The golden larch or scientifically known as Larix. What makes this tree so special is that it is one of the only, if not the only, conifer trees that changes color and sheds its needles in the Autumn. This is a rather short lived event widespread in the Canadian Rockies and other parts of the world that draws photographers from all over. It's quite apparent why, because in the early morning light it makes for some truly spectacular landscape opportunities. To see these impressive peaks encircled by valleys of gold is truly a sight to behold. I consider myself to be very fortunate to live a stones throw from some of these areas.
These photos are my tribute to one of my favorite times of year and my favorite trees.
Larches at Floe Lake
This trip, as are many of mine, was a spur of the moment decision. We started the hike to Floe Lake in the late afternoon after my girlfriend got off work. Even when we were driving to the trailhead the weather did not look favorable as it was torrentially downpouring in spots. Luckily as we got to the trail the downpour turned into more of a drizzle, but the dark ominous clouds still loomed above. We remained positive on the hike to the campsite and would say things like, "Just wait, it'll clear up right around the next corner!" As we got closer to the campsite the rain started to turn into snow and when you're already soaked from the rain, getting snowed on gets cold quick. Minutes from the campsite the sun was setting behind the clouds and created this otherworldly glow in the air. I know we didn't have far to go so I ran to the lake, threw down all of my gear, got out the tripod and started shooting. I had maybe a few minutes tops before the amazing light was all but gone and we were surrounded by grey. After a cold nights sleep I was able to catch some beautiful morning light and of course some more larches 😍
Monica Meadows
Running off of very little sleep and a lot of coffee we slowly drove up the winding logging road to the trailhead. A young grizzly bear had just trotted along the road in front of us and darted off into the nearby brush. Our dog, Yuki, finally calmed down in the back seat. She was still vigilantly looking out of the window, wondering where the giant creature had gone. We arrived at the parking lot and stretched our legs after the long, bumpy drive. We were the first to hit the trail that morning. It was slick from the frost and snow that had fallen overnight. The path was steep right off the bat, switch backing up the hillside and through the forest. Eventually the views opened up and we were standing in spectacular alpine meadows. I saw the first larch, and then another and another. Pretty soon we were surrounded by a sea of orange and gold, lightly dusted in a blanket of white. When the sun poked out from behind the clouds we basked in the warmth. Enjoying our lunch and relaxing beside this glacial lake. In my thirty years on Earth, this is to date, one of the most spectacular places I have ever visited.
Remnants of Autumn
It was a cool October morning. The air was crisp, it felt like winter was well on its way. I was on the road travelling for work and had a day off to go explore. I set off for a hike in the nearby mountains. As I marched through the woods I was admiring the remaining golden trees, hanging on to their Fall foliage. Their contrasting shades of gold really made them stand out from the crowd. The rain from the night before left a low hanging blanket of mist among the forest. Halloween was just around the corner and the atmosphere was hauntingly beautiful. I watched the fog swirling through the larches, dancing as the wind carried it higher. Just as quickly as it had arrived, it disappeared, evaporating into thin air. A magical moment that lasted for minutes, but I will remember forever.
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