October 24, 2009
Yesterday it rained; a light rain that continued for most of the day. During the night it rained hard. A friend and I went out this morning with mixed feelings about being able to get in a hike, but upon reaching the high country encountered quite pleasant conditions, with cool temperatures and periods of time when the sun broke through the clouds and made an interesting display of the Larch in their Fall colors.
We chose to visit a place called Siegel Pass in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains, which can be reached by a drive of nine miles from the highway on a forest road which crosses the pass at an elevation of about six thousand feet. From there we made a fairly short hike up an old road that provided wonderful views of the high country of the Reservation Divide and the Nine Mile Valley. The light conditions were difficult for photos, but with the usual amount of luck I managed to get a few fairly decent shots including this one which shows a little wider view of the forest which contains a large population of  Western Larch.
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Every photo you show is unbelievable! This is just too pretty, I’m jealous.
Comment by Candace — October 25, 2009 @ 3:02 am
This is the area that I like best when the Larch are in color.
Comment by montucky — October 25, 2009 @ 9:10 am
Now, if I had a cabin that looked out on this scene, I would have all that I could ever want.
Malcolm
Comment by knightofswords — October 25, 2009 @ 7:24 am
This is one of quite a number of places that I feel the same way about. I would think it would be a great place for a writer.
Comment by montucky — October 25, 2009 @ 9:12 am
Hi, Terry:
What is the name of the peak that is just to the left-center far horizon of the photo?
Thanks,
Chad
Comment by Chad — October 25, 2009 @ 9:12 am
It is now called Ch-paa-qn (pronounced “cha-pock-qwin”), historically known as Squaw Peak, elevation 7,996 feet.
Comment by montucky — October 25, 2009 @ 9:26 am
That sky is gorgeous.
Comment by SuzieQ — October 25, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
From the mountain tops, or near them, you get a different look at the clouds, more from the side than from below. I like what that does.
Comment by montucky — October 25, 2009 @ 10:37 pm
The light on the mountainside is absolutely beautiful!
Comment by scienceguy288 — October 25, 2009 @ 6:10 pm
The clouds were moving very fast, and the sun would flash through as in a slide show, changing the view every few minutes. The highlights on this one were special.
Comment by montucky — October 25, 2009 @ 10:38 pm
Just breathtaking, that’s all!!
Comment by kcjewel — October 25, 2009 @ 8:12 pm
That’s a very pretty area, especially this time of year. I try to get up there several times during the summer. Also lots of wildlife through there.
Comment by montucky — October 25, 2009 @ 10:41 pm
As per usual, you taught me something…even though I’ve admired their fall color I’ve never heard the name “Larch”. Glorious landscape.
Comment by whenpigsfly — October 25, 2009 @ 10:06 pm
When I was a kid, I remember most everyone called them “Tamaracks”, but technically the ones we have here are really Western Larch, which I don’t think is a very pretty name for them: I would prefer “Tamarack”.
Comment by montucky — October 25, 2009 @ 10:43 pm
Scott sent me over here to see your Tamaracks and I say you can call them whatever you want and I’ll bet they’d answer, on account of they are so pleased with their portrait. I love the play of sun and clouds across the landscape, and can almost never capture it. Nice work.
Comment by Gerry — October 26, 2009 @ 10:39 am
Thanks for the visit, Gerry, and for taking time to comment!
Comment by montucky — October 26, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
Montana seems so beautiful. Any suggestions for a summer backpacking trip we could do with small children?
Comment by Heidi Ahrens — October 26, 2009 @ 11:51 am
I’m not very knowledgeable about backpacking with children Heidi, but this site by the State of Montana should give you some ideas. Thanks for the visit!
Comment by montucky — October 26, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
The light on the treetops is fantastic and the sky is beautiful. What more can one ask for!
Comment by edvatza — October 28, 2009 @ 2:38 am
It was lucky to be there at just that moment.
Comment by montucky — October 28, 2009 @ 6:53 pm
Love it when the sun peeks down at us!
Comment by Bo Mackison — October 28, 2009 @ 2:01 pm
I do too, Bo. When the clouds move quickly across the sky, they create moments like that one.
Comment by montucky — October 28, 2009 @ 6:55 pm