Photo and narrative by Winston “Rocky” Rockwell.
Sunbeam Creek flows down the flanks of Mount Rainier not far from the famed Reflection Lakes, and while many people stop along the road to admire the 15-foot high lower falls, which are right next to the road, it’s rare for anyone to venture beyond the pavement to explore a little farther upstream. Which is a shame, because with just a little extra scrambling over some rocks, one can see so much more…
Above the lower falls, the stream flows over a series of small cascades lined with mossy rocks and wildflowers, and a little farther up, the “Upper Sunbeam Falls” is visible – it may be only 10 or 12 feet high, but it’s a lovely little falls, and well worth the extra effort to see. It’s barely visible from the road, and most folks probably never even know it’s there… I didn’t myself till I got away from the road and climbed upstream a little way. But I’m glad I did! The upper falls is so much prettier and more serene than the lower – a perfect spot for a picnic lunch, and perhaps a good book…
As I reluctantly made my way back downstream to the lower falls and the road, I had to marvel yet again at the incredible beauty God has put on this earth for us to enjoy. Fortunately, spots like this are preserved in our wonderful national parks, so our children and their children in turn will still be able to enjoy that beauty for themselves.
For photographers, it’s best to visit this spot in early morning. By midday, the stream is in harsh sunlight, and stays bright until sundown. this was taken with my usual set-up: a Canon 5D and Tamron 24-135 lens at 24mm with a polarizer, 1 second at f/8.
To see more of my images, please visit www.northwestnaturalimagery.com.
Another stunner, Rocky. Great work!
It sounds like the land around Mount Rainier is a dream world for photographers, and your images sure bear that out Rocky. Great job on this one.
Every region of the country has at least one place where you can shoot great photos for days, but the Pacific Northwest has plenty of them. This is just beautiful as always Rocky and I hope to see lots more of them coming from you.
Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!
Stunning shot Sir.
Mt. Rainier is one of our most special gifts from God here in the U.S. and you certainly capture it and the surrounding area well Mr. Rockwell.
This is a beautiful shot of a very beautiful mountain stream.
I really like the composition of this shot Rocky. Nicely done.
Mr. Rockwell, I’ve quickly become a huge fan of your work and I like this shot a bunch. Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos with us here.
Beautiful shot. You amaze me with the consistently high quality of your work Mr. Rocky.
Outstanding!
Love the composition!
Gorgeous effort on this one Rocky.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful and serene.
Great composition, love the way the water works it’s way through the photography!