A Story in Pictures— Local Photographers

Asyou drive up the Stevens Pass Scenic byway, following the curves of the Skykomish River, peekaboo views of blue rocky pools emerge, and the peaks of snow-covered mountain tops surrounded in green come into view. Along the way, you might catch Bald Eagles fishing the rivers, a Cooper’s Hawk monitoring the fields, deer, and, occasionally, a black bear fishing on the rocky banks. As you take in the natural wonder of the Sky Valley making your way along U.S. Rte 2, you begin to understand the draw to

Fencing

the region by artists, photographers, and visitors alike.

The Upper Sky Valley draws many amateur and professional photographers to the region, aiming to capture the next perfect mountain, moon, and nature shot. You will often find a group of these gathered at the regional art fairs and local coffee spots laughing and swapping the latest catches with each other.

Taking the time to get off the beaten path, you will discover soaring vista views, waterfalls, the wash of the rivers, gorgeous dappled light through the trees, flora, and fauna, perfect for capturing in photographs and paint. The contrast of nature against the old buildings and active and abandoned train tracks creates an interesting juxtaposition to the composition that creates a compelling story.

Mark Klein, owner of the Espresso Chalet along the side of U.S. Rte 2, is a fantastic resource in the valley, guiding tourists and other photographers alike. With the beautiful views of the Bridal Veil Falls and Mount Index visible from the viewing deck, folks try to capture the beauty to take with them. In a recent weekend, the ever-present photographers gave way to painters capturing the alluring beauty. Mark has been known to encourage amateurs and professionals alike to explore and push the boundaries of their work by recommending other inspirational spots in the surrounding areas and reminding them to take the time to savor the coffee and watch the light. The unique perspectives and styles are present in the work of our regional photographers, who provided some of the spectacular imagery captured in this Sky & Sno Adventure Guide. Garvin Carrell with his sweeping landscapes,

Kasey Randall with the closeness of nature, Nichole Gaertner with her exploration, Chris Reedy with the interplay of light, and Mark Klein with his signature moon and mountains.