Round Lake  State Park

Near Sandpoint Idaho

 Sunset from the Tromp the Swamp hike.

I asked my husband to find a state park in Northern Idaho near Silverwood theme park for our family vacation. I mentioned Priest Lake assuming that he would reserve one of their 435 campsites on the lake since it is so large and popular. When he told me he reserved a campsite for 3 days at a place called ‘Round Lake’ I was pretty annoyed. I gave him one thing to do and he found the smallest campground at a lake I had never heard of.  It was too late to change it, so I decided to make the best of it. I must say now that I was incredibly suprised at how beautiful, serene and awesome Round Lake was.

Round Lake State Park is located about 10 miles south of Sandpoint Idaho and has 51 campsites. The lake is surrounded by 142 acres of forest and has 3 hiking trails. Stewardship Trail, Swamp Tromp and Trapper’s Trail which is one of the best trails I have been on (More about the trails later) . They have hot showers, flushing toilets and a gift shop/learning center located in a beautiful log cabin stucture. The rangers are friendly, helpful and answered my questions happily. Round lake is round in case you were wondering.

Campsite 22

 We camped at campsite 22 and it was spacious and mostly private. It was located near the outdoor amphitheatre, but it wasn’t used for any demonstrations or lectures while we were there. From our campsite we could see the lake through the trees. It was 99 degrees one of the days we were there, but the breeze from the lake kept us cool. The sound the breeze made through the trees was even better.

 I had read that there was a resident moose near and around Round Lake which excited me since I have never seen one before in person. I was on a mission to find him and to hopefully get some great photos. The animals in the area are very diverse and unlike any we are used to seeing. There were Osprey nests in the trees and every so often one would swoop down into the lake for a meal. The turtles, that periodically poked their heads out of the water, caught my interest. All weekend long I kept a close eye (and camera) on the water in anticipation of seeing them again. The kids spotted a muskrat under the docks, and I realized I had never seen one before. Among the other animals that live at the lake are curious squirrels, chipmunks, birds, beavers, etc.

 Swimming Turtle

During our stay we saw many people fishing for trout and perch. There are 2 long piers and throughout the day fisherman came and went. Some set up chairs, a cooler and stayed most of the day. It looked like a relaxing way to spend a summer day. You can rent canoes and row boats at the learning center at a reasonable price, but a few people brought their own boats as there is a boat launch on the beach.

There are three trails at Round Lake. My favorite was ‘Trapper Trail’. It is by far one of the most beautiful trails I have been on. I woke up very early our first morning there and decided to catch the sunrise on the west side of the lake. The trail starts at the beach/day use area and hugs the lake for the first part of the trail. It is an interpretive trail, so there are signs indicating what is around you (Beaver Dams, Osprey, Turtles etc.) and informative information in simple terms so kids can understand as well.  I didn’t do the entire hike that morning but resumed with my oldest daughter later that day. (I was also determined to find the resident moose!). It is a pretty easy hike and it’s only a 1.8 mile loop. Children will have no problem completing this hike and will enjoy the diverse sections of the hike. As you begin, the trees are dense and there are bushes between you and the lake. This part offers amazing views and a breathtaking sunrise. 

You are then led into a forested area with a side trip to Cocolalla Creek. You cross the creek over a sturdy yet rustic wooden bridge and continue on through 2 or 3 switchbacks that lead into an old growth forest of Pine and Douglas Fir.

Still looking for the moose.

You can still view the lake from here and we were able to catch a glimpse of the rest of our family canoeing. Toward the end of the trail you are in a field like clearing where we saw many colorful butterflies, dragonflies and tall swaying grass. This section is very pleasant and peaceful. You eventually go over another wooden bridge while crossing Cocolalla Creek a second time.

Still no moose…

Toward the end of the trail you find yourself walking alongside the campground and then back to the day use area where you began. We found out there were some geocaches on this trail and found one toward the end. If you have never heard of geocaching read my post:  ‘What is geocaching’.

At this point I was disappointed that I saw no signs of the moose…

A Geocache hiding place.

The second hike is the Swamp Tromp trail. This is a very short and flat trail but very picturesque as well. I chose to go at sunset as I was sure the view would be remarkable. It was even better than I thought. This trail is also a loop and is .2 miles. The halfway point is at the bank of the lake and there is a perfectly situated bench to watch the sunset. (See photo at top) The sunset was beautiful and the hundreds of lilypads floating turned a golden color as the sun went down. It made my evening! I also kept my eyes open for the moose even though my hope of finding him was fading.

Golden lilypads!

