Capturing and Manipulating Images in the RAW format

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Andy Porter

I am probably preaching to the choir here, but if you are not capturing your images in the RAW format you are really missing out.

For some years I set my camera to capture the largest JPEG file available and modified the images in Photoshop. I learned many cool techniques for selecting and altering the color, tone, contrast and more of these JPEG images.

About 2 years ago I changed my camera settings so that the images are captured as both JPEGs and RAW.

Since then I have studied how to make alterations to the RAW images and the difference is astounding. I found that when you start with a RAW image that you can make alterations to your shot so much easier.

Photoshop CS6 offers a simple set of controls for RAW images, modifying the lens distortion is an easy fix. Saturation also becomes SO much easier to alter, in the RAW format you can selectively change the saturation, brightness or tone of one color at a time.

Here is an example: This first image is the original shot.

This second image was modified as a RAW image in CS6.

Here is another shot. First the original,

then the altered RAW shot.

Have a close look at the boards on the barn, and the sky. There is no way that I could have made these changes as clearly and quickly if I started with a JPEG shot.

Without a doubt start to capture in the RAW format now. Even if you don’t currently have the software to alter images in the RAW format, do it anyway! Some day you will have the ability (software, time, interest, etc) to work with the RAW images and you will be most happy that you shot in RAW!!!

Black Warrior Mine, North Cascades National Park

Posted on November 30, 2013 by Andy Porter

There are many fantastic destinations in North Cascades National Park. Sahale Glacier Camp is truly unforgettable. The Copper Ridge and the Chiliwack River Loop combines fantastic ridge views with deep, dark forests. North Fork Bridge Creek affords endless views of soaring peaks, waterfalls and meadows.

It’s hard to have a favorite, but if you love jagged peaks, lush meadows and exploration, Horseshoe Basin and the Black Warrior Mine can’t be beat.

The first time I visited the Basin was in August of 2012. We hiked over Cascade Pass on a hot day and took the spur trail up the valley towards the basin and the mine.

The basin was aglow in the afternoon light, orange granite spires surrounding the lip like fangs, too-numerous-to-count waterfalls glistening, their sparkling waters plunging down into the valley. There were wildflowers popping out everywhere, yellows and purples, reds and blues, all accenting the deep green of the basin floor.

Horseshoe Basin, North Cascades National Park

The trail follows the stream up into the valley; it follows a course along the stream, across the stream and in the stream, brushy and wet. Shortly the trail emerges into a clearing where boulders dot the basin floor. Climbing up on the largest, the view is transfixing. The green bowl is surrounded with grandeur, full of color and drama.

Wildflowers on the trail

We hurried on, racing the sun, heading up the valley, climbing across boulders and scree, on to a snow field, up to the gaping hole of the Black Warrior Mine. Black Warrior Mine

The North Cascades are full of old mining claims piles of colorful tailings and rusted remains of sluices and Pelton wheels littered about. But I had never visited a mine that I could enter and explore. The Black Warrior Mine operated until the mid-1950’s and is a National Historic place.

There is a sign at the entrance giving a brief history of the mine, the names of the prospectors and misled investors who poured their mostly futile efforts into this hole. There are two main cavernous rooms blasted into the mountain side which make the opening of the mine. Wooden supports and floor boards are flooded with water. Old tables and remains of habitation litter the floor. The shaft of the mine runs deep, several miles of tunnel remain; open for any brave person to explore. Black Warrior Mine: Kitchen

The wonder of the place is still with me. Maybe its the history, all of the people who worked so long and hard here, digging and scraping for naught. Here, as in many of the North Cascade valleys, it was miners who blazed the trails that we now use to visit the high country. The road from Stehekin, long ago, came all the way to the mine entrance. Over time nature has reclaimed the road, now vehicles can only go as far as High Bridge, 17 miles downstream. Black Warrior Mine Remains

The falling sun chased us out of the valley, we camped at Basin Creek camp that night and then next day headed down the valley, east, towards Cotton Wood Camp. View from Mine Entrance, looking down the valley

The next few days found us in Stehekin eating fresh pastry…

2 days and lots of espresso/tasty treats later we headed back up through Cottonwood and the upper valley on a bright summers day, with a welcome breeze we crossed Basin Creek again and started up towards the pass.
Basin Creek

It was early in the morning when we came back to the trail junction with the Horseshoe Basin trail. I wanted to have another view, this time with different light. So we stopped and were having a snack before heading up the valley when we had a visitor.

