Kauai | 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

November 30, 2023November 30, 2023

The Magic Sands

The north shore of Kauai has long been the stuff of lore. From children’s songs like Puff the Magic Dragon to movies including South Pacific, King Kong and Jurassic Park, the backdrop of lush spires and sun-drenched sands on the aptly named Garden Isle leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

From the village of Hanalei to the end of the road at Ke’e Beach the views are spectacular and easily accessible. At road’s end, the famed Kalalau Trail begins this classic trek that hugs the cliffs and wanders the verdant valleys along the dramatic Na Pali Coast for 11 challenging miles to Kalalau Beach.

Whether you’re looking to get away from it all in a remote tropical valley you can call your own, or simply want to experience a sunset like no other with your toes in the sand, you’re sure to find your little piece of paradise at the end of the road on Kauai’s north shore.

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.