I didn’t really do much of the Stewardship Trail. I started and turned around after a half hour. From what I saw it was just an ordinary hike in the woods. I was also alone too so I felt like it may not be safe for me to go any other farther. Now that I think of it that darn moose was probably somewhere near the Stewardship Trail!

My fish cloud!

Oh I forgot to mention the lightning and wind storm. It seems that everytime we come to North Idaho we experience some sort of storm. This storm came on while we were sleeping. We awoke to lightning, thunder and wind! Lots of wind! So much so that our tent stakes came up and our tent was leaning to one side. My husband had to brave the rain and wind to secure our tent. It was exciting yet frightening at the same time. It was a great way to end our stay at Round Lake. We packed up and left the next morning while the rain poured down. We were so grateful that the weather turned bad when it was time for us to leave.

So if you are looking for a quiet campground with great trails, a beautiful lake, and tons to do… Round Lake may be what you are looking for. Even just for the day ($4 vehicle entry fee) it is definitely worth checking out. And if you see the moose be sure to let me know!!!

Round Lake State Park is located 10 mi. S. of Sandpoint; 36 mi. N. of Coeur d’Alene, From Coeur d’Alene travel N. on Hwy 95 approximately 34 miles, turn W. on Dufort Rd. From Sandpoint travel S. on Hwy 95 approximately 10 miles, turn W. on Dufort Rd.

**Please enjoy my photos but don’t use them without notification or my permission. If there is an image that you would like to use or would like as a print, please contact me.

Picture Lake Path/Heather Meadows

Mt. Shuksan/Mt. Baker

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest

 Picture Lake/Mt. Shuksan

 I headed up to Mt Baker/Mt. Shuksan for a day of photography with a good friend of mine. The drive was long and slow, but the view and experience of being in and around those majestic mountains made the time it took to get there well worth it. We drove from Lake Stevens and decided to take the scenic and what we thought would be the quick route, Hwy 9. It was a beautiful drive but if you figure in the reduced speed and the amount of curves it takes a little bit longer. I calculated on google maps that it takes about 20 minutes longer using hwy 9 rather than I-5.

So we drove north on Hwy 9  all the way to Hwy 542, which is the Mt. Baker Hwy. Hwy 542 starts in Deming and to get all the way to Picture Lake Trail, which is near the Mt Baker Ski Area, it takes another hour and a half. So for us it took about 3 hours. With enough planned stops, snacks and good conversation, the drive will seem well worth it when you witness the breathtaking views of the North Cascades.

Mt. Baker

 Ultimately my whole objective for traveling up there was to photograph Mt Shuksan at ‘Picture Lake’ (see photo at top of page). Rightfully titled since it is positioned in front of the mountain offering a perfect reflection if the day and moment is just right. They call Mt. Shuksan the most photographed mountain in America. So I thought ‘how could I call myself a photographer if I haven’t photographed the most photographed mountain in America’. So with that as my goal we picked a clear day and headed up north. I was hoping for a windless day in hopes of avoiding any ripples in my reflection shot, but being so high in elevation the odds are slim of having no wind.

Nooksack Falls 

Once you travel on 542 a while there are some amazing turnouts to view Mt. Baker. We stopped at the Glacier Public Service Center to pick up maps and to use the restroom. The center is very informative and they have a small store with books and educational stuff for the kids. I recommend stopping in if you go up there. We also stopped at “Nooksack Falls” at milepost 40. It’s a spectacular 100 ft waterfall with a fence lined pathway for easy viewing. The sound of the rushing water is intense and it was tough breaking myself away to continue our journey.

As we made our way up 4100 ft to Picture Lake, the hairpin turns were a little daunting but the higher we went the more breathtaking the mountain scenery became. Picture Lake kind of sneaks up on you and is at a fork in the road. Stay to the right and you’ll be surprised at how close it is to the road. The parking area was just off the hwy and the .5 mile path began just out of the parking lot.

The path encircles the small lake, and there is a viewing platform with benches for the best view of Mt. Shuksan. As you walk along the path the ground is covered in wild flowers, and shallow waters filled with reeds follow alongside the path. The most amazing reflections of the evergreens and foliage are displayed from every viewpoint along the path too. It’s only a short stroll around the lake but the view of the mountains, the flowers, and the lake itself is a serene experience.

Picture Lake

After walking slowly around Picture Lake we headed further up the hwy to Heather Meadows visitor center. The Mount Baker highway ends at Artist point at 5100 ft. Because there was a significant amount of snow when we were there, we could not go any further than Heather Meadows. Artist Point wasn’t an option so we parked in at the visitor center. 

Heather Meadows Visitor Center parking lot

We soon realized that the snow was still present and quite deep in some spots. However, the view of the surrounding mountains was amazing. Mt. Baker was looming above majestically, and the mountain vistas were breathtaking.

