Month: June 2018

American Northwest Trip, 2017: Grand Teton National Park

Michael Rappa

When I was planning my trip out west last year, I wasn’t sure whether a day trip to Grand Teton National Park was worth spending one fewer day in Yellowstone, so I inquired with a couple of friends, who told me that I should definitely see it. I decided to go for it, and I’m glad that I did. Grand Teton is a park filled with majestic mountain peaks and beautiful lakes. The photos below feature shots taken at Jenny Lake, Jackson Lake, and Snake River (site of one of Ansel Adams’ most famous photographs), as well as miscellaneous photos taken from around the park. My next post will highlight Grand Teton’s historic buildings, such as those located on Mormon Row.

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Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake
View from the top of Signal Mountain.
View from the top of Signal Mountain.
Jenny Lake
Jenny Lake
Jenny Lake
Snake River. This is almost the exact same spot from where Ansel Adams took his famous photo.
Snake River

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American Northwest Trip, 2017: Iron Mountain Road and Mount Rushmore

Michael Rappa

These photos are from my visit to Mount Rushmore, including a drive along the scenic Iron Mountain Road. If you ever visit Mount Rushmore, I highly recommend first driving Iron Mountain Road from south to north. Complete with switchbacks, pigtail bridges, and single lane tunnels, it is a beautiful drive culminating in the final tunnel that frames Mount Rushmore as you drive through it. Along the way there are scenic lookouts, including one in which you can get your first look at Mount Rushmore from a distance across the valley.

As for Mount Rushmore itself, it is more impressive in person than photos would lead you to believe. It was late in the day by the time I got there so I only stayed long enough to take a few pics, though there is a hike around the monument if you have more time.

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A good look at the upper torso of Washington, which was never completed. The original intent was to carve all four presidents from head to waist.
Scenic lookout.
Scenic lookout.
My first view of Mount Rushmore in the distance from a scenic lookout on Iron Mountain Road.
Scenic lookout with Mount Rushmore visible in the distance (upper right).
The last tunnel on Iron Mountain Road beautifully frames Mount Rushmore.
The other end of this final tunnel on Iron Mountain Road frames Mount Rushmore.

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American Northwest Trip, 2017: Portland Waterfront

Michael Rappa

Photos from my walk along the Portland waterfront, as well as my ride on the Portland Aerial Tram, which carries passengers between the waterfront district and Marquam Hill. I also included a few photos of Portland viewed from high up in my apartment. It’s such a lovely city.

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Pedestrian bridge.
Pedestrian bridge.
Pedestrian bridge.
Portland Aerial Tram (carries passengers between the waterfront district and Marquam Hill.
View from Marquam Hill (Oregon Health & Science University).
Cable car approaching Marquam Hill.
View from Marquam Hill (Oregon Health & Science University).
Looking toward the mountain range to the north of the city, including Mount St. Helens to the right, as viewed from my apartment.
Portland at night, viewed from my apartment.
Closeup of the hills in the distance. Somewhere up in that area is the Japanese Garden I hiked to.
Portland at twilight, viewed from my apartment.
Portland at sunset, viewed from my apartment.
Portland at night, viewed from my apartment.

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