This time of year – late May into early June – is a special time in the forests along the Northwest Pacific Coast. During these few weeks you can find wild Pacific Rhododendrons (Rhododendron macrophyllum) bringing joy to the woods with their large pink flowers.
Although the Redwood parks in Northern California may be most famous for these flowers, affectionatly referred to as Rhodies, Washington’s Olympic National Forest puts on an impressive show, too. Last weekend I went out to the Peninsula to see our beautiful state flower on the east side of the Olympic mountains. There the sparse hemlock forest understory was filled with blooming Rhodies! Not long after I found this particularly photogenic “bouquet” the sun began playing hide and seek with the clouds, offering brief moments of subtle spotlighting, adding depth to the scene.
Click image for larger view!
In Washington we might not have the giants of the Redwood parks, nor the mist and sunbursts that are commonplace there. However, the sheer number of flowers, and the shorter size of the plants, makes up for it. Fives years ago I had the chance to spend several days among the redwoods in Northern California, and almost always wished I was about 10 feet taller. For reasons beyond me, I never did process and share the following image from that trip, so I thought now was an appropriate time to publish it.
Click image for larger view!
Just superb!
Haven’t been out commenting much for a long time, but here we go. Way to take that Redwood photography to the next level. Great combination of God’s Rays and wildflowers in the second one. Very strong image, Floris.
Awesome images! I’m actually in n California now shooting the same thing! I was also in need of some inspiration so this is perfect timing. Hope to capture something in the next few days. EE
Thanks Philippe, David, and Eric, I appreciate the kind words!
Fab, lovely work