My first road trip of the summer was taken in Washington state. I grew up there and you would think I would be bored of seeing the same places but going back with my camera in hand brought with it a newer prospective. I was only able to get a small portion of the state's wide variety of landscapes and I know I still have much more to explore on future trips. I spent just a small amount of time on the east side of the state but it offers these beautiful farmlands and old buildings that are still hanging on and it creates a wonderful opportunity to get in practice my  monochrome work.

L116Old fence found on a farm in Washington state.

The state is divided by the sprawling Cascade range that holds such mountains as Mt. Baker (to the north by Bellingham), Mt. Rainier and the famous Mt. St. Helens (both nestled more in the middle of the state). I spent time exploring one of the four major passes that crosses these mountains, Steven's Pass. This particular pass takes you through stunning forest covered mountains and follows turquoise river beds both on the west and east side of the mountains and creates spectacular views when mixed with all the greens of the hillside, deep blues in the sky and the many colors of the wild flowers growing (if you want this added beauty wait until July/August).

WL119Wentachee River just west of Leavenworth, Washington.

On the west side of Steven's Pass there is a roadside trail called Deception Falls. It is located just a couple miles east of Skykomish on the west side of the pass. You can see part of the falls from the Highway itself but to see all of its beauty you need to park and take the .5 mile  nature trail that guides you through the multiple layers of the falls as well as its stunning forest full of massive old trees that make you realize just how small and young we really are.

WL121Deception Falls on Stevens Pass in Washington State. WL120A moss filled tree.

 

 

 

Deception Falls, one of the multiple falls you can see on the nature hike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One mossy, massive tree found along the nature hike.

 

 

 

My base of operations was in Everett, Wa and so I was afforded the opportunity to also explore the coastline of the Pudget Sound. While the mountains give you a feeling of steadfast solidity, the sound shows you that life is ever changing. With each new tide that comes and goes, new treasures can be found on the shoreline. Animals of all kinds can be seen; seagulls, cranes, eagles, seals and even orcas. Spending time along the shore I caught some of the iconic symbols of the region and explored some state parks such as Deception Pass on Whidbey Island.

WL126Deception Pass Bridge on Whidbey Island.

 

 

 

 

Deception Pass Bridge that connects Whidbey Island to the Anacortes Peninsula.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LM117Washington ferry in the Pudget Sound with the Olympic Mountains in the background.

 

 

 

A Washington State ferry with the Olympic Mountains as its backdrop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course what trip to Seattle would be complete without the customary photo of the Space Needle!

L121The Space Needle and the arches from the Pacific Science Center.