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Winter Issue 2011
Hidden Treasures of the Gifford Pinchot This falls article focuses on
photographing one of the most accessible but least explored wilderness areas
in the state. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest. A sprawling megachunk of wilderness in Washington State that is serrated by a loose maze of poorly marked forest service roads and pack trails. The Gifford Pinchot is seated against the southern side of Mt. Rainier National Park
tracking Westward along the Nisqually river. At it's southern lip it extends all the way to the Columbia river knifing it's way to the waters edge just east of the wind river at White Salmon. It's a great
region to explore if your wanting to
avoid the crowds that cling to the
trails and trailheads along the I90
corridor.
Here are some suggestions on places
to checkout and photograph.
For good early fall color (late
september\ealry Oct) check out
the Crispus River. From the
south side of Rainier follow FS 23
due south out of Randle until you
see the Crispus River turnout just
prior to the bridge and campground.
Pull in grab your camera bag, tripod
and a granola bar. A network
of trails travel along the sourthern
banks of the river heading east
providing wonderful views of vine
maple on the far shore.
When the trail runs out just stick
to the riverback and proceed.
The vine maples should be bursting
with color now so your in for a
treat. The moss covered river
rocks should provide ample forground
features.
To give yourself the best
opportunity at a successful shoot I
suggest bringing a polarizer to
soften the light refraction off the
water, rocks and leaves, a remote
firing mechnism to ensure your
camera which will likely doing long
exposure isn't jostled when you
advance your frame (note: your
camera timer can offset this
requirement), a graduated 2 or 3
stop neutral denisty filter in case
the light above is a bit too bright,
a solid tripod, tripod head and a
lens somewhere between 12-35mm.
For more ideas on equipment visit my
recommended gear section.
Don't have gear you say? No
problem head over to Seattle and
rent what you need from Glaziers
Camera. They are hands down
the best camera shop this side of
San Fransico. And they treat weekend
rental (ie Friday to Monday) as a
one day fee so you can check out
whatever gear you need and see how
it works.
Now head south on FS 23 until you
hit the Junction with FS90.
This is a long trip so feel free to
stop and check out fall color while
on your route.
I
recommend staying in Packwood,
Randel or Fish Creek.
The wilderness is adorned with lakes, creeks, caves, waterfalls, mountains and wildlife.
Waterfalls
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Fall Color on the Crispus
I suggest planning your route prior to going and purchasing one of the large G.P. forest service maps for the trip. Where to go? Well that's
what this article is about. Here are some great places to start. of the you will need a good forest service map and nose for detail. from the east by
the Goat Rock Wilderness and Mount Adams. And on the West by Mount Saint Helens. The trees tower above on all sides as I make my way up pen creek basin.
Dropping down into the creek bed from the road side pull of was but now that I've hit the Water spits in an arch across my boots as I
advance up the channel.
All the Best,
Jeff McGraw
Mission Statement
Dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of the living world through visual media.
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