Denali National Park
Panoramas…
Chena Lake Fairbanks Aurora
And it begins… couldn’t capture the first ten minutes while the lights actually danced, was simply awestruck and didn’t even bother to work on the camera.
When the Gods sign… The prettiest natural phenomenon – personal opinion.
Crater Lake Hike, Maroon Bells
Crater Lake at Maroon Bells is a short 2 mi hike that gains an elevation of around 700 ft. You pass through the Maroon Lake at the trail head and continue on the West Maroon Trail for 45-60 mins to the lake at the foot of Maroon Bells.
It is one of the most visited sites in Aspen, Colorado and absolutely worth the drive or the effort.
Looking down at Maroon Lake (above). Another view of the Maroon Bells from the trail head (below).
Silver Bells Campground Campsite #11 – for those who unload hastily. Go around the camp ground or better still explore the Silver Queen Campground a quarter of a mile away, for more astounding views.
Hanging Lake Hike
A stepper workout to 1000-1500 odd steps. This steep hike set in the Glenwood Canyon (near Glenwood Springs) climbs an elevation of 1000 ft (gain) in roughly 1.2 miles. The trail is rocky but fun. Expect to arrive at the lake in 45-60 mins. Well worth it!
More pictures of the pristine lake. At least appears pristine…
Wy’east Basin Hike
Great hike but couldn’t go the distance without skis or snow shoes due to accumulated snow and ice. Pictures nonetheless. 
Great views at 2 miles through the Vista Ridge trail gaining an elevation of 1600 ft in a little over 2 hrs. 
Camping in Waxing Gibbous Moon light. 
Burnt forest at less than a mile through the trail head.
2016 Update: On Vista Ridge
Munra Point Hike
One of the more exciting day hikes close to Portland (other is Elk Mountain on OR 6), Munra Point hike is no walk in the park. The trail gains an elevation of around 1800-2000 ft in a little more than a mile. Average times (times may vary) hover around 2 hrs to the summit, extra time needed to carefully hike down the mountain. The hike begins at around 1.5-2 miles from the John B Yeon trail head. Take the CG bicycle path all the way up to Moffet Creek and turn right on to a narrow trail past signs to Trail # 400. At around 50 feet through the sign board, take the narrow steep trail to your right. The hike is a near scramble with a lot of exposure. Do not attempt should you fear your way down the mountain.
The narrow chimney that leads to the summit is a 15 ft scramble to the top. Stay safe!
Mt Adams Summit Hike (South climb)
I would have still been the last man on the trail had it not been for the inclement weather advisory (thunderstorm with lightning) that forced climbers off the mountain. But at an elevation gain of 6700 ft in 6.2 miles, Mt Adam summit hike stands my most gruesome hike to date, especially since the roughly 6000+ ft gain Piker’s peak aka false summit was covered in one go. Average time to the real summit stands at 480-720 minutes.
Just one suggestion, trek light and watch every extra pound you pack. At 30 odd lbs (how and why is a tragedy), I slowed myself down considerably.
That calls for another attempt…
Tam McArthur Rim Hike
An amazing hike awaits you in the Three Sisters wilderness. The Tam McArthur Rim Trail hike starts at Three Creek Lake and continues for around 4 miles onto the Broken Top trail. You have a clear view of Three Sisters and Broken Top at 3.5 miles. It gains an elevation of roughly 1700-1800 ft at the tallest point on the trail. It takes around 90-120 mins (times may vary) for an average hiker. The views (above) further up from the summit of an unmaintained trail are simply stunning. At an elevation of 8000 odd feet, be ready for snowfields as late as July.
You get clear views of the Three Creek Lake (above) and Mt Bachelor (below) along the trail. The trail climbs quickly, then relaxes a bit with a very gradual gradient and then steps up again.
You reach a cliff (below, visible from the lake) at 1250 feet and around 2.5 miles into the trail beyond which the trail is not maintained. I camped 0.5 mile further up from this point for a night and came across fresh cougar paw marks in the snow fields on the route ahead. Beware this is bear country.
Panorama at clarity of a 50mm fixed lens for amateurs interested in orology.
Lost Lake Butte Hike
South of Hood River, up by the Lost lake resort is a short but beautiful hike to what is now called the Lost Lake Butte. The hike gains an elevation of 1300 ft in 2.3 miles and takes around 60 minutes (times may vary).
It offers generous NW views of Mt Hood
Overnight tent camping has its perks.
Last Man On The Trail 