Crowning Glory
There are times in nature when everything seems to come together perfectly, if only for a brief moment.
This photograph dates back to the early 2000s. To this day, I can still remember the hike in the dark to get to this incredible location in Glacier National Park. I remember being a little nervous about bears, despite not seeing any. As I approached the gorge, I could hear the cold water flowing over the cliff edge.
Nowadays, the area itself has been closed off by the park service, and access is no longer permitted. I am fortunate to have photographed it on several occasions before it was officially closed. As I stood there on the brink of the falls, waiting for the sun to crest the mountains, I remember a feeling of peace and quiet that only comes from being off trail in a popular national park. Just as the sun rose, the clouds began to part, creating a brilliant sunstar and bringing the entire scene to life.
On one hand, I would like to see access restored to this pristine place. On the other, I'd almost rather keep it the way it is and simply be grateful for the times I was able to experience it in solitude.
