Waterfalls

Mystic Olympic

With fall coming to a close and winter approaching, places like these are always changing. Water levels rise and drop, foliage springs to life and wilts away with each new season. With heavy rains from the week before this creek was raging! Wading up to my chest in ice cold water I purposely wedged myself in front of two rocks so that I could get nice and low to capture the movement of the water in front of me. Constantly wiping my lens in between each frame, I was able capture the scene that I had hoped for.

Sandcut Falls

Amphitheater

One of the most unique areas I’ve ever seen surrounding a waterfall would have to be this place. All of the basalt columns around the falls here, formed when the rock contracted as it cooled. The fracture pattern that forms at the cooling surface tends to run down the lava as it cools, forming these wicked geometric columns. Really neat stuff!

Upper Channels

Ferngully

Green Afternoon

Descend

This steady flow of water rushes down from an alpine lake, off mountains and bluffs, through rivers and streams to reach this massive cave entrance here on Vancouver Island.

Sombrio Explored

It had been awhile since I revisited this location. Not sure why, but whenever I came here it would rain. Yeah its on the west coast, but Ive been here on plenty of sunny days to. Anyways, it all worked out. The forecast was calling for 80% rain/5mm of snow, a little cloud, and some sun....you know the typical weather report when they have no clue whats going to happen. Overnight camping in my truck it was pretty stormy, but by morning it had all cleared up. I had the entire south end of the beach to myself which was nice. So finally I got the shot I was hoping for of this amazing cavern under all the right conditions.

Deluge

Rapture

Well after 3 years and a few failed attempts, I finally made it out here. My good buddy Jon and I sat here for about 3 hours just hanging out and playing cards as the light slowly made its way behind the trees. Unfortunately his ankle was in pretty rough shape after slipping in a creek at our previous stop, but that didn't stop him as we stood together to shoot this amazing scene. The way the water moves down the rock face, in and around the foliage is what makes this scene so interesting to watch. I will definitely return again in the earlier months of March or April to capture the runoff along the right side of these cliffs.

Fall Tears

Spirit Falls

Spirit Falls was definitely something to see. This being my first visit I couldn’t help, but notice how blue the water actually was. The upper rock shelf with its mossy ridges and where the water falls is like a large bowl that’s been carved out over thousands of years I’m sure. Definitely something to see if your in the area.

Secret Passage

Vancouver Island

Stay With Me

Nature is in my blood. Its who I am. It defines me as a person.

The Path Upstream

Here's a shot from a location I've come to be quite familiar with. The change in seasons brings new colors, fresh foliage, and water that rushes around different sections of this creek bed as temperatures break throughout the year. Its never the same. Their is no path, which is what I like about this area. Instead I follow up through some of the most slippery sections Ive walked over making my way towards this waterfall off in the distance. With every turn or bend in the creek brings a new and exciting composition. Ive spent hours here just sitting on these rocks, listening to the forest, watching the light change as leaves fall from the trees in front of me. Its very peaceful. While this shot may not be as visually stunning as Id like, its not always about that for me. My images serve as a reminder........ of special moments in great places like this one.

Carve

Chilled

Winter's Fall

Found this little roadside cascade a few weeks back while out driving the backroads close to home. I was surprised at how many leaves there were in this area. Makes sense though. Lots of big tall maples around dropping it’s leaves into this creek and the water being as cold as it is helps keep the leaves from breaking down.

Reappearing Creek

Vancouver Island is full of secrets waterfalls. You can find them almost anywhere. Some well known and some lesser known and so many undiscovered. Here’s a neat one that flows down a mountainside, into a small pool and then disappears into an underground fissure.

A Quiet Place

Up A Creek

Jewel of the West

One of the many hidden beauty's of the Pacific Northwest! The spray was unbelievable here this time of year - May. I locked in to this scene immediately after seeing just how wet the bottom section was. One of my favorite aspects of this image is the balancing fern on the right. I think it brings a little character to the scene.

Mossy Grotto

Here’s a little waterfall I like to shoot from time to time. Lots of moss and some good flow make this scene quite pretty at different times of year.

White Water

Taking in the views of one of my favorite places here on Vancouver Island.