Another of my favorite mountains to photograph is actually a separate mountain range. The entire range is composed of rock, which is actually a fragment of the subcontinental mantle, which has thrust up through the crust. Because the range is made entirely of rock, it is quite different from the other mountains that surround it, the Cascades.
On our ride last weekend this was our first view as we drove down the Mt. Baker Hiway
The Twin Sister Range is the largest body of exposed Olivine (Magnesium Iron Silicate) in the Western Hemisphere.
North Twin Sister and South Twin Sister - often this range is simply called "The Sisters"
South Twin Sister, the tallest of them all, at 7,000 ft (2134m), on the right, Skookum Peak, 6,616 ft (2,017m)
North Twin Sister - 6,640 ft (2024m)
When we got to Acme, WA (yes, they used to have a Roadrunner statue on the little store there) we turned down a side road, and there they were again.
A better view of Little Sister and Twin Crest Peak
Hayden, 6,480 ft (1,975m) and Little Sister 6,600 ft (2,012m)
From a side road - more views - I just never get enough of our mountains. South Twin Sister and Skookum Peak - you can see one of the remaining glaciers to the right of the tall tree. The largest of the three remaining glaciers is just over a mile wide and all will be completely gone within 10 years.
North Twin Sister - this is an unusually small amount of snow for this time of the year - usually the mountains are completely covered, it's been a dry winter so far
Close up of Little Sister
South Twin Sister and Skookum Peak
Skookum and Hayden
South Twin Sister
Farther down the road there is a pull out, put there just so people could safely get off the road to look at the mountains. We decided this was the perfect spot to have our picnic - in the car, because it was only 42 degrees. We get a wonderful view across this valley of the Twin Sisters Mountain Range. Just out of the picture - to the left, is a farmhouse with this fabulous view.
Another perspective of South Twin Sister, Skookum Peak and Hayden
Little Sister on the far right. The peaks are easier to pick out from this view. Skookum Peak on the left and Hayden in the middle.
Very close, close-up of South Twin Sister
First ascent of South Twin Sister was August 1, 1891 by J.M Edson, E.A Hegg, and P.J Parris.
North Twin Sister, with just the top of Mt. Baker peeking up on the left.
Close up of Mt. Baker
And even closer,showing the small peaks in front of Mt. Baker, and foothills in front of that.
It was a glorious mountain day!
12 comments:
Making this drive several years ago, I was quite under the weather but sitting in the front seat next to the driver and could hardly take my eyes off the scenery. There was a camera shot around every bend in the road but no place to stop.
You're right - it was a beautiful day! I didn't know that the Sisters are a different type of mountain, but seeing them "close up" like this you can certainly tell the difference! Very interesting! The Olympic snowfall is low this year, too. I think it's something like 20% of usual. Today we had 3/4" of rain & there's fresh snow up there. I hope that's helped, and that you've gotten more, too.
beautiful! I loved reading the geological story about these mountains!
Beautiful, love the different perspectives you've given and the extra geological information was a bonus.
Extreme shots of the Sisters. I love the town of Acme too. Have you been up Mosquito Lake road. One of my favorites. It seems we travel the same roads.
In answer to your question: the Sanderlings just stayed in snooze position all the time we were pulled up beside them.. Edges would fly up and settle right down. rather unique I thought. MB
fantastic mountains and love your enthusiasm for them
Beautiful photos of the mountains! Oh how I would love that view!
Wonderful scenery - awe-inspiring!
I really have to make sure that I put this beautiful part of our country onto my bucket list as a must see. JoAnn your pictures are just beautiful. I envy your ability to be able to get out and see this marvels and take these awe inspiring pictures.
How wonderful to live near such a beautiful place!
Gorgeous views and fascinating geography too.
Love those snow covered mountains. Can you imagine having that view out your window?
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