the rare optical effect. The rainbow faded in and out depending on the wind and where I was standing. The amount of mist in the air had to be just right. The sun also needed to be low on the horizon, so that the light would be shining through the mist at just the right angle. The radius of a rainbow from the center (the antisolar point) to the outer edge is always 42°. Since my widest lens only had a field of view of 81°, I couldn't quite capture it in it's entirety.
    360° Rainbow
  • It was interesting seeing the contrasts of black lava, verdant moss, and glacial ice on Snæfellsjökull.
    Glacier and Moss
  • Öxarárfoss is a small waterfall in Þingvellir National Park (pronounced Thingvellir). Morning is the perfect time to look for rainbows in the mist if it's sunny.
    Öxarárfoss Rainbow
  • The Rauðfeldsgjá Ravine is tucked away in a very narrow canyon below Snæfellsjökull. This was shot at the entrance, and you can't go any further without getting wet. I tried going up a little ways, but I found that the light and the moss looked better at the beginning.
    Rauðfeldsgjá Ravine
  • In between the upper and lower Lost Twin Lakes, there is a waterfall. After raining all morning, the sun finally came out at 1PM.
    Top of the Cirque
  • Crazy Woman Canyon is is located south of Buffalo in the Bighorn Mountains. A steep, narrow, and bumpy road ascends the canyon all the way up to Highway 16. It's a fun drive, with lots of scenic cliffs and rock formations, and plenty of dispersed campsites available.
    Narrow Passage
  • In the northern Big Horn Mountains there is a waterfall called Paradise Falls. There are no signs for the trailhead and you won't find it on most maps, it's sort of a local secret. The waterfall is at least 120 feet high, but it's split into several drops and cascades.This is the lower part with the tallest drop. It's tricky to get down here and reach the base.
    Lower Paradise Falls
  • It had been 7 months since I've even heard thunder here in Wyoming. But early May finally brought the first decent thunderstorm of the year. Throughout the evening clouds built up over the Bighorn Mountains before the storm descended and hit Sheridan after 8PM. The high moisture content combined with late evening sunlight behind the storm gave the clouds a greenish-blue tint. The storm wasn't severe, but it brought frequent lightning, small hail, and a drenching rain that made the already flooded Big Goose Creek rise even higher. The photogenic shelf cloud ahead of the rain core showed some impressive structure as it was sculpted by wind shear above.
    Big Goose Storm
  • There are many waterfalls and rapids along the trail to Elk Lake in the Beartooth Mountains. This one was the biggest.
    Rosebud Falls
  • After making their way past the bison, this pair of bull moose crossed Soda Butte Creek.
    Moose Crossing Creek
  • Abiathar Peak glows shortly before sunset during a brief break in the snow. Snowflakes were in the air almost the entire time I was in Yellowstone National Park. Some of the best views in Yellowstone are found here in the remote northeast corner of the park. On the other side of the mountain is the small town of Cooke City, the highest in the Northern Rockies. It's hard to find a more isolated town in the winter. The closest city with more than 1,000 people is 110 miles away with a 2.5 hour drive. That doesn't include the frequent delays caused by herds of bison, who often travel on the road to conserve energy and avoid the deep snow in the Lamar Valley
    Abiathar Aglow
  • Tower Fall is a 132 foot high waterfall in Yellowstone National Park. The road there is closed in the winter so it requires a 5 mile roundtrip hike. The view of the waterfall is limited because there is no way to get closer or find a different perspective. There used to be a trail to the base but it is now closed.
    Frozen Tower Fall
  • This is the view from the edge of the road near Tower Fall. If I slipped here I probably wouldn't stop until I got down to the river.
    Basalt Canyon Wall
  • Most of the snow had melted in Tongue River Canyon, but some ice remained near the riverbanks. After the sun set, I setup my tripod on the edge of the ice to try a long exposure.
    Tongue River Ice
  • Normally I'm not scared of heights, but Sullivan's Knob at Bighorn Canyon was not a place I could stay for very long. It is surrounded on 3 sides by a drop of 500+ feet down to the Bighorn River. It wouldn't have been as bad if it wasn't so windy. I didn't want to set up my tripod because it might have blown over. There were several of these tough little trees growing right on the edge of the precipitous cliff, bending in the wind.
    Precipitous Ledge
  • Fresh snow at Tongue River Canyon reflects the deep blue twilight sky as day turns to night.
    Arch at Twilight
  • This small waterfall is just beyond the grove of palm trees in Borrego Palm Canyon.
    Flowers and Hidden Falls
  • Golden cottonwood trees line the banks of the Little Missouri River in the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park while the badlands glow in the evening light.
    Oxbow Badlands
  • Vibrant fall colors were above the Bonanza Falls on the Big Iron River.<br />
<br />
Date Taken: 10/2/14
    Below Bonanza Falls
  • Greenstone Falls is one of the bigger waterfalls on the Little Carp River. It is located in the backcountry of the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan.<br />
<br />
Date Taken: 10/1/14
    Greenstone Falls
  • This was the tallest waterfall in Paradise Valley  east of Nuuk.
    Falls of Paradise Valley
  • After dropping off my bag at the airport I walked back to the Watson River one more time. The sun had finally come out and the light was beautiful. The view made it hard to leave Greenland.
    Sun Over Watson River
  • Not being a morning person, I don't shoot that many sunrises. But it's a lot easier while backpacking with an incredible view as my backyard. I set my alarm for 5AM, took a few shots and then went back to sleep. Rain showers and virga were passing overhead, which was highlighted by the rising sun. Few raindrops reached my tent. But sudden violent gusts of wind sometimes filtered down into this valley next to Lake Solitude. These were unpredictable, coming from any direction. It was a very warm morning for this elevation with the temperature over 50°F. But it was a lot more pleasant up here than in Sheridan where it got up to 98°F later in the afternoon. The willows had yet to leaf out and the aspen trees still had that bright green look to them. Some of the hazards of early season backpacking include tricky stream crossings, water and mud everywhere, and trails still hidden under deep snow drifts. It was going to be a long 12 mile hike out with wet shoes. But it's worth the scrapes and blisters to explore amazing places like the Cloud Peak Wilderness.
    Dawn at Paint Rock Creek
  • At 2AM Sirius was casting a long, shimmering reflection on the Bighorn River just before it set. With a magnitude of -1.5, Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. And at a distance of 8.6 light years away, it’s the 8th closest to Earth. Under certain atmospheric conditions when it's low on the horizon this star is known to twinkle wildly and flash a wide range of colors. This happens more often than other astronomical objects because of it’s brightness (planets do not twinkle). Sirius is found in the constellation of Canis Major and is also called the Dog Star. The ancient Greeks used to watch for the first appearance of Sirius in July, which marked the beginning of the “dog days of summer,” the hottest part of the year.
    Brightest Star Reflection
  • While the aurora was still going strong I wandered down to Abisko Canyon to capture the lights here. There wasn't much space to set up my tripod next to the cliff's edge so I had to be careful. I shot a time lapse  as the aurora slowly faded away. Clouds would move in soon afterward, so I was glad the lights were so active early in the evening.
    Abisko Canyon Aurora
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