Alec is a full-time photographer and writer, highlighting beautiful destinations around Planet Earth www.alecsillstrauschphotography.com
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Big nature moments that make you feel small. Last year was extremely busy and I didn’t get to show case that many of my fall adventures.
So here we go reminiscing on some nights spent under the stars and in the mountains.
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Alec’s Photos of the Day is reader-supported.
It seems small, but if just a tiny portion of the 15,000 people who follow this page signed up for a $6/mo subscription, you would give me the freedom to pursue photo projects, highlight stunning locations across the globe, and bring awareness to much-needed conservation issues protecting our wild spaces and wildlife.
Consider subscribing to a paid plan today, or share this with a few friends!
Thank you!
(I promise, this isn't a guilt trip, but just awareness building, haha)
>>> https://alecoutside.substack.com/
Deep into the heart of the cascades, surrounded by jagged peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Feeling pretty fortunate to see views like these.
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If you are curious about how to backpack here, visit my website and read my new article detailing this 35-mile trek.
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Here are some of the best views I've laid eyes on in Washington!
If you're looking to beat the crowds in Washington, backpacking high Pass in the North Cascades is the perfect multi-day trek.
Hot off the presses! Photos and my itinerary from five days in Lake Clark National Park & Preserve Katmai National Park & Preserve.
Loved every second at Lake Clark Resort.
https://explorewithalec.com/itinerary-for-lake-clark-katmai-national-park/
Here's my five-day Lake Clark itinerary for how to spend your time in remote parts of Alaska visiting Lake Clark National Park and Katmai National Park.
Looking to diversify your camping meals and get a little more creative? Use these 15 camping meals on your next trip!
15 easy camping breakfast ideas for delicious wilderness mornings, from Blueberry Banana Pancakes to Campfire Scrambled Eggs.
Who likes bear photos!?!
I've been diving into my 8,000 photos from Alaska, and these are some of my favorite wildlife shots.
For most of you, enjoy just browsing through them. But if you are looking for new prints to add to your home, you can BUY THEM inside.
Let me know which one is your favorite.
https://www.alecsillstrauschphotography.com/Landscape-Photography-Portfolio/Alaska-Wildlife-2024
Buy prints of Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears from Lake Clark and Katmai National Park
Bears of Katmai!
These and many more are now available in my print shop.
Head to the link in my bio and consider adding these to your home or office. While it costs most, metal/acrylic will look ‘oh so good’ especially at a large size.
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Is Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park & Preserve on your bucket list? If so, you'll want to take a look at my article after my recent visit.
Visiting Brooks Falls in Alaska? Here are some things you may or may not know but should before you step foot in Katmai National Park.
For the next 10 days, grab gear up to 40% off and be ready for end-of-summer and shoulder season adventures.
Looking to score some great deals to wrap up summer? Look no further than the 2024 REI Labor Day sale going on right now!
Our first full day at was about as awe-inspiring as you can get.
We landed on a small lake in the middle of the Katmai preserve and quickly found dozens of bears eating salmon and frolicking in the stream.
Then, up on the ridgeline, a mom and three cubs appeared, and sauntered down to the creek, less than 10 yards from us.
Watching this family of brown bears sleep, nuzzle, eat, and roll around is something I’ll always remember.
This was a truly humbling experience and gave me even more appreciation for bears, protecting our wild places, and supporting conservation efforts to ensure wildlife gets to live without constant land loss like we have down in the lower 48.
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A new Youtube Video from backpacking Egg Lake in July. My longest video I've ever made to date. https://youtu.be/X2xdI-D56c4
(The best option is to watch this on your TV through the YT app).
My journey to Egg Lake in North Cascades National Park on the Copper Ridge Trail. This gorgeous section of the park is far less visited, allowing us a chance...
Last night, Lady Aurora graced the northern hemisphere. We had a small window to view before clouds rolled in, and BOOM, the heavens opened, and the lights appeared.
We saw some meteors, though the upper left is probably a plane.
Visit Seattle
Unfortunately, the North Cascades seems to be a no-go for the foreseeable future.
https://explorewithalec.com/fire-closes-maple-pass/
The Easy Fire has closed Maple Pass trailhead along with Cutthroat Pass. Highway 20 is also closed for 9 miles in the middle of the highway.
The good ol days of not really knowing what you would find when you reached a destination. Back in 2019, I’d seen some photos but didn’t realize the magnitude of this area’s beauty.
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I’m still convinced this area holds some of the most picturesque views in the entire country.
Enjoy these photos? Follow for more landscape photography!
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The progression of an Alaskan evening.
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The first image was taken a bit after 8pm, and the last one, Jaimie booping Denali’s nose, was at 11:08pm.
This was my first experience with uber-long days and I found it to be the most exhilerating experience. Getting to explore and witness these landscapes all day blew me away!
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Headed into the North Cascades on Sunday for what ended up being an overnighter, tackling 18+ miles and 5000+ feet of elevation gain. It was supposed to be a three day trek but poor weather forced us home earlier.
See the hike here: https://explorewithalec.com/backpacking-egg-lake-north-cascades/
Two summers ago, I backpacked the Enchantments with some friends. Here is a video from the trip!
I would love it if you subscribed to my YouTube channel, which will help me monetize my videos.
A cinematic look at my backpacking trip through Washington's Enchantments in 2022. We spent four days and three nights backpacking this stunning area.Our fir...
Thankfully, the views were good because this trail pushed us to our limits and had me gasping for air more times than I could count on the way up.
