Hiking | Russ Bishop Photography | Nature Photo Blog

May 31, 2022May 31, 2022

Kauai’s Kalalau Trail

The Kalalau Trail along Kauai’s verdant north shore is arguably one of the finest hikes in the world. Originally built in the late 1800’s to link early Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline, it is still the only land access to this remote part of the Island.

The trail, which starts at the end of the road at Ke’e Beach, hugs the sheer cliffs along Napali Coast Wilderness State Park and traverses 5 valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where the pali (Hawaiian for cliffs) create a natural terminus.

Along this mystical journey you pass verdant spires, wander through lush valleys, and are left with the feeling that you’ve truly entered the Lost World (not surprising since both King Kong and Jurassic Park were filmed here).

Whether you cover the entire 11 mile distance and camp at Kalalau Beach or take an afternoon hike to Hanakapi’ai Beach to sample the dense jungle and golden afternoon light, this is the quintessential Na Pali Coast experience.

April 12, 2022April 12, 2022

Yosemite Mist Trail

Vernal Fall and rainbow on the Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park, California

The appropriately named Mist Trail is one of the world’s classic hikes, and a highlight of any trip to Yosemite National Park. As an alternate to the John Muir Trail when hiking to Half Dome or Clouds Rest, the trail ascends a series of stone steps above the Merced River with dramatic views in all directions.

The trail climbs steeply out of the Valley and during a heavy flow the swirling mist is a perfect way to cool off during the warm summer months. A rainbow often forms at the base of the falls, and the upper portion of the trail is actually carved into the adjacent cliff providing an exhilarating finish as the water plunges over 300 feet to the canyon below.

April 7, 2021April 7, 2021

Nature as Medicine

Trail through moss covered forest along the Columbia River, Fort Cascade National Historic Site, Washington

As the world struggles with a pandemic not seen in our lifetime it’s important to focus on the positive. Social distancing and working from home has become the new norm, but creative ways to stay healthy and a shift in the thinking of health care providers have also emerged.

Prior to the current situation an interesting phenomenon had already been taking hold in the medical profession. Just when the cost of health insurance had skyrocketed, doctors across the country began trying a new approach. Instructing their patients to “take a hike” as a prescription for good health – literally.

They’re not trying to show you the door, but instead are medicating patients with nature to treat everything from heart disease to attention deficit disorder. Detailed prescriptions are often written to include park or preserve locations, specific trails and mileage. In many ways, as Ken Burns pointed out in his excellent series “America’s Best Idea”, our national park system can and should be an integral part of our healthcare system.

As a landscape photographer, I typically spend a great deal of time on and off the trail, and I feel fortunate that my work not only helps to protect these special places, but promotes my health in the process. Photography and outdoor recreation have always been an ideal match, and now they can be considered part of your health regimen. They could even lower your medical bills – and that’s an idea worth spreading!

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” ― Rachel Carson