The Skagit River plays a very big role in life here in the valley. Transportation; electricity; salmon; irrigation; and more are centered around the river.
The early days of white settlers along the Skagit River are chronicled here quite well, in the Skagit River Journal.
Traveling along and across the river affords some good opportunities to capture images, from time to time. These are some recent images, some over the last few years of journeys.
Earth Day evokes images of wild places: broad vistas of desert, ocean and mountains.
The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines wilderness as “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammelled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.”[29]
Earth Day is about protecting these places and keeping them wild.
The raw nature of wilderness and its inherent aesthetic beauty often leave me short of breath, amazed at what I see and grateful for the chance to be a part of it.
In the wilderness is freedom. There is no one to tell you what to do. Knowing these untrammled places are there, and that you can go visit them is integral to sanity, to survival. They say that wilderness can heal a person and I believe it’s true.
Pictures speak words, they say…
These images were captured on or near Baker Lake Road. Early mornings the light can be so variable, you never know what you’ll get!
Park Butte Lookout is located on the south side of Mount Baker. Access is via Baker Lake Road. Here is the link with details. The hike in is about 3.5 miles. It usually opens in July, depends upon snow melt. You can spend the night in the Lookout, its a first come first serve sort of thing…if you plan to stay the night, be certain to bring a tent because it most likely be full!
I’ve spent 14 nights in or near the lookout, with other people and several times alone. It always magical, even in a storm.
Here are a few images from recent trips.
Over the years I have managed a few decent shots of the night sky from the lookout.
Views of Mount Baker and the Sisters are beyond spectacular for both sunrise and sunset.
North Western Images - photos by Andy Porter 