Canada | Russ Bishop Photography

January 2, 2024January 2, 2024

2023 – The Year in Pictures

2023 – The Year in Pictures. Here is a selection of favorite images released in the past year. These are not necessarily my best or most popular, but each represents a special moment in time in which the beauty of this amazing world revealed itself before my lens.

Please share and enjoy! I’d love to know your thoughts and if any images resonated with you or conjured up good memories. You can click on any image for a large high quality view, to learn more about it or purchase a fine art print.

I look forward to seeing your favorite images, and most of all I wish everyone a healthy and Happy New Year!

-Russ

2023 - The Year in Pictures. Punch Bowl Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon USA — Punch Bowl Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon

2023 - The Year in Pictures. Granite boulders at Jumbo Rocks, Joshua Tree National Park, California USA — Granite boulders at Jumbo Rocks, Joshua Tree National Park, California

2023 - The Year in Pictures. Icebergs on glacial meltwater under Mount Edith Cavell, Jasper National Park, Alberta Canada — Icebergs on glacial meltwater, Jasper National Park, Canada

2023 - The Year in Pictures. Clearing winter storm over Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California USA — Clearing winter storm over Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California

2023 - The Year in Pictures. Wildflowers at Tom McCall Preserve, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon USA — Wildflowers at sunrise, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon

2023 - The Year in Pictures. Backpacker on the Bishop Pass Trail, John Muir Wilderness, Sierra Nevada Mountains, California USA — Backpacker on the Bishop Pass Trail, John Muir Wilderness, California

2023 - The Year in Pictures. Giant Sequoia in the Congress Grove in winter, Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park, California USA — Giant Sequoia in the Congress Grove, Sequoia National Park, California

2023 - The Year in Pictures. Kalalau Beach on the Na Pali Coast (aerial), Napali Coast Wilderness State Park, Kauai, Hawaii USA — Kalalau Beach, Napali Coast Wilderness State Park, Kauai, Hawaii

2023 - The Year in Pictures. Wildflowers in the Temblor Range, Carrizo Plain National Monument, California USA — Wildflowers in the Temblor Range, Carrizo Plain National Monument, California

2023 - The Year in Pictures. Milky Way over Sierra Nevada Mountains, John Muir Wilderness, California USA — Milky Way over Sierra Nevada Mountains, John Muir Wilderness, California

2023 - The Year in Pictures. Forest abstract, Yosemite National Park, California USA — Forest abstract, Yosemite National Park, California

2023 - The Year in Pictures. Fairy Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon USA — Fairy Falls, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon USA

December 13, 2013November 6, 2015

Canadian Rockies Redux

Dawn light on Mount Edith Cavell reflected in Cavell Lake, Jasper National Park, Canada

Near the northern end of the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park, Mount Edith Cavell is one of the most spectacular peaks in the Canadian Rockies. Although it is visible from the town of Jasper, a trek to the high glacial lakes and alpine meadows surrounding the peak should be mandatory for anyone visiting this special park.

Named after a British nurse who was executed during World War I for her part in helping Allied prisoners escape, the sublime beauty of this mountain rising above the still waters of Cavell Lake rivals any of the great peaks of the world. A winding 9 mile road climbs steadily from the Icefields Parkway through sub-alpine forests to a parking lot directly below the looming north face. From there a short walk leads to this tranquil scene at Cavell Lake, and a slightly longer hike traverses the moraine to the iceberg filled meltwater at the base of the Angel Glacier.

For those with more time and energy, the trail to Cavell Meadows is a photographer’s paradise. As you climb up a series of switchbacks to the meadows the views of Mount Edith Cavell, Angel Glacier, Cavell Glacier and Cavell pond are stunning. Like many of the lakes in the Canadian Rockies glacial silt (also known as rock flour) gives the water its incredible blue hue. Wildlife is abundant in the area and hoary marmots and pikas call out their warnings on the rocky slopes and ridge lines above the lake.

The Canadian Rockies offer a wealth of hiking and photographic potential within four national parks. For the first time visitor it can be a challenge taking it all in, but this is one alpine experience that should not be missed.

October 25, 2010November 6, 2015

Lake O’Hara

Tucked away in British Columbia’s Yoho National Park, Lake O’Hara is one of the crown jewels of the Canadian Rockies. But this alpine wonder is easily overlooked with the majestic scenery just to the east in adjacent Banff and Jasper National Parks. Just seven miles west of Lake Louise on the Trans-Canada highway, Lake O’hara’s pristine setting is preserved in part because it’s located at the end of a seven mile dirt road accessible only by reserved shuttle or foot. Limited accommodations are available at the lakeside lodge, the nearby campground, or one of several huts run by the Canadian Alpine Club, but reservations are required and fill up quickly in the summer months.

In the fall, the turquoise water of this glacially fed lake is a beautiful contrast to the golden larch trees that dot the surrounding cliffs. Like many of the lakes in the Canadian Rockies a high level of glacial silt (also known as rock flour) gives the water its incredible blue hue. Wildlife is abundant in the area and mountain goats can frequently be seen on rocky slopes and ridge lines above the lake along with hoary marmots and pikas. Nearby Lakes Oesa, Opabin, and McArthur are equally breathtaking if you have more than a day in the area and are accessed by an excellent network of trails. For the photographer, the stunning alpine scenery of the Lake O’hara basin is a world-class setting on par with any of the more famous sister parks of the Canadian Rockies.