The main trail coming down from Cascade Pass makes a long traverse of the mountainside, descending towards the valley floor. At the elbow of a switchback the spur trail heads up the Basin Creek draw to Horseshoe Basin. We were sitting at the junction, relaxing, when I saw a black bear heading down the trail towards us. My camera was nearby and I ran for it, got the settings adjusted and started shooting. As the bear approached she spied us and slowed her pace. My pulse was pumping with excitement as she got closer and the images clearer. I was viewing the entire scene from my view finder and suddenly had the realization that the bear was getting pretty close!

Bear at Horseshoe Basin

I lowered the camera and considered what to do. The bear was now at the trail junction, about 15 feet from me, she paused, considering her options. My friend and I both realized that she wanted to pass up the spur, trail to the basin, right past us!

We sort of backed up, along the hillside, and spoke soft words to the bear. She gave us a look of resignation, then headed further down the main trail, cutting across the hillside, just below our spot, traversing below us for about 50 feet, then popped back up through the brush and back onto the spur trail. She gave us a last look, and continued her way on the trail up to, we assumed, good foraging grounds in Horseshoe Basin.
Exulting in our good fortune, excited and energized, we finished our snack and followed her up the valley to the basin.

Wildlife of the North Cascades

Posted on October 25, 2013 by Andy Porter

Visiting the North Cascades National Park often offer the possibility of encountering some local denizens. Some of the locals I have run into are: mountain goats (usually at higher altitudes, looking for salt); Black Bears (most often in August, busy foraging); and Deer, of all varieties. I have also had the good fortune to cross paths with salmon, marmots, pika and ptarmigan. 2 years ago I had a close (well, not that close) encounter with a wolverine in the Entiat Mountains and a Grizzly Bear in the Pasayten Wilderness, about a Mile from the Canada border. Alas, no pictures of these last two!

Mountain Goat at Sahale Camp, North Cascades National Park

Visitor at Sahale Glacier Camp, North Cascades National Park

Goat on Sahale Arm North Cascades National Park

Bear at Horseshoe Basin, North Cascades National Park

Bear crossing Park Creek Pass, North Cascades National Park

Black Bear on the Pacific Crest Trail, North Cascades National Park

Salmon Spawning, Indian Creek, North Cascades National Park

Deer, just above Cascade Pass, North Cascades National Park

Salmon Encounters

Posted on September 28, 2013 by Andy Porter

When I plan a backpacking trip and am working out where to camp each night my main consideration is “Where can I take the best pictures?” I think about the best views and which angle of light I want. And so my camp sites and hiking goals each day are based upon trying to be at the right place at the right time.

Capturing images of wildlife is not as easy to predict. Bear, goats, deer and marmots are all doin’ their own thing. One never knows when you’ll cross paths, so I simply hope for a magical moment and that my camera will be ready!

This summer I hiked the Copper Ridge – Whatcom Pass Loop, in North Cascades National Park. I planned camp sites atop Copper Ridge and Tapto Lakes. But the most magical part of the trip was my encounter with salmon spawning in Indian Creek at its confluence with the Chilliwack River.

The trek began at the Hannegan Pass trail head; we hiked up into the park and out along Copper Ridge. Silesia Camp, atop the ridge is unbelievably stunning.
Copper Ridge Sunset Panorama

The long descent down to the ford of the Chilliwack River provides a wonderful opportunity to observe striking changes in flora. Pine forests slowly transform into rain forest as one nears the valley bottom. The forest is wet, humid, different…

Then come the two fords, first the Chilliwack. My sore aching feet welcome the cold fresh waters…then I hobble across a short section of wet forest and come to Indian Creek.

The creek was full of salmon, bright orange in color, hovering in the crystal clear water. Here Indian Creek is about 10 meters across, its banks enveloped with dark green. The sky is a narrowing strip curving away.

Looking up steam, back towards the North Cascades, Indian Creek is choked with fallen trees.
Indian Creek

The river bed is here soft silt and there brightly colored stones, adding to the illusion of the salmon practicing a form of Jedi levitation. Floating Fish

The view north, towards Canada is equally alluring, the confluence of the two streams creates an opening. The sky is now blue with dark clouds gathering.
Confluence

I feel like I have been transported to an entirely different point of the globe. Time seems to stand still. There is a fallen tree stretching out in the middle of the stream and I make my way there. A birch provides some support as I try to balance myself and marvel at the majesty of the fish. Some seem playful, darting here and there, others simply hangin’ out, languidly gliding in the waters.
Vantage Point

As I wander around the banks I sense some motion up stream. Looking up I see a huge brown bear, maybe 800 lbs along the right side of the creek. I freeze, as does the bear. My racing heart slows after a few minutes, my thoughts reactively consider flight, then a millisecond later I am calculating how far the camera is and how brave I will be to approach such a huge bear.

