Below are favorite Washington photos by Tom Dempsey (see separate gallery of panorama proportioned images). Washington is one of the most ecologically and scenically diverse states in the USA. In altitude, the land varies from sea level to 14,411 feet at the summit of Mount Rainier, an awesome active volcano covered in glaciers. The Carbon Glacier flows to a lower altitude than any other glacier in the Lower 48 states. A huge glacier actually covered Seattle 3,000 feet deep in ice only 15,000 years ago, gouging the scenic fjord of present-day Puget Sound. Washington lies in a transitional latitude between sub-Arctic northern forests and warmer drier regions. Moist temperate air masses sweep onto the west coast and hit the spectacular Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, dumping heavy rain on the southwestward (windward) slopes, creating dense temperate rainforest. The mountains wring the air dry, creating extensive rain shadows to their east and northeast, such as in the sunny San Juan Islands, and in the desert lands of Eastern Washington, irrigated by the mighty Columbia River. Washington's soil varies from shallow forest layers to windblown sand and agriculturally rich loess with basaltic outcroppings. Rocks vary widely, with tectonic uplifts of andesite, argillite, or granite. Washington boasts a tremendous variety of landscapes, native plants, and wildflowers. See the wonders!

Below are Tom Dempsey's favorite panoramas from Washington state (stitched from several overlapping images). "Slideshow" button enlarges biggest.

Photos from hikes and sights along Mount Baker Highway 542 in the North Cascades mountain range, Washington, USA: The attractive volcanic cone of Mount Baker rises to 10,781 feet elevation. In late afternoon, don't miss Mt. Shuksan reflections where Highway 542 splits into a one way loop around Picture Lake and Highwood Lake in Heather Meadows Recreation Area. Picture Lake (located in Heather Meadows, Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest) beautifully reflects Mount Shuksan (9127 feet elevation in North Cascades National Park). For a special treat, visit at peak fall foliage color season in early October. One of Washington's most rewarding hikes is Galena Chain Lakes Loop Trail in Heather Meadows, best from late July through early October. See stunning views of Mount Shuksan, Mount Baker and pretty lakes. To hike a shorter version, drive from Bellingham to the end of Mount Baker Highway 542. At Artist Point parking lot, start a 6 mile out and back walk to Chain Lakes (or 3 miles round trip to the Ptarmigan Ridge turnoff, or 2.5 miles round trip to the top of Table Mountain). Even better, hike the 9 mile Chain Lakes Loop Trail counterclockwise starting from Austin Pass Visitors Center or the Ski Area parking lot at Bagley Lakes in Heather Meadows Recreation Area, visiting Bagley Lakes, Herman Saddle, Chain Lakes (Iceberg Lake, Hayes Lake, Mazama Lake), and Artist Point. Near Glacier Public Service Center, Skyline Divide trail is very scenic. 5 miles east of Glacier is Church Mountain trail (8.5 miles round trip with 3800 feet gain) in Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest. Excelsior Pass is the next hike east (off of Highway 542) in Mount Baker Wilderness. Further east, hike Hannegan Peak 10 miles round trip with 3100 feet elevation gain.

Photos from hikes and sights along State Route 20, the North Cascades Highway, Washington, USA: Sauk Mountain is an easy day hike of 4 miles round trip and 1100 feet vertical gain, near the town of Concrete. Camp with your vehicle in the impressive scenery of Ross Lake National Recreation Area. From Rainy Pass, hike Maple Pass Loop (7 miles with 2000 feet gain) or Cutthroat Pass (9-12 miles round trip with 1800-2300 feet gain). Near Washington Pass, hike easy Blue Lake Trail, especially beautiful in early October when larch needles turn golden. Near Mazama, hike Harts Pass and Grasshopper Pass on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail in Okanogan National Forest for more golden larch color in early October.

Photos from hikes and sights along Cascade River Road which departs North Cascades Highway 20 at Marblemount, Washington, USA: Hike Hidden Lake Lookout (8 miles round trip with 3500 feet elevation gain). Hike Cascade Pass (7 miles round trip with 1800 feet gain) or further up to Sahale Arm (11 miles round trip with 3000 feet gain), a favorite for views of stunning U-shaped glaciated valleys and soaring ice clad peaks. Backpack into wild Stehekin River Valley which connects to Lake Chelan.

Photos from hikes and sights along Baker Lake Road in the North Cascades mountain range, Mount Baker National Recreation Area, Washington, USA. The Railroad Grade Trail follows a lateral moraine of the Easton Glacier which flows from the south side of Mount Baker (10,781 feet).

