Rhodie Time on Mt Hood

Besides ski season, June is one of my favorite times to visit the Mt Hood area.  Why, you ask?  Because June is when lovely pink rhodies bloom in the forests.  Although the proper name for this flower is "rhododendron" we locals refer to them as "rhodies."

Last year I missed the entire rhodie season after spending June and July in South Dakota recovering from brain surgery.  In 2022, I vowed to make up for those lost flower-viewing opportunities.

The rhodies are blooming!

In mid-June I made an exploratory trip to the lower elevations of the Mt. Hood National Forest.  I found a few pink blooms, but overall things were just getting started.  Two weeks later I returned and although the flowers were beginning to fade down low, in areas above 4000 feet elevation the rhodie bloom was going strong.

Mt Hood view from Trillium Lake

My first stop was Trillium Lake.  This small water body has a killer view of Mt. Hood from it's shores, which is often reflected in the lake during calm weather.  Luck was with me that morning, because I was greeted with glassy waters that mirrored Mt. Hood perfectly on the lake's surface.  A mid-level cloud bank just added to the photo drama.  (I love clouds - I think they make images more interesting.)

Trillium Lake fishing dock

With my early morning arrival I was able to beat the hiking and sightseeing crowd, but not the fishermen.  (Being married to a fisher-guy, I know that they love nothing more than to get up obscenely early to purse their sport.)  But the fishermen weren't any trouble - they were all busy trying to lure the resident trout.  I kind of liked having them in my frames.

My attempt to get lake, mountain and rhodies in one frame

I'd hoped to get a shot of a blooming rhodie bush with the lake and mountain in the background.  But after walking most of the south shore, all I found was one sad bloom.  The one bush actually located along the lakeshore wasn't quite ready to flower.  So the above photo was as close as I got.

I found a big patch near Timothy Lake

Naturally there were tons of rhodie bushes along the road into Trillium Lake.  But these weren't anywhere close to the lake.  Even so, I got lots of good images of the roadside pink blooms.  Too bad one or two couldn't move closer to the lake.  (I considered trying to patch one rhodie bush into a lake image, but I'm not that good at Photoshop!)

Pink goodness

Remembering that nearby Timothy Lake had an abundance of rhodie bushes I decided to head over there.  My family used to camp at Timothy Lake frequently in the 90's.  I have fond memories of fun times with my hubby and kids at this beautiful lake.  Back in those days we could arrive on a Friday in the summer and still get a camping spot for the weekend.  Sadly population growth in the Portland area, coupled with more people discovering outdoor recreation, has made this lake a wildly popular spot.  Nowadays if you don't reserve a site 6 months in advance, forget about camping here.  Spontaneity is a thing of the past.

Even the butterflies like rhodies

At least the rhodies were still around.  I found lots of the gorgeous pink bushes lining the entrance road and at many of the campgrounds.  However, at three of the developed Forest Service campgrounds, I discovered day users weren't allowed to drive in and park anymore.  Naturally there weren't any rhodie bushes at the designated day use area.  Ironically the best displays were along the entrance road, which happened to be under construction.

Bright spots in the forest

Was I about to be skunked again in my rhodie quest?  Luckily I found a pull-out along a stretch of road that wasn't being worked on that happened to have a high concentration of pink blossoms.  Finally - I was able to get my rhodie shots.

Backlit blooms

The Timothy Lake area has lots of great scenery.  I drove past an old guard station, now renovated for overnight use.  In a large swampy clearing, I spotted the ancient cabin my kids and I used to visit while camping nearby.

Old cabin near Timothy Lake

Since it was in the neighborhood, I then decided to drive over the nearby Little Crater Lake.  Situated near another Forest Service campground, this tiny body of water displays a unique blue color, similar to it's larger cousin to the south.

Lupine blooms near Little Crater Lake

From the parking area, visitors hike a short trail to see the lake.  Although there wasn't any rhodies here, the path cut through a large grassy field full of lovely purple lupine flowers.

Little Crater Lake

Here's my favorite photo of Little Crater Lake.  The lake is fed by an underground spring that gives the lake it's unusual blue hue.

Anemone and ladybug

Although not an area known for rhododendrons, for my last stop of the day I decided to swing by Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort and visit Umbrella Falls.  A quarter mile trail from the resort's access road takes hikers to this stunning waterfall.  Along the way, I spotted several different wildflowers blooming (although not rhodies!).  I loved this shot of a deep purple anemone flower with a ladybug hanging out on one of its leaves.

And the waterfall was pretty spectacular too.  Although there were no rhodies in the area, I always enjoy visiting this lovely cascade.

Umbrella Falls

It was a successful rhodie-hunting trip around the mountain.  I love having these beautiful places just a short drive from my home.  

Now to get caught up on the other wildflowers I missed last summer!

