Horsetail Falls, Yosemite National Park, California

Every February something special happens in Yosemite Valley if the conditions are right. At some point during the month the setting sun aligns perfectly with the canyon walls to the west for several evenings creating a longer than usual glow on the granite walls. And if the winter snow pack is substantial and the temperature warms enough to start the spring runoff, a wonderful cascade forms on the southeast side of El Capitan aptly named Horsetail Falls.

Of course all of this along with the rest of Yosemite’s splendor would be enough to satisfy anyone visiting the valley this time of year. But in addition (as if mother nature is trying to outdo herself) for only a few minutes each evening the alignment of the sun also illuminates the falls from behind creating a brief firefall that is truely amazing. When I made this image several years ago, the sky had been rather drab all day and as the magic time approached it looked as if nothing would happen. Then suddenly the clouds parted to the west, the falls began to glow and I had only moments to make a couple of exposures before the light was gone.

The Quinault Rain Forest in Washington’s Olympic National Park is a lush and vibrant setting with limitless possibilities for photography. Along with the Queets and Hoh, it is one of the largest temperate rain forests in the lower 48 and receives an amazing 12 to 14 feet (yes feet!) of precipitation each year. The abundance of plants and trees including Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and Bigleaf maples is a feast for the eyes and the moss-draped branches create a jungle-like feeling in this primeval forest.

The challenge of course is to keep your photo gear dry and a portable umbrella and camera rain hood like those made by Kata are invaluable for shooting when it’s wet. Fortunately, the skies are often cloudy which creates nice even lighting, eliminates the harsh shadows and really makes the colors glow. And if the scene includes water, the longer exposures often required in the forest will create a silky look that only adds to the dreamlike quality of this special place. The only problem I’ve encountered when shooting rain forests is that when you leave your eyes have a hard time adjusting to the lack of green in the rest of the world!

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area on the Washington-Oregon border east of Portland is a paradise for water-sport enthusiasts, history buffs, and photographers alike.  This magical corridor, which provided Lewis and Clark safe passage through the Cascades during their journey to the Pacific,  today plays host to world-class windsurfing, fine wine making, and includes some of the most beautiful waterfalls in North America.

Latourell Falls pictured here is an icon of the area and one of numerous waterfalls that dot the historic Columbia River Highway. As America’s first scenic roadway, this national historic landmark is an engineering marvel from the last century and as much a destination as the lush grottos, cascades and temperate forests that surround it.

McWay Cove in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park on the Big Sur Coast is one of the highlights of any trip down California’s Highway 1. The turquoise waters of this secluded lagoon combined with one of the only free falling waterfalls on the Pacific Coast make for a breathtaking scene. The cove, which is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, is hidden from the highway but a short trail from the state park leads to spectacular views of the falls and surrounding coastline.

To celebrate the soon to be released Yosemite quarter here’s a unique view of America’s 2nd national park. The appropriately named Mist Trail climbs a series of stone steps next to Vernal Falls and is a perfect way to cool off during the warm summer months in the Valley. A rainbow often forms at the base of the falls and the upper portion of the trail is actually carved into the cliff adjacent to the falls providing a spectacular view.

Shooting water in all its endless variety is one of the creative pleasures of nature photography. From drops of dew reflecting a crisp autumn morning to the power of cascading falls frozen in time, the camera allows many unique perspectives of our most abundant resource that are seldom seen in a passing glance.

This image of Calf Creek Falls in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was made on an overcast day with a long exposure of 20 seconds. The cloudy sky diffused the harsh mid-day light and saturated the colors of the mossy rock, while the slow shutter speed gave the falls a silky look.