Photos from the Skagit River Delta, Washington, USA include large flocks of snow geese on farmers' fields, and expanses of commercial tulips and daffodils (Narcissus) blooming in mid April.

The San Juan Islands can be reached via the Washington State Ferry Terminal in Anacortes on Fidalgo Island, Washington, USA. Dock at Friday Harbor after visiting Orcas Island and other islands in San Juan County. From the ferry, admire the volcanic cone of Mount Baker rising to 10,775 feet elevation near Twin Sisters Mountain on the mainland. On San Juan Island, in Lime Kiln Point State Park, watch for orcas (killer whales) which cruise right off the shore near the 1919 Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Visit American Camp and English Camp to learn of the historic Pig War 1859-1872, which peacefully arbitrated the San Juan Islands into the territorial United States. The San Juan Islands archipelago is in the Salish Sea, north of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, west of Rosario Strait, east of Haro Strait, and south of Boundary Pass and the Strait of Georgia.

Whidbey Island, the largest island in Washington, offers many photogenic opportunities and sites of historical interest. Visit popular Deception Pass State Park, where State Route 20 crosses a high bridge, 180 feet over swirling saltwater currents. Tugboats shepherd huge log rafts through the strait of Deception Pass. Watch bird life such as Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle. Admire lichen covered old growth trees on quiet walks. Indian Camas (or Indian hyacinth or Wild hyacinth, Camassia quamash) and other wildflowers bloom in spring and summer. Red and yellow bark of the Pacific Madrone or Madrona (Arbutus menziesii) tree peels into fascinating patterns, including one shaped like a human female breast. Visit Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, including: Admiralty Head Lighthouse (built 1890) in Fort Casey State Park and Crockett Blockhouse. In Meerkerk Gardens, admire a colorful concentration of hybrid rhododendron flowers blooming in late April. Drive to Fidalgo Island on the north side of Deception Pass Bridge. At Anacortes, see oil refineries, oil tankers, boats, docks, and catch a ferry to the San Juan Islands. On a clear day, see the volcanic cone of Mount Baker rising in the North Cascades 40 miles to the east.

- Lummi Island is west of Bellingham in the Salish Sea, in Whatcom County, Washington, USA. - Vendovi Island: The former Fluke family vacation home greets public visitors in a small bay on the northwest side of Vendovi Island, in Skagit County, Washington. The San Juan Preservation Trust (www.sjpt.org), a land trust that conserves open space in the San Juan Islands, purchased the island in December 2010 from the family of John Fluke Senior. Contact www.sjpt.org to support the Campaign to Save Vendovi Island. Vendovi Island lies across Samish Bay from mainland Skagit County, between Guemes Island and Lummi Island, in the Salish Sea. Vendovi Island was named after a Fijian High Chief Ro Veidovi who was brought to North America by the 1841 Wilkes Expedition.

Hiking from trailheads along the Mountain Loop Highway reveals a variety of native wildflowers, plants, and insects to photograph, such as: Columbine (genus Aquilegia), fireweed, Cornus canadensis (Canadian Dwarf Cornel, or Canadian Bunchberry, or bunchberry dogwood), Five-Finger Fern (or Western Maidenhair, or Adiatnum pedatum aleuticum), False Lily-of-the-Valley (Maianthemum), vine maple leaves silhouetted, heavy moss on trees, water drops on skunk cabbage (Lysichitum americanum), fall foliage colors, hoverfly on daisies, and Swallowtail butterfly. The closest towns and services along the Mountain Loop Highway include Granite Falls, Verlot Public Service Center, and Darrington in Washington, USA.

Ascend excellent trails to impressive views of peaks in the Central Cascades along the Mountain Loop Highway, in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The following photos include: Three Fingers, Goat Flats, Green Mountain, Downey Creek, Dome Peak, Bald Mountain, Walt Bailey Trail, Mount Pilchuck Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA), Mount Pilchuck State Park, Gothic Basin, Sheep Gap Mountain, Silvertip Peak, Monte Cristo, Glacier Peak, Mount Dickerman, Del Campo, Morning Star, Sperry, and Vesper Peaks, Hall Peak, Big Four Mountain, Sloan Peak, Mount Pugh, South Fork Stillaguamish River Valley, , Foggy Peak above Goat Lake, and distant Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and Mount Rainier. The nearest services are Granite Falls, Verlot Public Service Center, and Darrington in Washington, USA.

