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 Autumn in Denali offers the chance to photograph Alaska's greatest park cloaked as comparatively few see it. During any season, the park offers some of the most striking vistas found in Alaska, but at no time is the vast tundra more colorful than in early fall. 
Our accommodations at North Face Lodge are far from the centers of tourist activity and within easy photo access of the great mountain itself, Mt. McKinley or Denali. In autumn the mountain tends to be less eclipsed by clouds, and stunning images can be made with reflections in lakes and ponds. The tundra also provides an endless variety of macro subjects: dwarf willows and birch trees only a few inches or feet in height will be in full fall hue, punctuated by the bright colors of wild blueberries and bearberries. By September, most mammals have put on their heaviest and most photogenic coats in preparation for the coming winter. Moose and caribou will have lost their antler velvet and their mottled midsummer pelage. We will have three full days at this wonderful location for scenic, wildlife and close-up photography.
The spectacular 90-mile drive into the backcountry will also provide us with a broad sampling of the exciting photo opportunities this remarkable park has to offer.
This trip may also be taken in conjunction with our Brown Bears of Katmai National Park in Autumn tour. Even if you have been to Denali National Park in summer, join us for spectacular fall photography in a season most visitors miss!  Day 1 We meet in the lobby of our Anchorage hotel for orientation and dinner. (D) Day 2 Drive to Denali Park with numerous stops to photograph whatever interests us. If the weather is clear we should get some spectacular views of Mt. McKinley as we approach the park. (BLD) 
Day 3We drive the length of the park to its peaceful backcountry area. Many photo opportunities for wildlife work present themselves along this stretch of road, as we hope to see grizzly bear, Dall sheep, caribou, moose and wolf. In reality, the wildlife in this park, though spectacular, is occasionally distant. The prize here is to place these animals in “Robert Bateman-like” landscapes, a haiku in a greater image. Between the Eielson Visitors Center and Wonder Lake we approach within 30 miles of Denali that, at 20,320 feet, is the highest elevation on the North American continent. (BLD) Days 4–6 These three full days we spend in pursuit of the exceptional images of autumn in Denali Park. The vast tundra landscape should be in blazing fall color. We venture out daily to photograph Wonder Lake, Mt. McKinley and animals in the area. We’ll also have photographic access to many elevations, up to the subarctic tundra and to the snow line. Some hiking is required. (BLD) 
Day 7We have an early departure to the park’s entrance. On the return drive to Anchorage, we’ll stop along the way for fall color and other photographic opportunities. (BLD) Day 8 Participants may depart at any time today. About Our Backcountry Lodge North Face Lodge is located 90 miles inside the borders of Denali National Park. It lies in the shadow of Mt. McKinley and just two miles from Wonder Lake. This unique wilderness retreat is perfect for those seeking an in-depth experience of the subarctic and unparalleled access to Denali’s most photogenic sites. The Lodge has a spacious public room with stone fireplace, dining room, patios and covered porches—all with incredible views of Mt. McKinley. Rooms have private baths and are decorated in the manner of a comfortable North Country guest house. |
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Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070 Phone: (206) 463-5383 Fax: (206) 463-5484 Email: info@photosafaris.com Copyright © 2008, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. |