Lakes | Russ Bishop Photography

Bonsai Rock at sunset, Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Lake Tahoe is a land of superlatives. Straddling the border of California and Nevada at over 6,000 feet, it’s the deepest alpine lake in North America and second only to Crater Lake in overall depth. It also has the largest volume of any lake in the United States behind the Great Lakes. By day, the crystal clear waters of this mountain oasis entice with a cerulean hue that sparkles like a jewel amid the surrounding peaks. But dusk and dawn have a special quality all their own for photography or just soaking up the magic hour experience.

Bonsai Rock shown here has become an icon of the lake, and the partially submerged boulders surrounding it make this a wonderful destination at sunset. Located on the northern Nevada side not far from Sand Harbor State Park, it’s a bit tricky to find but well worth the short hike down from the road (providing you find parking along the narrow highway, and have a headlamp for the return). The wind really sets the mood here for photography as it can be strong or non-existent, but a long shutter softens the scene when the lake is restless and adds to the timeless feeling of this beautiful location.

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.

Tag: Lakes

Bonsai Rock – Lake Tahoe

Canadian Rockies Redux