Hike wonderful trails to distinctive water, lake, and snow features along the Mountain Loop Highway, in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The following photos are from Goat Lake in Henry M. Jackson Wilderness, Cutthroat Lakes on the Walt Bailey Trail, and Foggy Lake in Gothic Basin. Snowshoe or hike to Lake Twenty-Two Research Natural Area, and to adjacent Heather Lake in Mount Pilchuck State Park. The nearest services are Granite Falls, Verlot Public Service Center, and Darrington in Washington, USA.

In the Central Cascades of Washington, USA, hike to many mountain vistas in Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, Wenatchee National Forest, and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest via Interstate 90 and US Highway 2: Mountain photos from hikes near Stevens Pass Highway (US 2) include: Beckler Peak Trail (views of Alpine Lakes, Wild Sky, and Henry M. Jackson Wilderness), Baring Mountain, Carne Mountain (with views of Glacier Peak, Buck Mountain, Liberty Cap, Fortress Mountain, Chiwawa Mountain and Spider Gap), and yellow larch needles in October in the Enchantments (trail head off Icicle Creek Road, Leavenworth). Photos from hikes near I90 include: Mason Lake/Ira Spring Trail to Mount Defiance, Granite Mountain (with views of Mount Rainier), Snoqualmie Pass, Snow Lake, Polallie Ridge, and Ingalls Pass (to view Mount Stuart, the second highest non-volcanic peak in the state).

Abundant rainfall in the Central Cascades of Washington creates many unique water features accessible from hikes in Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, Wenatchee National Forest, and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, accessed near Interstate 90 and US Highway 2. Water photos from hikes near Stevens Pass Highway (US 2) include: Skykomish and Lake Serene. Photos from hikes near I90 include: Mason Lake/Ira Spring Memorial Trail to Mount Defiance, Twin Falls, South Fork Snoqualmie River, Twin Falls Natural Area, Ollalie State Park, Snow Lake, Rachel Lake, Rampart Lakes, Box Canyon, and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park.

The following plant and fungi photos from the Central Cascades of Washington include: Tiger Lily or Columbia lily (Lilium columbianum), Glacier Lily, Columbine flower, Bunchberry Dogwood flowers (cornus canadensis), Monkeyflower (Mimulus), Columbia Monkshood (Aconitum), Bear Grass (tenax, genus: Xerophyllum, family: Liliaceae), Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpure), Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata), Grasswidow (Olsynium douglasii), pink thistle with camouflaged Crab Spider (Family Thomisidae), Woolly Chanterelle mushrooms (Gomphus Floccosus), False Chanterelle (Clitocybe aurantiaca), Admirable Boletus mirabilis, Coral Hydnum mushroom (Hericium coralloides), white oyster mushrooms, Pinesap (monotropa hypopithys L.), bracket fungi (shelf fungi), Pine-drops (Pterospora), Western Coral-Root (Corallorhiza mertensiana), Five-Finger Fern (or Western Maidenhair, Latin name Adiatnum pedatum aleuticum), White Veratrum (Veratrum Californicum) leaves, vine maple, larch (yellow needles in fall, genus Larix), Salal (Gaultheria shallon) with water drops, young trees growing on old growth trunk.

The Central Cascades of Washington are easily reached for snow sports via Interstate 90 and US Highway 2. Photos from snowshoeing near Stevens Pass Highway (US 2) include: Leavenworth Bavarian Ice Fest and Icicle Creek Road. Photos from snowshoeing near I90 include: Snoqualmie Pass, Kendall Peak Lake, Snow Lake, Commonwealth Basin, and Ingalls Pass (to view Mount Stuart, the second highest non-volcanic peak in the state). See icicle patterns by a stream in Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park.

Photos of downtown Seattle, Washington, USA, include: sunset reflection on building skyline and Space Needle seen from Kerry Park, fireworks, Pike Street Public Market fish-throwing tradition, Seattle Public Library architecture, Seattle Center monorail.

Photos from Seattle Center include the Space Needle, International Fountain, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Monorail, EMP (Experience Music Project) reflective metallic building architecture, fanciful pig sculpture.

For a cheerful splash of color in midwinter or any time, visit the Seattle Aquarium, at 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington. Convenient stairs descend from Pike Street Public Market down to Pier 59 on Elliot Bay, Puget Sound.

July Fourth firework displays make great photo subjects on Lake Union in Seattle, Washington, USA.

