Winter | Russ Bishop Photography | Nature Photo Blog

October 26, 2018December 15, 2020

Mountain Solitaire

Backcountry skier under Piute Pass, John Muir Wilderness, California

Backcountry skiing opens up a whole new world of travel, sport and photographic possibilities. Locations in my local Sierra Nevada Mountains, which are crowded and require permits long in advance during the rest of the year, are quiet and often untouched during the winter months.

Temperatures can drop to -20 degrees Fahrenheit so proper equipment is a must (think REI and Patagonia), but the reward is experiencing your own private ski bowls and perfect mountain landscapes just waiting to be photographed.

This image was made in the John Muir Wilderness where a fresh blanket of snow provided a pristine scene to rival the Alps or Canadian Rockies. It’s hard to imagine that just two months earlier this location was bustling with visitors chasing the fall colors, but on this three day trip we didn’t see another soul.

For those looking to experience the Sierra in the winter months, but who aren’t prepared with overnight gear, several businesses in the towns of Bishop and Mammoth Lakes offer day trips and overnight hut arrangements. Either way, there’s a beautiful untouched world out there just waiting to be explored.

November 9, 2017December 15, 2020

Backcountry Bliss

Backcountry skier under Banner and Ritter Peaks, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Sierra Nevada Mountains, California — Skier under Banner and Ritter Peaks, Ansel Adams Wilderness, California

Backcountry skiing in the Sierra Nevada is a perfect winter counterpart to the Desert Solitaire of Edward Abbey’s Utah. This popular and often crowded summer destination takes on another form during the shortest days of the year where deep in the wilderness that rare form of quiet is still plentiful.

Whether you want to ski your own private bowls or just enjoy the tranquility and unique photographic opportunities, it’s all there for the taking. Proper equipment and skills are obvious requirements and outdoor retailers like REI not only sell all the appropriate gear, but also offer classes in technique and safety. Enjoy the season!

January 16, 2014March 9, 2018

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States (the second deepest in North America) at nearly 2,000 feet and is the only national park in Oregon. It’s a caldera lake that was formed when the ancient volcano Mount Mazama collapsed over 7,000 years ago allowing rain and melting snow to accumulate in its cavity. Well known for its incredible crystal clear waters and deep blue hue, it is also one of the purest bodies of water in North America with a record clarity of 142 ft. The local Native American Klamath tribe has long considered it a spiritual place and it’s easy to see why.

Wintertime adds a new dimension to the landscape here when the predominant blues are contrast with a blanket of white. The average snowfall is over 500 inches a year although the lake rarely freezes (the last time was in 1949) allowing for a very unique photographic experience.