The allure of photographing such a magnificent creature snacking on salmon easily wins the moment. Gathering the camera I start up stream towards the bear. My partner, seeing our visitor, lets out a scream, and off he goes, back into the forest.

I stand still for a while, reviewing the image of the bear in my mind…wow, what a fantastic place!
Crystal Clear

The night brings horrific storms, heavy rain, incessant thunder and lightening envelope our tiny tent. But here in this deep gash of a valley we are protected. With all the noise I wonder if our giant furry friend will come visit us, maybe hungry for some of our food, but I realize that he is likely very well fed and so not interested.

The early morning fog lies thick across the water. We linger for some gap in time. The crisp, fresh air and cold clear water sharpen my senses. I am quite happy to be alive! Misty Morning

Every year the first weeks of August bring the salmon back to Indian Creek. Maybe next year I’ll see you there…
Salmon swimming Indian Creek

Sahale Glacier Camp, North Cascades National Park – Sept. 2013

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Andy Porter

Every year I make the trip from my home in Sedro-Woolley up to Sahale Glacier Camp. And every time I go I am astounded at the wonder of the place…

The road up offered this scene, we almost careened off the Cascade River Road so I could stop for this shot.

Cascade Pass is always a busy place, where lots of day-hikers, backpackers and climbers pause…

The trail up to the Sahale Camp from Cascade Pass is just stunning…

I met a group of hikers from Seattle who let me take their picture!

Each camp spot is surrounded with turret-like stone walls, there is no bad site, all are perfect.

The sunset was superb.

The night was mostly cloudy, but the morning was picture perfect!

We encountered several black-tail deer on the way back down.

I can’t wait to return!

North Cascades Trek – 2013

Posted on August 17, 2013 by Andy Porter

Sunset from Copper Ridge

The trek started at the Hannegan Pass trail head. We arrived Friday morning to a full parking lot and sunny skies ready to tackle a hard 5-day loop through the North Cascades. Weather reports for the area called for dicey weather, partly sunny/cloudy with a high percentage of thundershowers. But like most fools I told myself that this forecast did not by some magical, mystical way, apply to me.

Actually the story started 7 years ago when I hiked the Copper Ridge trail forded the Chilliwack River and made acquaintance with a bunch of spawning salmon. The image of all those bright red salmon in the pristine waters, deep in the wilderness just pulled me back, that and the lure of making it to Tapto Lakes, above Whatcom Pass.

The first days hike took us up to Hannegan Pass and then, entering the North Cascades National Park, up to Selesia Camp on Copper Ridge. This is easily on my list of top 3 or 4 camp sites in the park, the views of Mount Shuksan, Ruth Mountain, Whatcom Peak and the Picket Range and many more are just breathtaking.

The Picket Range under Storm Clouds

Mount Shuksan from Selesia Camp

The night brought lightening and thunder and rain but the morning, to our surprise was clearing. We headed up to the Copper Ridge Lookout, at 6,600 ft the highest point along the trail. The park ranger was there to greet us and we toured the lookout while she pointed out the names of all the peak surrounding us. The trail ascending to the lookout from the north meanders through a bright green meadow in a sinuous s-curve just below the lookout. Years ago I captured a wonderful shot of a hiker climbing out of the abyss…
Out of the abyss, Copper Ridge, North Cascades – 2006

Hiker Approaching the Copper Ridge Lookout – 2013

Tanya, the Park Ranger commented that a lone hiker was approaching from Copper Lake and so now another chance was upon me to see about capturing again the silhouette against the backdrop of deep valleys.

Reluctantly departing from the views and company at the lookout we continued our ridge walk, descending to Copper Lake we stopped for lunch and a swim in its azure waters.

Surprisingly the weather held up and as we made the long traverse of the ridge the views were magnificent. Mount Redoubt and Bear Mountain stood out along the way.
Copper Ridge Panorama

Storm clouds over Mount Redoubt

Reaching the end of the ridge we started down the long, seemingly endless series of switch backs towards the ford of the Chilliwack River and Indian Creek. The changes in the flora were dramatic as we descended from a bare forest floor carpeted with pine needles into a real rainforest, lush and green and wet.

The two channels are parallel for a short time here, first crossing the Chilliwack and then a short section of forested river bed we came at last to Indian Creek and behold, the salmon were there, spawning in great numbers. Taking off shoes and socks again we looked for a ideal spot to rest and relax to enjoy the wonder of the place. a gravel bar at the point of confluence between the two streams was a perfect place.