Seattle Art Museum's Olympic Sculpture Park opened in 2007 at the southern end of Myrtle Edwards Park (near both Seattle Center and the waterfront/Elliot Bay/Puget Sound). Free entry to the public. Address: 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98121.

Seattle Public Library was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and finished in 2004 in Washington, USA.

Many public art works attract visitors to Seattle, Washington, USA. - Seattle Art Museum's Olympic Sculpture Park opened in 2007 at the southern end of Myrtle Edwards Park (near both Seattle Center and the waterfront/Elliot Bay/Puget Sound). Free entry to the public. Address: 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98121. - Other photos include works from: Warren G. Magnuson Park on Sand Point Way NE; Seattle Center International Fountain; Seattle Public Library; Seattle monorail; Museum of Pop Culture/MOPOP (renamed from Experience Music Project/EMP in 2016) & 2016 WOW/World of Wearable Art Exhibit; individual art studios; and "found art."

Photos from the excellent Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington, USA include: jaguar, red panda, Siamang, hippopotamus, bald eagle, grizzly bear, Komodo dragon, pink flamingos, eastern rosella, Andean cock-of-the-rock, golden-breasted starling, Bourke's Parrot, budgerigar, Kookaburra, ferruginous hawk, bald eagle, crocodile, Northern Pacific rattlesnake, butterflies, tapir, spangled cotinga, plains zebra, female lion, African wild dog.

Photos of the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA, include: cherry tree blossoms flowering on the Quad (Liberal Arts Quadrangle, Smith, Raitt, Savery Halls, Art Building), Hutchinson Hall, Meany Hall auditorium, Meany Studio Theater, Chihuly art, Jones Playhouse, Washington Park Arboretum (Japanese Garden, tree leaf patterns, fall foliage colors).

The following miscellaneous photos from Seattle, Washington, USA include: partial solar eclipse over Puget Sound, Gas Works Park, Carkeek Park, Ravenna Park, tree patterns, brick reflection, Discovery Park lighthouse, ferry, fire hydrant, trees seen from above, iris flower, collapsing barn, red-orange sunset, historic 1913 clock at Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI).

For a year round splash of colorful flowers, cheerful orchids, exotic plants and cacti indoors, visit Volunteer Park Conservatory in Seattle or the greenhouses of Molbak's Garden & Home in Woodinville, Washington. The following photos also include flying insects in Woodland Park Zoo's Seasonal North American Butterfly Exhibit in Seattle.

The Bloedel Reserve is a 150-acre forest garden on Bainbridge Island, Washington, made by the vice-chairman of a lumber company. The Bloedel Reserve has both natural and highly-landscaped lakes, immaculate lawns, woods, a traditional Japanese garden, a rock and sand Zen garden, a moss garden, a rhododendron glade, and a Reflection Garden. The Bloedel's French Chateau-style home is preserved as a Visitor Center, including many original furnishings. Reservations are required. The following photos portray Bloedel Reserve near peak fall foliage colors on October 19, 2005.

Animal photos from the Olympic Peninsula of Washington include: Roosevelt elk, a deer with Mount Olympus in background, and a clay chicken on a lavender farm. The Roosevelt elk (or Olympic elk, Cervus canadensis roosevelti) is the largest of the four surviving subspecies of elk in North America. In 1981, Olympic National Park was honored as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Coast, ferry, and town photos from the Olympic Peninsula, Washington include: dramatic thunderhead and big logs on Kalaloch Beach, sea stacks on Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park, Cape Flattery sea caves on the most northwestern point of the contiguous United States, Port Townsend Historic District, Kingston Ferry, sunset light on abstract cloud pattern, aerial view of Hood Canal and Olympic Mountains. In 1981, Olympic National Park was honored as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Photos of mountains on the Olympic Peninsula include: Mount Olympus with deer, Olympic National Park, Big Quilcene Trail to Marmot Pass, ferry with mountain backdrop, Mount Townsend Trail in Buckhorn Wilderness, and an aerial view of Hood Canal and Olympic Range. In 1981, Olympic National Park was honored as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The following photos from the Olympic Peninsula in the State of Washington include: lavender farms, rusting equipment, sunflowers, rhododendron & chocolate lily wildflowers on Mount Townsend hike, Phlox flowers, profuse Columbine flowers (genus Aquilegia in Buttercup family, Ranunculaceae), Olympic larkspur (Delphinium glareosum Greene), orange-red Indian paintbrush (Castilleja), False Solomon's Seal (or Treacleberry, Latin name Maianthemum racemosum), water streaming by Devils Club (Oplopanax horridus, Araliaceae), rime frost on grass and trees, rays of light through moss covered trees in Hoh Rain Forest, ferns. In 1981, Olympic National Park was honored as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Photos from hikes starting at Paradise Visitor Center in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA. Walk the stunning Skyline Loop Trail any good summer day, or view spectacular fall foliage colors peaking in the first or second week of October. A good loop or car shuttle hike starts at Paradise along the Skyline Trail to Lakes Trail, along Mazama Ridge, and downhill to Reflection Lakes where you meet the Stevens Canyon Road. Optionally loop back high or low.

