Liberty Bell Mountain, North Cascades

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Andy Porter

Any trip over the North Cascades Highway necessitates a stop at the Washington Pass Lookout.

Located at the highest point along the highway, at more than 5,400 ft elevation, Washington Pass Overlook offers stunning views of Liberty Bell and Early Winter Spires.

This section of the North Cascades Highway makes for one of the most scenic drives in Washington and is a part of the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway

I have stopped there many times on the way to or from hikes in the Pasayten Wilderness. Each time the mountain shows a different countenance. Silver Star Mountain is also clearly in view from the Washington Pass Lookout.

After Mount Shuksan I would have to guess that Liberty Bell is one of the most photographed mountains in the state, due to its stark beauty and easy access to the lookout area.

Several trips I have made to Washington Pass only to capture images, at sunrise, sunset and on clear starless nights!

Stormy Skies at Maple Pass

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Andy Porter

There many trails starting along the North Cascades Highway. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses at Bridge Creek, heading south. At Rainy Pass, on the north side, the PCT heads up to Cutthroat Pass. On the south side of the highway is the famous Maple Pass – Lake Ann Loop.

The trail is about 7 miles long, climbing from the road past a spur trail to Lake Ann and then heading up to Heather Pass. The views of Lake Ann along the way are super. The trail continues past Heather Pass up to a border with the North Cascades National Park and then turns, ascends a short distance to Maple Pass and the plunges down switch backs back to the parking area.

This August I wanted to go hike but the weather report called for storms in the mountains, however down in the valley, where I live the sky was blue, so I headed up and well…these images show the rest!

Sauk Mountain, Skagit Valley

Posted on July 21, 2013 by Andy Porter

Sauk Mountain rises more than 5,000 feet about the lower reaches of Skagit Valley. It’s nearness to the North Cascades Highway makes it a popular day hike. All of the times I’ve been there before its been partly couldy at best but I saw enough to know that it would afford great views at sunset. So, on Thursday I made my way up and captured these images of the sweet light over the Skagit River and valley…