A (very!) Early Morning Trip to Mt. Hood

I have a confession to make......I love photographing sunrises, but hate getting up early.  Yes, I realize these are two diametrically opposing goals.  But I've discovered one of the wonderful perks of retirement is the opportunity to sleep in every day.  And I love to sleep in.  So although rising early to capture a sunrise seems like a good idea the night before, when the alarm rings at o-dark-hundred my drowsy brain says "what was I thinking?" and goes right back to sleep.

Mt Jefferson view from Timberline parking lot

Where I live January is a great month to catch sunrises.  Not only are there interesting and often colorful clouds at dawn, the sun doesn't peek above the horizon until well after 7 am.  You would think the day's later start would help with my rising early problem.  However, in early January I really wanted to capture sunrise over Mt Hood.  Reaching Mt. Hood required an hour and a half drive, which still meant a very early wake up call.  I planned several sunrise photo sessions in January, only to talk myself out of it at when it came time to actually get out of bed.

Pink skies at dawn

But finally one Friday in mid-January I was successful.  The weather looked promising for a colorful sunrise on the mountain.  Inspired by the good conditions and fear of missing out yet again, I somehow got my lazy butt out of bed and into my car.  I'd initially thought of hiking into Trillium Lake and capturing sunrise there, but decided I didn't want to hike to the lake in the dark (and it would take too much time, requiring an even earlier start).  Instead, I decided to drive up to Timberline Lodge and capture sunrise there.  

Colorful skies above Mt Hood

Although I thought I'd risen early enough to get to Timberline in time, when I pulled into the parking lot, the sky was already turning colors.  Opening my car door, I was buffeted by a gust of wind.  Not only was it frigidly cold, the wind was absolutely howling!

Predawn pastels

I hurriedly pulled on some layers and wrestled my tripod to the parking lot edge.  I didn't have time to hike anywhere, the sunrise was already happening.  With one hand on the shutter and the other on my tripod leg, I pointed my camera at the southern horizon, where the sky was turning a lovely shade of pink.  Mt Jefferson anchored the skyline as the clouds above her began to display hues of pink, orange, and blue.

Morning light turning the slopes pink

Although my hands were freezing, I tucked one, then the other, under my armpit and kept on shooting.  The sky was changing so fast I didn't want to miss anything.  Fierce wind gusts rattled my tripod, and I had to hold onto one of the legs to prevent it from blowing over.  

Another zoomed-out view

Not only was the show to the south and east.  Looking behind me to the north, Mt Hood was beginning to show a bit of color.  First, the sky above the mountain began displaying pastel hues of pink and blue.  Then as the sun broke above the horizon, a tiny bit of pink lit up the snow just below the summit.  Alpenglow!

First sunrays on the mountain

Finally the sun's rays crested over the foothills, casting dramatic light on the mountain's east side.  This illuminated small clouds of snow whipped up from the strong winds.  It was fascinating to watch and photograph.

The morning fog has frosted the forest

With the sun now rising in the sky, it was time to jump back in my car and warm up.  Blasting the heater, I pondered my next move.  The day was still early, so I decided why not hike into Trillium Lake and check things out?  So downhill I drove, following windy Timberline Road to the main highway.  From here, it was a mere couple of miles to the Trillium Lake Snopark.

Beautiful icy trees

During summer months, one can drive to the shore of Trillium Lake.  In winter, the Forest Service closes the road, and people ski, snowshoe, or hike the two miles to visit the lake.  It's easy access from the highway and short distance makes this a popular destination when the snow flies.  But today I was surprised to find only one other vehicle in the parking lot when I arrived.  

Snowy wonderland

The Mt. Hood area hadn't received any measurable snowfall for two weeks, so I found the snowy trail to the lake well packed - solid enough that I left my snowshoes in the car and hoofed it on foot.

The snow-covered sign 

I was surprised to find a thick fog bank had descended upon the area.  From up high at the Timberline Lodge parking lot, I'd seen fog collecting the valleys but didn't realize it was at Trillium Lake's elevation.  Good thing I didn't try and hike in here to catch sunrise!  It would've been a long trek in the dark for nothing. But a wonderful effect of the fog had coated the trees in ice.  The forest along this closed road had been transformed into a glittering, frosty wonderland!  My camera came out right from the start, and let's just say I didn't make record time getting to the lake. 

Almost there!

Winter storms the first week of January had dumped massive amounts of snow in the Cascades.  Cold weather had preserved this generous snowfall.  I was amazed to see the road signs partially covered up by the white stuff.  I didn't realize how deep the snowpack was until I stepped off the well trod path into untracked snow and promptly sank to my hips.  Lesson learned!  Stay on the path!

Classic Mt Hood view from Trillium Lake

But finally I recognized the partially buried Forest Service sign directing travelers to Trillium Lake.  Following the side road through the trees (staying on the packed snow, of course!) led me to the boat dock.  Early morning fog now lifted, I was treated to a classic blue-sky Mt. Hood view from the lake.  

Last of the fog lifting from the lake

In the summer Trillium Lake is a popular spot for fishing.  The Forest Service built a large wooden dock near the boat launch to facilitate those fisherpeople lacking watercraft.  Today I was very surprised to find the dock full to the railings with snow.  