Hike several classic trails from Sunrise Visitor Center in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA. Walk the aptly named Wonderland Trail towards the vast flower fields of Berkeley Park. Wander past Shadow Lake and Sunrise Camp to stunning glacier views from Burroughs Mountain. For vigorous physical conditioning at moderately high altitude, hike the Burroughs Mountain Trail from White River Campground in a 10 mile loop, reaching a high point on Second Burroughs Mountain, 7400 feet elevation above sea level. The trail ascends and descends 3200 feet total, starting from White River Campground up Glacier Basin Trail and returning via Shadow Lake. View fields of yellow glacier lilies in mid-July and other flowers later, until snows returning in late October discourage safe hiking. Beware of a few steep snow banks remaining in July and new slippery snow after mid October.

See photos of the scenic Wonderland Trail from White River Campground to Summerland and Panhandle Gap in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA. Also peruse photos of the pleasant Owyhigh Lakes Trail nearby. Summer wildflowers include gentian, lupine, and Lewis's Monkeyflower. View Mount Rainier looming large to the west and Mount Adams in the distance to the south. Starting at White River Campground, permitted climbers can ascend Mount Rainier via the Camp Sherman route to Emmons Glacier (see separate 1982 Climb gallery).

Tom Dempsey's photos of climbing Mount Rainier via the Camp Sherman route starting at White River Campground in Mount Rainier National Park (Washington, USA) with three friends in May 1982.

Below are photo favorites of Spray Park, Knapsack Pass, and Tolmie Peak hikes, from Mowich Lake trailhead in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA. Spray Park is one of the best hikes in Washington in mid July for enjoying fields of blooming avalanche lily flowers (Erythronium). Watch for lenticular (lens-shaped) cloud caps standing in atmospheric waves over Mount Rainier.

Hike Naches Peak loop trail in the first half of October for good fall foliage color in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA. Park your car at Tipsoo Lakes on Highway 410 just west of Chinook Pass, between Enumclaw and Yakima. Easily walk the Naches Peak Loop Trail from the Tipsoo Lakes picnic area to Chinook Pass, cross the highway, and continue clockwise for best Mount Rainier views to the west. View Mount Adams in the distance to the south.

Photos of Goat Rocks Wilderness, in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington, USA. A very scenic loop hike visits Snowgrass Flat and Goat Ridge (13 miles with 3180 feet total ascent and descent). The wildflowers were beautiful and bountiful on July 28, 2006.

Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument, Skamania County, Washington, USA: Spirit Lake is covered with floating logs from a forest blasted and avalanched by the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens, the most deadly and destructive volcanic event in the history of the United States. The debris avalanche, the largest in recorded history, shrank the mountain from 9677 feet (2950 m) elevation to 8364 feet (2550 m), leaving a mile-wide horseshoe-shaped crater. Fifty-seven people were killed. 250 homes, 47 bridges, 15 miles of railways, and 185 miles of highway were destroyed. The active stratovolcano of Mount Saint Helens is one of 160 active volcanoes that comprise the Pacific Ring of Fire. Located in the Cascade Range, Mt. St. Helens takes its English name from the British diplomat Lord St Helens, who was a friend of George Vancouver, an explorer who surveyed the area in the late 18th century. As the crow flies, Mount St. Helens is 96 miles (154 km) south of the city of Seattle and 53 miles (85 km) northeast of Portland.

Photos of Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area span both Oregon and Washington, including: Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, Wahclella Falls, moss smothered trees on Tanner Creek, Horsetail Falls & Creek, Upper Horsetail (Ponytail) Falls, Beacon Rock, Triple Falls & Middle Falls of Oneonta Gorge, Wahkeena Creek, Fairy Falls, blossoms of Red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum), tugboat pushing barges of grain.