 Mt. Baker

Heather Meadows has picnic tables, restrooms, and ample parking. The visitor center has exhibits depicting the  history of the area.  Very old mountain Hemlock trees are in abundance in this area, and I found their small size to be of interest. This fact is due to their very short growing season and cold temperatures.

Fire and Ice Trail with Table Mountain in the background

There are several trails in the area which range from short accessible paths to strenuous hikes. Fire and Ice Trail is located near the visitor center and is a .5 mile loop complete with interpretive signs explaining the landscape and history. Table Mountain hike is a 1 mile (one way) more difficult hike with an elevation gain of 600 ft. The trail starts at Artist Point. The Artist Ridge trail is a 1 mile loop and also offers interpretive displays along the path.`

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to experience any of the hikes on this trip, so I can’t offer any first hand information. This gives me a great excuse as to why I need to come back sooner than later.

To anyone who visits regularly you may have noticed I have not been very active lately. For the last 8 months I have been very busy being pregnant and have 4 weeks to go…so I am almost done!

I have a few posts and lots of photos I will be adding in the next couple of days of some great places we visited late last summer/fall. So check back and keep in mind that as soon as our baby is born I will be back out there with my camera, notebook and possibly the baby carrier.

Thanks for visiting.

Fir Island, Skagit Valley Washington

Hayton Bird Reserve

1/17/08

My good friend brought me to Fir Island last year for a day of photography, and after a very successful day I knew I would have to return again. I live only a short distance from Skagit, so when the weather is cooperating I can easily drive up and see what is waiting for me. The snow geese are present from late fall to April, but the best time to go is after mid January when hunting season is over. For more details you can refer to my past post from last year. There are some incredible snow geese shots you might enjoy. FIR ISLAND 

I actually drove up on a whim one afternoon before sunset. I found a flock right next to the  Hayton Bird Reserve on Fir Island Road. I parked in the parking lot and was treated to a glorious sight when all the birds flew at once towards the bay to feed. The angle was perfect since Mt Baker was situated right behind them.

 From where I was standing the geese were headed straight for me. As they flew overhead  the sound was deafening, and I was a little wary of what may could fall my way. The sun was setting perfectly and the image of all the geese flying into sunset was breathtaking.

 As they flew towards the bay I noticed Mt. Rainier in the distance.  It looked so small from where I was standing.

So if you are ever in Skagit Valley or just have a desire to see thousands of Snow Geese flying all at once, head up to Fir Island and be patient. When you see a flock of snow geese feeding along the road, wait patiently and they will most likely fly off together offering a show like you have never seen. It is certainly a spectacle, one you will never forget.

As I was checking the weather at Seattle Times I noticed a link to the Seattle Times Photo of the Year winners. As I browsed through the top 10 “honorable mentioned” photos, commenting to myself about how great some of them were, I was shocked when I came upon one of my own photos!!

My photo of the “Crawling Sun Starfish” won an honorable mention award!! I am so excited. Mine was one of 10 photos that made the list.   Check out the link: Seattle Times Photos of the Year. I would have never known either if I hadn’t been checking our crazy weather.

Spencer Island

Everett Wa.

(Spencer Island Butterfly) **This photo was accepted into the Washington State Photographer’s exhibition.**

Up until a few months ago I wasn’t even aware that Spencer Island existed. I must have driven by it hundreds of times while on I-5 or Hwy 2 and never knew that within the city of Everett existed a beautiful island inhabited by all kinds of birds and wildlife. Spencer Island is situated on the Snohomish River estuary. This is where the salt water from Port Gardner Bay and the freshwater from the Snohomish River meets. The first time I visited we took the trail that goes to the south of the island. I wasn’t too familiar yet with my whereabouts so I just chose this trail because I found the directions on a map. However, there are two ways to access Spencer Island. Both start primarily from the same area but this particular way (I’ll call it the south trail entrance) takes the long way around to the island. It was a nice walk and the Snohomish River is rushing past alot of the way. There were lots of waterfowl and we were able to see an Osprey flying to its nest. It’s about a 3 mile loop.

(Waxwings engaging in a courting ritual. Waxwings pass fruit or berries to each other as they are courting)

About half way to the entrance of the island you come to a spot where the Snohomish River and Steamboat Slough meet. There are benches and tables for picnicking, and it really is a lovely site. This is my favorite part of this trail. From the hwy 2 trestle you can see this spot and there has been a half sunken boat sitting off shore for a long time.

