There is a special quality of light in the alpine wilderness. It is best experienced on an overnight trip. In my recent backpacking expeditions, I was able to enjoy the luxury of experiencing sunrise and sunset in open mountain meadows and secluded lakes. Time slows when you are paying attention as the sun gradually makes its way below the horizon. These photos capture a few of those remote and beautiful places.
Miles of hiking in to this meadow basin was rewarded with a beautiful welcome of sunlight that gradually made its way over the nearby mountain peaks and deep into the meadow.
I am always impressed by the late summer incarnation of the pasqueflower, which looks nothing like its spring version.
An early start in Rainier National Park was rewarded with dramatic cloud formations over the mountains.
The lake that was windy earlier in the day calmed to just a ripple as the sun set.
The sunset was behind me in this view, creating a spectacular color on the opposite mountain face.