The fishing dock is full of snow!

It's been a tradition of mine to get a winter selfie on Trillium Lake's fishing dock.  This year I was actually "on top" of the dock!  I was thrilled to have the entire lake to myself for nearly 20 minutes while sitting at the dock area enjoying hot tea and snacks.

Selfie on the fishing dock

The views were so tremendous, I walked around the lake towards the dam for more photo ops.  Although the lake appeared to be frozen over, I wasn't about to venture out and test the ice.  I spied a small rift in the ice near the dam, and upon further inspection, was delighted to discover a reflection of Mt. Hood in the open water.

Mt Hood reflection 

I began to see a few skiers sliding along the top of the dam.  Then a group of snowshoers clomped through the forest to lake's edge.  The world had woken up, and the masses were coming.  Although I'd enjoyed my minutes of solitude at Trillium Lake, I took this as my cue to head back.

Icy trees beginning to melt

The road back to the snowpark was like a superhighway.  A nearly continuous conga-line of skiers, snowshoers, and hikers (with their dogs) were heading towards the lake.  Now I was extra thankful I'd listened to my alarm this morning.  Not only does the early bird get the sunrise, she also gets Trillium Lake to herself!  

I'd like to say this experience has turned me into more of a morning person......but I've risen early for exactly one sunrise since that day!  Maybe posting my photos and writing about this trip will inspire me to take more early outings.

Early Snow

In most years, snow is slow to carpet nearby Mt Hood and it's surrounding foothills.  We're lucky if the ski resorts open by Thanksgiving - and if they do, it's with a measly 2 foot base (get out your "rock skis!")  But, 2020 continues to be unlike any year, and in Mt Hood's case, this has actually been a good thing.  In early November, storm after storm brought inches of the white stuff to Oregon's Cascade mountains.  By mid-November nearly three feet of snow was covering the lower reaches of Hood.

Time for an early-season Trillium Lake snowshoe hike to check things out.  So the Friday before Thanksgiving I decided to break in my car's new snow tires and head to the mountain.

Trillium Lake's fantastic Mt Hood view

Although the Mirror Lake Trailhead was packed with vehicles, just down the road Trillium Lake's sno-park had only three it's lot.  As I was changing boots and trying to decide if I needed my snowshoes, another car pulled in.  The woman driving rolled down her window and asked if this was the trail "to the lake." She also gave herself away as a tourist when she asked where Mt Hood was.  Pointing to the parking lot's prominent summit view I commented "You aren't from around here are you?"

 

Ice just beginning to form

 

As suspected, the woman admitted she was visiting from New York.  I told her Trillium Lake was only a mile and a half down the closed road, and it appeared the snow was packed enough that snowshoes weren't necessary.  She thanked me for the info, and with that I shouldered my backpack and camera bag and headed down the road.  I hadn't traveled far when a grove of frosty bushes provided my first photo stop.  I was delayed long enough that the New York lady caught up.  We started talking and ended up hiking together all the way to the lake.

Selfie time!

 

Since most of my hikes this year have been solo, it was nice to have company.  I chatted with the woman (6 feet apart of course!) and provided suggestions of other places to see during her stay.  The woman asked me to snap a few phone pics of her against the scenery.  Finally reaching the lake, with it's stellar Mt Hood view, my companion gasped in awe and handed me her phone again for a few Instagram-worthy shots.

More mountain views

With that, I parted ways with my new friend.  Having more places to visit, she retracted her steps back to the parking area, while I lingered around the lakeshore.  The weather was perfect - clear, blue skies and moderate temperatures.  Slogging through churned-up snow along the bank, I came to a sunny spot near the dam with killer Hood views.  Good place for a snack break!

Much too friendly gray jay eyeing my snacks

Sitting in the snow, munching on an energy bar and drinking tea, it didn't take long for the local gray jay population to take notice.  Several birds perched on nearby branches, eyeing my snacks.  I wasn't in the sharing mood so the birds were out of luck.  I did however manage to snap a few images of these cute feathered friends.

Sunburst

 

By this time it was late morning, and the recreational crowds began arriving.  A few groups of cross country skiers shuffled by, followed by another snowshoer.  I plowed through the snow on foot - it was surprisingly deep - to another vantage point across the earthen dam.  The sun's rays created lovely bursts of light and I managed to capture a couple photos I liked.
 

 

Frozen leaf

 

But the arrival of more folks made me decide it was time to leave.  Following the road back to the sno-park I began to encounter large groups of people until, over the last half mile, it became a continuous stream.  Despite the early wake-up time, getting to the lake early that day had had been a good decision.

The weather-guessers are predicting winter '20-'21 will be a La Nina year, which means wetter weather and more snow for the mountains.  This skier approves!  From the amount of snow I saw that day it appeared Mt Hood was off to a banner start.  But I'll keep doing my snow dances just in case (wink-wink!)