We've recently returned from a cruise to Alaska leaving out of Seattle. (Photos from the Cruise can be seen at this blog).
After the cruise ended, we drove up to Washington Pass on the North Cascades Highway (or here for The Cascade Loop commercial website). The long drive was worth it as I took many images of the mountains and lakes. The weather was mostly clear with the low humidity making up for the fact that we were at this point in mid-afternoon which is usually not the best time for the angle of the sunlight.
This image is one of several favorites from the drive. It shows the tail end of Kangaroo Ridge (the ridge in the foreground) and Snagtooth Ridge to the right, Silver Star Mountain on the left. For the ridge names, I must trust my GPS mapping program as the Washington Pass topographic map I have is so old, it does not show the North Cascades Highway (which was finished in 1972).
The area around Washington Pass is one of my favorites. I first drove there in 1999, 2000 returning in 2004. Except for 2004, I've only been in June and the weather then, despite repeat warnings from Seattle friends, June weather has usually (2000 was something of an exception) been very kind to me.
I have, in each June visit, still found snow on the ground near (but not on) the highway. (The Washington DOT website, listed above, tracks the progress of the snow clearing work.) One year, there was still enough snow that cross-country skiiers were enjoying the conditions. By going in August (2004) I learned that there is a great overlook the turnoff for which is at Washington Pass. By August, however, the humidity and afternoon sun washed out any decent chance for a photograph.
I hope someday to again stay near Washington Pass to see these mountains in the early morning or late afternoon sun.
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