I have always wanted to photograph this boat but never found a way to get to it. You can see the boat from this particular vantage point, but it is on the opposite side and I still couldn’t get close enough to it. I am thinking I’ll have to take a boat if I want to get close enough.

Directions to both trails.
(From the south, drive north on Interstate 5and take Exit 195 (Marine View Drive). Turn left onto East Marine View Drive and continue to state Route 529 North (Marysville trestle). From 529 North, after crossing the river, take the first exit on your right (Smith Island Access/Frontage Road). Follow signs to Langus Riverfront Park and Spencer Island. You will find yourself on Smith Island Rd and just before the I-5 overpass there is a small parking area on the right. You will see the Spencer Island access sign.

The west entrance to Spencer Island is a much shorter trail to the island. You actually go the same way as above but you pass the parking area and Smith Island Rd becomes 4th street. You will see the Everett waste facility (not a great sight but you pass it soon enough) and there is a parking lot on the right. You will follow the path between the facility lagoons straight to the Spencer Island Bridge. This path offers a wonderful view of Mt. Baker.

Once you go over the bridge you can go either left or right. The trail to the right is the south trail loop I mentioned above. If you go to the left (to the north) the trail is very scenic. This half of the island is maintained by the Dept. of fish and Wildlife (in winter and spring steer clear of this side of the island since hunting is permitted here) , and the southern half is maintained by Snohomish County Parks. These trails used to encircle the island but flooding has since made this impossible. I, on the other hand, like to go straight before I enjoy the trails. There is a clearing here and a small barn/shack stands here. There used to be a large barn that was once owned by a farmer named Tom Mormon. Unfortunately the large barn blew down in a windstorm in 2006.

This area also has a plank bridge with interpretive signs about the area and it’s history. The entire island is a wetland so the middle is not accessible. However, the areas you can access are brimming with birds and wildlife. We saw an abundance of different species, including a few heron, waxwings, an osprey and dozens of others that I can’t identify. The view of the Cascades from here is breathtaking. Butterflies and wildflowers are most prominent along the trails.

I believe that Spencer Island is one of the better places to birdwatch here in Washington. I am still amazed that a place of such natural beauty could be located so close to an urban area. Spencer Island offers well maintained trails, hundreds of species of birds and wildlife, and expansive wetlands with beautiful vegetation. To the north is a perfect view of Mt baker, to the east are the rugged Cascades, and to the south you can see Mt Rainier from some spots along the south trail. What more can you ask for? (The only two drawbacks are that you may hear the noise from I-5, and if the wind is blowing to the east you may smell the wastewater plant. I have not experienced either of these and I have been to Spencer Island quite a few times.)

The only confusing part for me was the not knowing which trail to start from. I will include a link to the google map which will help if you are as unsure as I was. Zoom in for a better look.
View Larger Map

***Winter and spring; stay clear of north section of the Island Oct-Jan for hunting season***

**Please enjoy my photos but don’t use them without notification or my permission. If there is an image that you would like to use or would like as a print, please contact me.

The Old Sauk River Trail is located near Darrington Wa. It is a forested trail that meanders along the Sauk River. It reminded me of a rain forest hike since there is so much hanging moss and the tree coverage is dense. The trail is well managed and offers a wonderful view of the river.

You have to drive to Darrington on Hwy 530 to hike this trail. You can take I-5 or hwy 9 through Arlington to get to 530. At first glance I assumed we could get to it on the Mountain Loop Hwy through Granite Falls and Verlot. **There are two sections of the Mountain Loop Hwy. One is Verlot and the other is on the Darrington side. They meet in the middle but the road that connects them is a one lane gravel road for about 14 miles. Granite Falls is closer to my home but I knew we’d enjoy the scenic drive to Darrington. When you arrive in Darrington, which by the way is the cutest town with the most amazing snow covered mountains looming above, the trail head is only a few miles away on the Mountain Loop Hwy.

We started our hike later than usual so we decided to eat lunch in the parking area. The parking is decent and there wasn’t many other cars, most likely because we went on a Wednesday. I am sure on the weekends this trail is busy with families. Even senior citizens could enjoy this hike.

Along the way we noticed many interesting flowers and vegetation. The moss hung from the trees, foxgloves were scattered all along the side of the trail the entire way, and what looked like bamboo was poking out here and there. This of course made everyone stop as it was so different looking and felt very light, almost like paper. One by one the kids had to feel it for themselves.

Sunrise on Lake Cassidy-Seattle Times

**My “Fisherman Sunrise” photo was chosen for publication in the Seattle Times for Thursday July 17th 2008 in the NW Weekend section and at Seattletimes.com.

This photo was taken at Lake Cassidy in Lake Stevens Wa. I will be posting more photos and information about this cute little lake in a few days.

