Lake Ann
The feeling of exhilaration from being in the mountains is unsurpassed. Sweat and strain, fresh air and a cool breeze, a lake reflected and gathering clouds: these are all part of what makes the trip Great.
The Maple Pass Loop trail starts at Rainy Pass, on the North Cascades Highway. Ascending through the brush and out into the sun a first view whets your desire for more.
Swinging around the head of a small basin you soon plunge back into the cool forest.
Now the climbing becomes more insistent. The trail angles up along the side of a ridge and switchbacks heavenward. Lake Ann beckons below, her silvery waters calling.
Heather Pass appears and you keep climbing, but now the wonder of the view cancels any thought of your body.
You are in the mountains!
The clouds invade the valley as you view the world from above. Its time to start heading down.
Clouds
Bright colors, my favorite thing!
Flowers
Its difficult to keep walking…despite the threatening skies, I just want to sit amid the flowers.
Darkening clouds
I see the skies opening in the near distance…
Meadows
The thunder and lightening are not far off now.
This summer I am offering photo tours of the Maple Pass Loop.
And if you’d like a bold, bright canvas print of any of these images, here is where to go.
North Western Images - photos by Andy Porter 
Great photographs! Very beautiful. Hope to go there someday.
Thank you! Hope to see you out on the trail!
What exquisite photographs !
Thank you, Jenny!
great pictures. Keep up the good work 🙂
Thank you, and I will!!!
Your articles are beautiful, I loved it, and distinctive images. I wish you luck and always forward
This place is insanely beautiful, almost surreal.
Hi Ron, Yes, insanely beautiful, that’s an apt description for this area!
Amazing captures of light and shadow, and impressive dof. What time of year were these taken?
Thank you! These were taken in early August of last year.
Beautiful photos ~ such a great place to see the world of nature and the Northwest 🙂
I think i will have to relocate! 😃 beatiful place ..
Reblogged this on – A Mad Garden Party – and commented:
This would be such an exhilarating and fantastic place to travel to! The photographer has captured the mountain side beautifully.
Thank you so much! The North Cascades are truly remarkable!