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Photography Hikes
"It was wonderful to learn about the history of the volcano and ecosystem. Patrick was amazing and knowledgeable and patient." ~Laura, 2024
"I enjoyed the hike and being at Sprit Lake after so many years of hearing about it and seeing photos. Patrick is an expert and had interesting wisdom to impart." ~Steve, 2024"
I had basic knowledge in photography and Patrick’s instructions on how to take flower in front of the mountain was very helpful." ~Farley, 2024
Photography Hikes
Join Photographer Patrick Aalto and professional MSHI guides and volunteers on a field Photography Seminar! Choose your adventure: A Winter snowshoe hike to June Lake, a beautiful Summer wildflower hike to Spirit Lake or a colorful Autumn hike in the Hummocks to the Pumice Plain. In each seminar, Patrick will offer expert technical and artistic instruction and help build your skills to create more compelling and powerful images. You will explore not only the sweeping landscapes of mountains and meadows, but also the incredible worlds of plants and animals in between. All levels of photographers are welcome, whether you use a smartphone, digital camera or film!
If your adventure date is sold out, join our waitlist! In 2024, 48% of people our waitlist were offered a spot!!
Winter at June Lake - A Photographic Hike
Join professional Photographer Patrick Aalto and MSHI Guides on a photography snowshoe hike to June Lake through a snow-covered Winter wonderland. Patrick will offer practical photography instruction in the field while a naturalist guide will offer you insight into the incredible natural and human history of June Lake. Train your cameras on the brilliant white snow-covered Southern slopes of the volcano and winding lava flows that meander into the forest. Snowshoes or traction devices provided by MSHI!
- Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
- Elevation Gain: 500 ft (152 m)
- Meeting Time: 10:00 AM
- Meeting Location: Marble Mountain Sno-Park
- Minimum Age: 8+ Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- Max Participants: 12
- Cost: $150 per person
Summer at Spirit Lake - A Photographic Hike
Join professional Photographer Patrick Aalto and MSHI Guides on a photography hike to Spirit Lake, which was forever transformed by the 1980 eruption. Patrick will offer practical photography instruction in the field while a naturalist guide will offer you insight into the incredible natural and human history of Spirit Lake. Train your cameras on the vibrant wildflowers in bloom, streams, waterfalls or the sun-bleached logs afloat in the lake since the 1980 eruption.
- Distance: 2.5 miles to 3 miles (4 km - 4.8 km)
- Elevation Loss/Gain: 630 feet (192 m)
- Meeting Time: 10:00 AM
- Meeting Location: Harmony Falls Trailhead
- Minimum Age: 8+ Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- Max Participants: 12
- Cost: $150 per person.
Autumn on the Pumice Plain - A Photographic Hike
Join professional Photographer Patrick Aalto and MSHI Guides on a photography hike amongst the massive hummocks deposited by the 1980 eruption. You will explore this marvelous ecosystem, teaming with life, before leaving the trees to join the Boundary Trail in view of the vast open expanse of the Pumice Plain and the breach of the volcanic crater itself. You will ascend to the groups' comfort up Johnston Ridge where you will train your cameras on the amazing vistas and brilliant colors of Fall foliage below.
- Distance: 2.3 miles to 4 miles (3.7 km - 6.4 km)
- Elevation Gain: 250 feet to 700 feet (76 m - 213 m)
- Meeting Time: 9:00 AM
- Meeting Location: Hummocks Trail #229
- Minimum Age: 8+ Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- Max Participants: 12
- Cost: $150 per person
