mountains

At the Top of Mount St. Helens

Written & Photographed by Mitch Maxson

What’s it like at the top of Mount Saint Helens this time of year? Mitch Maxson and his family found out with a late June hike to the summit.  Mitch is the Director of Marketing for The Nature Conservancy in Oregon but as these pictures show, he might have a serious case of Washington-envy.

If you want to take in the amazing sights around Mount Saint Helens but are not up for the rigors of a 5000 foot, five mile climb, visit the north side of the mountain where you can drive to various visitor centers and experience the power of this volcano.

Explore Our State's National Parks


Land of Free Beauty: July Photo of the Month

Written & Photographed by Evan Eremita, Northwest Photographer

Last year the northwest was treated to a very early and long summer which, to me, translated to lots of swimming! I decided early on to spend most of this long summer seeking out and jumping into as many blue and turquoise lakes as I could.

This hike was to Goat Lake in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, in the center of three volcanoes, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Adams. After a good swim in the beautiful turquoise waters, much snacking, and a long nap in my hammock, it felt just about right to start making the hike back to the car. I decided to make the loop and take a different trail back, and I'm glad I did. Long views of Mt. Adams towering above thick forest highlighted the early portion of the hike back, especially as the sun began to set and paint the sky with beautiful pink and purple tones.

What looks to be a giant cloud in the left side of the frame is actually thick smoke from one of the many wildfires last summer. Mt. Adams is acting as a barrier, momentarily keeping the smoke to the east. Another beautiful end to a beautiful summer day in the Pacific Northwest.

I first got into photography shooting with a cheap point and shoot camera on a 4 month cross country road trip, eventually landing in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, which is now my current home, living in a sailboat in Seattle.

Evan's goal as a photographer is to help develop a deeper appreciation for this beautiful world we live in, to spark something in the back of people's minds to become a little more conscious and caring for the earth with their actions. To see more of his work visit his ETSY shop, and follow his adventures on Instagram: @Snuggly.Bear!