Snoqualmie Falls/Trail

Snoqualmie, Washington

I have been visiting Snoqualmie Falls since I moved here in 1989. The falls have always held a special place in my memory, and every time I go I am taken back to a time when all of the Pacific Northwest was new and exciting to me. I was 18 and my best friend and I would hike down the trail and race each other on the rocks to see who could get closer to the falls the quickest. I often wonder how we did that without ever falling. Such fond memories. My husband and I went on one of our first dates here as well.

Nowadays we bring our children. We have been coming here since they were in baby backpacks and we always hike down to the bottom to get a better view. And no, we don’t allow racing on the rocks.

Snoqualmie Falls is located 30 minutes east of Seattle, just off I-90.take Exit 5, for Highway 18 and Snoqualmie Parkway. Turn left and head north about 3 miles through Snoqualmie Ridge, to Railroad Avenue Southeast. Turn left and drive ¼ mile. Snoqualmie Falls will be on your left. Ample parking is on the right (unless you are a guest in the hotel, then you are permitted to park on the left in the lodge parking lot) but you will have to walk across the highway overpass pedestrian bridge. My 13 year old is afraid of heights and this is usually a daunting experience for her. However, she always laughs when she gets to the other side.

The falls are 286 feet, which is 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls and they flow from the Snoqualmie river. There are two hydroelectric power plants at the falls as well. The Salish Lodge and Spa is perched at the top of the falls. The original “Snoqualmie Falls Inn” was built in 1919 and was completely remodeled in 1988 into an 89 room romantic retreat. You may recall a show in 1990 called Twin Peaks which was filmed in and around Snoqualmie Falls. I, of course being a new resident of Washington, watched it and even loved the soundtrack. At the top of the falls is a two acre park complete with picnic tables, a very nice gift shop, and a lush, green grass area for weddings. Wouldn’t that be amazing?

(Misty shot of the lodge taken from the base of the falls)

At the top of the falls is an observation deck for visitors to stand in for a perfect view of the falls. When the falls are full (which it was the day we visited) due to snow melt or heavy rains, the mist is heavy and the visitors can’t help but get wet. I had to keep wiping my lens. There is another viewing area down the path and offers a drier view. My 13 year old (who is afraid of heights) avoids this overhang every time and stands at a safe viewing distance.

(If you look closely you can see the mist from the falls)

 (My 9 year old is pretty brave)

 After watching from above for a few minutes, it was time to head to the trail. It’s only a half mile but can be pretty steep in some parts. I grimace when I see an older person (usually being persuaded by younger family members) heading towards the trail completely unaware of how much of a climb it is coming back up. The falls drop almost 300 feet and if you are at the bottom then you know you have to climb back up the 300 feet, and it isn’t gradual since the trail is only a half mile.

At the bottom the river is rushing by and the trail leads past a power house through a caged walkway, probably to keep people away from the power house. A fisherman passed by us that day with a really big fish. I’m not sure what kind it was but it was huge! As you walk down this planked path towards the falls, you end up on a small observation deck some distance away from the falls.

This is fine for some people but the more adventurous visitors hop over a wood fence and carefully climb down the rocks to the river and to the base of the falls. This is a must. Unless you are physically unable to climb down I suggest you try it.. There is nothing like feeling the mist and hearing the roar of the water crashing before you. Of course you can’t get close enough to be in danger, but are close enough to experience the best of Snoqualmie Falls.  

(This was taken from the small observation deck. You can see the people making their way closer to the falls, a few are even fishing)

***Please enjoy my photos but don’t use them without notification or my permission. If there is an image that you would like to use or would like as a print, please contact me.

**This photo was also featured in the 2009 PAWS Chicago annual calendar for the month of January.**

About 2 months ago I entered a photo I took of my Golden Retriever “Honey” into the Everett Herald’s “Cutest Dog” contest. I had forgotten that I entered the photo until I received a call a few days ago from the Herald informing me that I won first place. As the grand prize winner I will receive 4 tickets to an Everett Aqua Sox game on the 16th, which is “Bark in the Park” day. All visitors can bring their canaine if they so choose. As the winner I also get to throw out the first pitch accompanied by Honey. Of course I won’t be doing this so I recruited my 13 year old to to do the honors.

This is the article which I have print screened and pasted into photoshop not very successfully.

The original photograph is above. I titled it “Isn’t it spring?” The photo was taken in April and we were having an unusal snow day.

So on July 16th if you just happen to be at an Everett Aqua Sox game (this will be my first) remember to clap extra loudly for the “Cutest Dog” (at least out of 250 entries) , my Honey.