Mount Shuksan and Picture Lake in the Fall

I was staring at Mount Shuksan. The jagged peaks were stunning, and perfectly reflected in Picture Lake. And I realized that the battery in my camera was dead.

Scott and I had arrived Picture Lake in the Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forrest shortly after lunch. I knew the afternoon light would be better for what we wanted to photograph, so we took our time getting there. We made our coffee, packed a lunch, and double checked our overnight reservation. There was no rush.

When we got there, the view was spectacular! I couldn’t get out of the car fast enough, and my camera came out immediately. A handful of shots later, my battery was DEAD.

I love to be at Reflection Lake in Mount Rainier National Park at first light.

On this particular morning, I got up a couple of hours before sunrise and made the trip by myself. It was the middle of the week, and I was hoping to see some fall color, Mount Rainier (of course), and hopefully fewer people..  The skies were crystal clear blue, and it was looking to be a beautiful day. My first stop of the day was Reflection Lake.

The view at the top was AMAZING! And it is appropriately named as you are walking around high up on a rock formation. The rock was grippy though, so I didn’t feel insecure moving about while we were up there.

We explored the rocks, checking out the various viewpoints of Mount Rainier and the surrounding hills. It was just breathtaking!

Scott and I visited Picture Lake and Mount Shuksan a couple of years ago in the fall and the views were stunning. Jagged mountain peaks surrounded by vivid red and gold foliage. A clear lake with a perfect reflection. It was spectacular. Take a look at the banner on our web site’s home page and you’ll see what I mean.

Ever since then, I’ve wanted to go back in the winter. I’ve wanted to see what these gorgeous, jagged peaks would look like covered in snow and surrounded by blue sky.

I was staring at the stunning Mount Shuksan perfectly reflected in Picture Lake when I realized that the battery in my camera was nearly depleted, and I didn’t have a backup.

One of my favorite places to eat breakfast is at Reflection Lake in Mount Rainier National Park.

On this particular morning, I had made the trip by myself in the middle of the week hoping to see some fall color and of course – Mount Rainier.  The skies were clear blue, and it was going to be a beautiful day.

I love early morning light on the mountain. That first hour or two following sunrise is my favorite. The lighting is beautiful, and really shows the mountain off in a very special way.

It was a beautiful morning. The sun was out and the mountain was glorious with fresh snow against clear bule skies. What a great day for a hike at the mountain!

We approached the lake in the early morning. It was quiet and not many were out and about yet. It was beautiful! Mount Adams was still surrounded by the morning haze, but the lake was clear and calm.

We discovered Takhlakh Lake last year and have been looking forward to returning ever since.