Indian Creek is not a big stream, maybe 80 feet across here as it spreads out along the valley floor and shallow, knee-deep with some nooks where the water is as deep as 3 to 5 feet.
Salmon in the Creek

The salmon were there, just as before. They were not headed anywhere, the group of 70 or so simply treading water, looking happy to finally be back home.

Clambering out along logs and snags I tried to capture shots of the scene. the bright color of the fish is so impressive, they seemed to hover in the sparkling clear waters, the colorful stones looking like the ground far below while the salmon soared through the sky above.

Flying Fish

The place is so remote, the forest envelopes you and it is like having gone back in time. Deep in that valley was like being in a different life, on a different planet.

Indian Creek Salmon

I bounced between standing still in wonder, trying to get some food, wanting to capture images and the strong desire to do something to take care of my aching feet. About 100 feet upstream a large brown/black bear appeared along the shore. we both froze, considering each other. As I started towards the camera a sharp noise frightened him back into the forest, my dreams of imaging the bear snacking on salmon vanished…

Sunset came swiftly. reds and blues and pinks and purples painting the waters with their fantastic hues.
Sunset at Indian Creek

Night brought even harsher weather than the night before. The crashing of thunder now muted by the deepness of our camp in the forest. I was again happily surprised to awaken to clearing skies and spent the next hour or so back in the stream with the salmon. Morning fog made the scene even more ethereal.
Morning fog over Indian Creek

It was a struggle to pull away and start the long slog up to Whatcom Pass.

The suspension bridge above Indian Creek sways as you cross, the views up stream were captivating, the water coursing down in the dark green forest.
Suspension bridge over Indian Creek

Indian Creek Waterfalls
During the days travel we encountered many people: day-hikers and mountaineers, young and old(er), lost and found. I advised one and all to make a point to take the time to go visit the salmon.

As we climbed up along Brush Creek the weather got gloomier and as we made it to the final climb at the valley head rain started. Our goal was Tapto Lakes that night, another hard 1,000 feet above the pass, but when we made it to Whatcom Camp the rains were pounding. Cold and wet we hurriedly set up the tent. Dry clothes, warm sleeping bags and hot food tend to improve the spirits quickly.

That night the storms really pounded. The tent was alight with flashes, the thunder and lightening coming simultaneously. Protected somewhat by the trees and the fact that we were a quarter mile down from the pass we lived through it, and awoke to an almost complete white out.
Mt Challenger lost in clouds

My desire to hike another 1,000 vertical feet evaporated and I headed down the trail, back towards the Chilliwack.

Once back at the junction we’d passed the day before my path turned upstream, headed to Hannegan Pass to complete the loop. Fording the Chilliwack is now a more daunting proposition, the valley steeper and more narrow. Hikers are afforded two choices: to ford the waist-deep waters or to pull yourself across in an aerial cable-car!
Chilliwack Cable Car

That choice was easy1 The cable car is in great shape, holding up to two backpackers (and their gear) the pulley system makes it easy to make the crossing, gliding 100 feet above the river below.

The last nights camp was at the Copper Creek camp, hoping to get a glimpse of meteors above we perched ourselves on the stones with w pie-sliced view of the heavens.
Stars along the Chilliwack River

The last days hike up and over Hannegan Pass and back to the car was completed before lunch, the trails edge bordered with a carpet of herbaceous wildflowers.

As always my feelings are mixed at trips end: relief at the prospect of real food, a warm shower, soft bed and time off my throbbing feet but as we jump in the car for the drive back my heart is already longing for the cool, clear waters of the Chilliwack…
Copper Ridge Panorama

Northern Cascades on Dwellable

Hiking along the Baker River

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Andy Porter

Baker River, fall

The Baker River flows south into the Skagit draining the western slopes of the North Cascades. There are two dams along the river, the largest of which forms Baker Lake.
Baker Lake

On the North Cascades Highway (Hwy 20) drive about 15 miles east of Sedro-Woolley to the Baker Lake Road. The road heads north-east following along side of tiny Grandy Lake, then passing Lake Shannon and then skirting the west side of Baker Lake. There are numerous campsites along the way and many logging roads branching off. There is a large concrete bridge crossing Park Creek providing great views of Mount Baker.
Mt Baker from the Baker Lake Road

After 20 miles of good paved road you’ll pass Shannon Creek Campground. From here on the road is gravel as it winds the last 5 miles along side the upper reaches of Baker Lake. Depending on the season of your visit and the water level in the lake one can see numerous stumps along the edge of this man-made lake. In the fall when the water level is low there are beautiful marshes along the lakes northern end.
North end of Baker Lake

The road ends at a large parking area where there are bathrooms and to the right a trail head. You can scramble down to the gravel bar and have a look at the river here.

