Johnston RIdge Sunset Hike - Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

On Johnston Ridge in Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument the sunset glow of August turns the hills and ridges of the blast zone an amber hue in the waning hours of a summers day. Indian Paintbrush and Lupine still grace the rolling crest of the ridge and shine with a glorious inner light. The distant crater looms over the young meadows, grown to a splendid glory since that fateful day in 1984.

Cedar Creek Grist Mill

Cedar Creek Grist Mill is a historical, water-powered grain-grinding mill built 144 years ago in 1876. It is still in operation today as a working museum, with volunteers producing fresh-milled flour and cornmeal. This is a spectacular living piece of Washington State history in a gorgeous natural setting.

Flying over the Newaukum River

The Newaukum River tumbles from green mountains to even greener fields to meet the Chehalis River near the town of the same name. Before this confluence it passes through Stan Hedwall Park and under the rail bridge turned bike trail that marks the start of the long and rugged Willapa Hills Trail that crossed these low mountains and finds its distant terminus on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

 

Bear Grass

In the early days of summer in the  alpine woods and meadow ridges of the Pacific Northwest intrepid hikers will find the ubiquitous and beautiful stalks of Bear Grass rising isolated or in glorious groves of pale splendor from the green shoots of spring. These spectacular wildflowers put on a display as stunning as it is fleeting.

 

Nighthawks

The mysterious bug catchers of the night, Nighthawks spend their days secluded in the dense forest. These beautiful big eyed birds are rarely seen save as streamlined silhouettes cavorting among the stars in the night sky. I was lucky enough to stumble upon several of them resting on tree branches and moss covered boulders while I was out hiking through the woods.

 

Comet Neowise

Once every 6800 years the night sky of Planet Earth is lit by the ethereal spectacle of Comet Neowise, the stunning arc of its tail fanning out across of the star speckled sky. For a few brief weeks this cosmic wanderer traverses the heavens before its tail dims and it fades once more into the black oblivion of the outer solar system.

Tidepool Life in Olympic National Park

The amazing Olympic Wilderness Coast teams with life, with every shallow pool playing host to a miniature world. Even as the chaotic breakers crash down upon the ragged rocks the creatures that dwell in the crannies and crevices go about their secret lives. The constant ebb and flow of tides bring the nutrients all these animals depend on, making this tidepool ecosystem one of the richest and most diverse on Earth. Olympic National Park is truly a diverse and fantastic place.