There is a boat ramp and you can walk atop the dike, along Dike Road, near Conway.
The South Fork of the Skagit River is nearby.
Several of the farms nearby have wonderful old barns…
Here are a few images.
Tag Archives: Skagit County
Skagit River Images
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.
Skagit River and Mount Baker
Not long ago I saw an image of Skagit River with Mt Baker looming above. It was a gorgeous image and started me on a hunt.
I have been here in Skagit Valley for 15 years now and have never encountered a vista that encompassed both the Mountain and the River. Skagit River runs east to west through the valley and Baker sits about 10 miles to the north.
A short study of the map revealed that there are several spots where the Skagit turns back on itself so that you can look “down the river” and right at Mt Baker. I started my search along the Concrete Sauk Valley Road, looking to visit the confluence of the Sauk and Skagit Rivers. It was a lot of fun tooling about, on both sides of the river, scouting for views, vistas, and access trails down to the gravel bars along the river.
Here are a few pics from my endeavors:
After a bit of search I finally found a spot along the Concrete-Sauk Valley Road where you can scramble down to the gravel bar and out to this view: Looking north to Mt Baker, from the Skagit River
Skagit River and Mount Baker
Skagit River and Mount Baker
Skagit River and Mount Baker
Vistas of Skagit Valley
Always in the hunt for new vistas of Skagit Valley, here are some of the vistas I’ve visited in the last few years.
Sauk Mountain
North Cascades and Skagit River
Mt Erie
Cap Sante
Samish Overlook
Mt Erie
Sauk Mtn and Skagit River
Ross Lake
Big Rock
Samish Overlook
Double Rainbows over Fir Island
Diablo Lake
Samish Overlook
Cap Sante
Samish Overlook
Mt Erie
Washington Park
Padilla Bay
Sauk Mountain
Sauk Mountain
Big Rock
La Conner
Ross Lake
Samish River
Valley Sunset
Samish Overlook
Skagit River
Mt Erie
Photography Classes in Burlington Fall 2018
Andy Porter Photography
I will be teaching several Photography Classes in Burlington Fall 2018. There are 3 different classes, each is about 2.5 hours long and cost $40.
How to Capture Awesome Images with your DSLR – Beginners Level 1
Looking down the Middle Fork of the Nooksack River
There are 4 scheduled sessions for this class on different dates and times to make it easier to find a date that works for you.
- Sept. 18, Tuesday, 6pm – 8:30pm
- Sept. 27, Thursday, 6pm – 8:30pm
- Oct. 6, Saturday, 10am – 12:30pm
- Nov. 6, Tuesday, 6pm – 8:30pm
Taking pictures with your new DSLR is easy, just set it on auto and shoot away. Capturing GOOD pictures with your new DSLR…that’s harder. Quality photography starts with understanding how to set your exposure manually. This is NOT difficult to do.
In this 3 hour workshop we’ll cover aperture and shutter speed and show you how to change them on your camera. Next we’ll discuss how to use these settings to create the image you want. Bracketing the exposure is a very key part of this and will set you on the right path. We will also cover the use of polarizers and capturing images in the RAW format.
To register for classes, visit the Burlington Parks and Rec web site here
How to Capture Awesome Images with your DSLR – Intermediate Level 2
Mt Rainier and Packwood Lake
There are 2 scheduled sessions for this class on different dates and times to make it easier to find a date that works for you.
- Oct. 16, Tuesday, 6pm – 8:30pm
- Oct. 27, Saturday, 10am – 12:30pm
In this class we will delve deeper into depth of field and how to master control over how much of what’s in front of you is in focus. Then we’ll cover the use of different shutter speeds to create stunning, unique images.
We will discuss different types of lenses and which is best for you.
Next will be more advanced techniques to obtain a sharp focus throughout your entire image, we will practice each technique as we go.
This class will cover in detail how to shoot Milky Way and Star Trail images.
Bring your tripod and any and all lenses you have for your camera.
Prerequisites: You must have taken the How to Capture Awesome Images with your DSLR – Beginners Level 1 (aka Nature Photography – Beginners class) OR be VERY comfortable shooting in the Manual Mode with your current camera.
Liberty Bell and the Milky Way
Photography Composition and Basic Editing
Having an eye” for photography is definitely an acquired skill! Once you learn the basic tools and practice you’ll have it. We will cover: subject placement; use of the horizon; reflections; leading lines; the Rule of Thirds; framing and more.
Then we’ll delve into how to edit your images on the computer, covering cropping, color adjustment, filters and all sorts of amazing stuff to make your images pop!
- Nov. 8, Thursday, 6pm – 8:30pm
To register for ALL CLASSES you must sign up and pay through Burlington Parks and Recreation. Seating is limited so sign up sooner!
Visit their web site here OR Call them at : 360-755-9649
Andy Porter Images is my main web site where you can buy prints, calendars, cards and more.
Are you interested in a Night Sky Photo Tour? Learn more here.
Questions? Email me at andyporterphotography@gmail.com
Sauk Mountain Wildflowers
Sauk Mountain Wildflowers start blooming in July. Exactly when in July varies from year to year depending upon how much snow accumulated from the winter and how warm the spring.
As soon as you leave the parking lot the trail is fringed with flowers. The first long, easy switch backs afford views out along the river and up, following the zig zag of trail to the top.
Along the way views of Mount Baker appear.
Rounding the shoulder of the mountain Sauk Lake comes into view and a trail leading to its shores. Lilies, Columbine, Lupine and more carpet the meadows.
I try to get up there several times each year. These images are from an overnight visit in July 2017.
Day Hike and Overnight Photo Tours are available here!
Waiting for sunset is pleasure. The warm glow of late afternoon light envelops us.
The next morning’s light invites us to linger a while.
Cypress Island Sunset and Sunrise
I camped on the island for one night. It was magical.
Fir Island Sunset
Fir Island is located at the mouth of the Skagit River. You can get there from Best Road, go west on Rawlins until the road stops and start walking. Its very wet and soggy, in the best of times.
There is sort of a trail that leads out to the closest mound of rock. Its an easy relaxing walk. The sky is filled with sounds.
I make it to the small hill and climb up for the view. The mouth of the Skagit River sweeps out to the sound.
The sun is starting to set and so I head back.
Soon I am assaulted by waves of color.
Its hard to keep walking.
Sauk Mountain Trail
The Sauk Mountain Trail is a local favorite. It is the shortest drive to a mountain trail, melts out early, has spectacular wildflowers…and fantastic views.
I made my way up last week and spent the night. Here are a few images from the journey, sunset, night sky and sunrise.
Samish Island Sunset
Images captured years ago, now seeing the light of day…
It was just one of those utterly unbelievably colorful sunsets.
There is no way to fake those colors!
-
- Samish Sunset 2
-
- Samish Sunset 1
North Western Images - photos by Andy Porter 