It is required to have a Northwest Forest pass to park, these can be obtained at the Baker Lake Grocery store, back on Highway 20 or in Sedro-Woolley at the Forest Service national park Headquarters.

The trail is in both the North Cascades National Park and the Mount Baker National Forest. Here is a link to a web site describing the trail.

At the edge of the parking area there a big wooden reader board and from there the wide trail passes a few campsites and between two big boulders.
The trail starts here…

Passing through the forest there are more camps and an old horse corral between the trail and the river and soon the trail arcs east and views of the river and mountains appear.
Baker River Trees

Now the pathway re-enters the canopy.
Green Moss and Blue skies

And passes a sign in box for the hike.
Sign-in box

Skirting along side the river you pass several mammoth old-growth trees.
Old Growth

The greens are rich and bright.
Mount Baker Forest

About half a mile from the parking area a suspension bridge appears on the right, spanning the river.
Baker River Bridge

The Baker River Trail continues along the west side of the river while the east bank trail crosses the bridge heading back south along the river and along the shore of Baker Lake.
Trail junction

Blum Creek

Free of dams and roads the river regains its wild countenance. There are gravel bars and huge snags of trees along the shore.
Baker River

The trail is accessible year round. Fall and spring are great times for a visit. And the trail is perfect for young children.
Bridge Running

Fall colors are my favorite
Fall River

Staying on the main trail, you soon pass several huge jumbles of boulders on the left, forming all sorts of caves and cool places to explore. My favorite place along the trail soon appears on the right, a short scramble down to the river bed and bushwack through brush out onto the gravel bar. The river makes a long sweeping curve.
Baker River and Hagan Mountain

Across the river rises the jagged summit of Hagan Mountain. Looking upstream is Jagged Ridge extending from the summit of Mount Shuksan.
Jagged Ridge

This is a perfect place to play. the gravel bar is wide and a great place to camp. There are fire rings and many huge logs and debris for building forts and side channels for swimming.
Autumn Fun along Baker River

This stretch of the river is in the National Forest and no permit is needed for camping.
Camped along the river

Tent and Stars, Baker River

The suspension bridge is a wonderful photographic subject!

Baker River Bridge

Looking up Blum Creek

Sunset along the northern end of Baker Lake

On the trail, headed home

Horseshoe Basin, North Cascades National Park

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Andy Porter

Horseshoe Basin is one of those magical places that once you visit you will never, ever forget. Nestled on the east side of Cascade Pass it is less visited than Sahale Arm but certainly no less beautiful.

Last summer I visited the basin twice, first while headed east to Stehekin, to get some pastry, and again on the way back…

Approaching from the east one crosses Basin Creek on a small wooden bridge that is probably flown in when the snow melts…a cairn marks the crossing.

Looking up the valley one gets a hint of whats to come.
The too-numerous-to-count waterfalls stream down from the glaciers, glistening in the sun. The bowl of the basin forms a 180 degree mouth punctuated with sharp granite teeth. Blue, green, red and white, the colors are astounding.

The western turn of the bowl is punctuated by Sahale Mountain and Boston Peak, standing guard.

These images are from August, probably the best month to go. You can find all you need to make a visit here, at the North Cascades National Park page…

Happy Trails!

Mount Shuksan

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Andy Porter

Mount Shuksan from Picture Lake

On the Pacific Crest Trail in the Pasayten Wilderness

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Andy Porter

Heading north on the Pacific Crest Trail from Slate Peak the trail slowly looses altitude on its way down to Holman Pass.

Sunset at Jim Pass
Here is a junction with the western option heading towards Devils Dome and trail to the east down to the Pasayten River. Continuing north the trail gains all the altitude you just lost, popping out of the forest into the splendid meadows just below Goat Lakes.
There is a dependable spring here and camping in the meadows is spectacular.

Meadows just below tiny Goat Lakes
Continuing the trail makes a sweeping arc as it climbs to Rock Pass. Powder Mountain.

Wildflowers and Powder Mountain
The view from Rock Pass is unsurpassed.

Rock Pass Panorama
Dropping down several switchbacks the trail traverses the north-facing slopes on its way to Woody Pass. here the snow lingers late into the season.

After climbing again to the notch of Woody Pass the trail now swings to the western side of the Cascade Crest in its way to the highest point of the trail on this section at Lakeview Ridge.

Rock Pass, seen from Woody Pass
The views, the flowers, from the ridge are impossible to beat. snow abounds until mid or late August and camping here is incredible.

Atop Lakeview Ridge

Three Fools Peak
Its a 25 mile hike here from the parking area at Slate Peak, one of the very best out and back trips in the North Cascades.