Photo Safaris - Glacier National Park

Field Workshop


		Dates	Aug 12–18, 2007
		Leader	Cliff Zenor
		Fee	$2,795 from Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park, Montana
		Deposit	$300
		Limit	8
			Terms and Conditions

It is a living work of art, carved and honed by the forces of nature. Straddling the Continental Divide, Glacier National Park is part of an awe-inspiring landscape of towering mountains, cobalt blue lakes and windswept plains. Glacier has been described as the “Crown of the Continent” by naturalist George Bird Grinnell in 1901; native Blackfeet Indians portray it as the "Backbone of the World."

Photographically, Glacier National Park is pure delight. Throughout the park’s million-plus acres of snowcapped peaks, dense forests, pristine lakes and sparkling waterfalls are countless opportunities to create exceptional imagery. Across Glacier’s sprawling valleys, the ruby reds, sapphire blues and citrine yellows of summer wildflowers can be so vibrant that the landscape virtually appears bejeweled.

With its exceptionally varied habitats due to distinct "east side" and "west side" climates, Glacier National Park is home to a wide variety of photogenic wildlife that include pikas and marmots, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, deer, moose and an important population of grizzly and black bears. The park is one of the few protected areas in the lower 48 states where a complete set of large predators, including grizzlies and gray wolves, still plays a prominent role in a largely natural ecosystem.

Our small group will explore and photograph the best of both sides of this glacially-carved wilderness and experience the aptly named Going-to-the-Sun Road—a 50-mile journey across the park that offers spectacular views of mountains, wetlands, Pacific Northwest rain forest and the precipitous ridge known as the Garden Wall.

Starting on the park’s west side we reside at picturesque Lake McDonald where, at times, snowcapped peaks stand reflected in the mirror-smooth water. While in the west, our other shoot locations may include Avalanche Creek, Hidden Lake and Trail of the Cedars. Heading to the east side we photograph the spectacular mountain landscapes and explore the transition zone between the alpine habitats and the rolling plains of eastern Montana. Boat excursions on St. Mary Lake and at Many Glacier top off a remarkable week of photography.

Staying at two of the great locations within the park, our group will easily access the best photographic opportunities the diverse landscapes, wildlife and alpine blooms that Glacier National Park has to offer.

Day 1 (Aug 12)
Fly to Kalispell, Montana, and transfer by shuttle to Lake McDonald, within Glacier National Park. The cost of the shuttle transfer is not included in the tour fee. We meet for dinner at Lake McDonald Lodge. (D)

Day 2
For a grand overview of the area, we drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road across the park and return to Lake McDonald. (BLD)

Day 3
Morning photography on the west side. We later drive to the east side of the park to our overnight lodgings at historic Many Glacier Lodge. (BLD)

Days 4–5
We spend these two days exploring many of the east side’s pristine lakes, including St. Mary, Swiftcurrent and Two Medicine. (BLD)

Day 6
Following a final opportunity for photography as we drive through the park, we return to Kalispell for an overnight. (BLD)

Day 7 (Aug 18)
Participants depart for home at any time today. Our hotel offers an airport shuttle.



	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.