Bald Eagles Fishing

Mississippi River Bald Eagles

Each winter, hundreds of bald eagles congregate along the Mississippi River. Numbers often peak around mid-January. Of course, this all depends on how cold the temperatures are. When it’s warm, the eagles spread out all along the river corridor and are much harder to spot. As it gets colder, the river freezes except near the…

Read More

Wilcox Pass

Wilcox Pass Bighorn Sheep

Wilcox Pass is a popular hiking route in the Canadian Rockies. The trailhead is located just south of Columbia Icefields Discovery Center in Jasper National Park. It’s a 6.5 mile round trip hike with 1000 ft of vertical gain. The effort to climb up is amply rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and…

Read More

Wahweap Hoodoos Photography

The Towers of Silence

The Wahweap Hoodoos are a unique collection of toadstools, spires, and balanced rocks located in Utah’s Grand Escalante National Monument. They are famous for their white/grey color and have long been popular with photographers. It’s a remarkable place to visit and it’s definitely worth the 9-mile round trip hike.  I’ll give more information on how to…

Read More

Paria River Canyon

Buckskin Reflection in Utah - Action Photo Tours & Workshops

The Paria River Canyon is one of the best hikes in the American Southwest. Over millions of years, the river has carved a deep chasm through the Navajo sandstone. The towering canyon walls and narrow passages are impressive to say the least. This is one of those places that are very photogenic, but it’s difficult for…

Read More

Mt Rainier Wildflower Photography Part 1

Misty Sunrise at the Pass

During the first couple weeks of August, the slopes of Mt Rainier boast some of the most spectacular high alpine wildflower displays in the Northwest. Wildflowers begin to bloom at the lower elevations in mid-July and are great for macro photography or fog enshrouded forest shots. However, if you want the classic views of flowers…

Read More

Photographing Alaskan Polar Bears – Part 2

Polar Bear Family

As discussed in my Previous Post, Kaktovik, Alaska is a mecca for polar bear enthusiasts. Polar bear cubs will usually stay with their mothers for 2.5 years while they learn to hunt and survive in one of the harshest climates on earth. The cubs are always so fun to watch because they are innately curious…

Read More

Photographing Polar Bears in Alaska – Part 1

King of the Tundra

Welcome to Kaktovik, Alaska, a small Eskimo village located on the northeast shores of the Arctic Ocean. The small barrier islands around Kaktovik are a great habitat for polar bears, especially in the fall months as they wait for the sea ice to freeze solid. The waters around Kaktovik form part of ANWR, the Arctic…

Read More

Grand Escalante – Coyote Gulch

Swiss Cheese Falls

I love visiting Grand Escalante National Monument in Southern Utah! There is so much variety from arches and interesting rock formations to slot canyons, toadstools, waterfalls, etc. The options for exploration are endless. Unlike many of the national parks in the vicinity, Escalante is much less trafficked but still just as stunning. In this article,…

Read More

High Uintas Backpacking – Amethyst Basin

Amethyst Lake Wildflowers 2

Amethyst Basin in Utah’s High Uinta Wilderness is another popular destination for impressive mountain scenery. It’s a short 13.2 mile round-trip hike, so it can easily be done over a weekend or even as a day-hike. However, I recommend spending a night near Amethyst Lake since that will give you more time to explore and…

Read More

High Uintas Backpacking – Henry’s Fork & Kings Peak

Henry's Fork Lake Sunrise

The Henry’s Fork and Kings Peak area of the High Uinta Wilderness is another great option for summer backpacking. Here you’ll be treated to verdant alpine valleys, sparkling lakes, and a chance to summit Utah’s highest peak! Henry’s Fork Trailhead is easy to access via a good gravel road that is suitable for passenger cars.…

Read More