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With sandy/slippery terrain, crazy steep sections that honestly never ended, and the trail not visible for parts, it was quite the adventure. And it is not at all for the average hiker or those who enjoy their hikes, haha. But Hawkins Mountain does offer some pretty great views, and I’m sure they would be even better at the summit if we hadn’t run out of time.
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Still working on your Alaska adventure plans? There's nothing like a glacier tour or walking on a glacier to make you feel alive!
I highly recommend the following tours:
https://explorewithalec.com/alaska-glacier-tours/
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with Alaska glacier tours. Experience the breathtaking beauty of untouched ice and explore hidden landscapes.
They weren’t joking when they called it Slaughter Ridge.
2 miles. 2000 feet. But with views like this, how can you say no?
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One of my favorite lakes on the West side of Glacier. The first time I was in Glacier, it was closed due to bears. Thankfully, the second time it was open, and we had an awesome time!
https://open.substack.com/pub/alecoutside/p/photo-of-the-day-72424?r=26svxk&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
An evening date with Tahoma herself.
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Whenever I look back at these images, I have to pinch myself. It’s truly the most jaw-dropping experience I’ve ever had. We zig-zagged around the Alaskan Range for two hours, seeing glaciers, Denali herself, and more jagged peaks than I thought existed.
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These are images that look nice but mean a whole lot more to me!
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💫Enjoy these shots? Follow for more from planet earth!💫
Need ideas on what to do when you visit Iceland? Here's everything I can think of to include what you should do when you visit Iceland's south coast!
(And even more tips inside if you buy my guide!)
Looking to explore and get the most out of a trip to the South Coast of Iceland? My guide will do more than help you out. It'll create an unforgettable trip!
Are you heading to Iceland in 2024 but are a bit overwhelmed with planning and where to go?
Use my guide and take the stress out of planning!
https://alec-sills-trausch.ck.page/products/iceland-itinerary-guide
Honestly can't think of a worse place to be without power...
A storm over the weekend knocked out power to part of the Death Valley National Park. Hotels and restaurants were not affected the moment.
A little storytelling. A little guide info. Nice Photos.
Everything is inside from my summit of Mount Baker in Washington.
Read it here: https://explorewithalec.com/summiting-mount-baker/
Venturing to the Wyoming National Parks this summer? I just wrote a guide to the top places to explore when you get there!
https://explorewithalec.com/wyoming-national-parks/
Heading to the Reno Tahoe Territory soon? Here are some of the top things to check off:
Experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe with our guide to the top things to do near Tahoe. From stunning views to outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of excitement.
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Starting to plan your fall hikes in Washington? Here are three great ones and may or may not be utterly crowded. Who knows at this point. But the views are great and colors will start popping in a couple weeks. 🥾Looking for more hiking tips? Hit the follow button to never miss a post!💫---#washingtonfallhikes #hiking #pnwadventures #amazingearth
It’s always special to spend time near Tahoma (Mt Rainier). So many cool vantage points, from near and far. If you’re planning a trip in September/October, here’s a few tips: - Timed entry ends September 2 - Fall colors should start to come out third week of September - It’s considerably colder at the visitor center’s than wherever you drove in from. - The trails are in good quality for hiking down in the dark w/ headlamps What trail are you most excited about? - - - #mtrainier #hiking #nationalparks #washingtonexplored #bucketlistadventures
It’s the third least visited national park in the country. My college was bigger than its visitors🤯—Lake Clark NP requires you to visit by either plane or boat (if you want to see the coast). Or you could swim but that’s not recommended. 🤓This is 100% bucket list material and is worth moment. — My recommendation for visiting lake Clark:🏡Stay with @lakeclarkresort 🐻At least one day bear watching (2 ideally)🥾Book a free day in case weather messes with plans (you can hike, canoe, fish, or relax and read)🍰 Always say yes to dessert Keep following along as I highlight my epic trip into the Alaskan wilderness. ---#nationalparks #travelalaska #bucketlistadventures #allaboutadventures
The last one’s the most important for a variety of reasons. I’d also add while you want a good zoom lens, make sure to have a wider lens in case a bear walks up under. Is this place on your bucket list? 💫#brooksfalls #katmai #travelalaska #bucketlistadventures
Would you stand this close? #alaska #bears #wildlifephotography
Did I miss any of your favorite national parks hikes? Or is there one I included that you really liked? Let me know👇🏼 - - - - #nationalparks #hiking #travel #optoutside
Did you know that you can also stay in these? Not the ones in the national park, but others can be reserved or gotten by being the first ones up there. Pass this along to a friend who’s looking for a place to watch sunset! - - - #sunsets #hikingadventures #pnwonderland #cascadiaexplored
Adventure awaits! Which one are you choosing? Save and Share it with a friend to start planning a trip. - - - #bucketlist #travel #adventure #nationalparks
I just released my 37-page guide to Driving Iceland’s Ring Road. It’s my 10 day itinerary chock full of places to see, tours, and more. And it’s just $30! (You’ll also get 10% off a campervan rental!) Comment “Iceland Guide” and I’ll send you the 🔗! 🤩 (also in my bio) Even if you don’t want to drive the entire thing, I have smaller itineraries and a FAQ section to help plan an awesome trip. - - - #iceland #ringroad #traveliceland #exploretheoutdoors
Thanks to President Joe Biden’s environmental policies, 13 million more acres of pristine Alaskan wilderness are protected from future drilling and gas exploration. After two trips to Alaska, including one to the Arctic Circle, I’ve seen firsthand why these landscapes and wildlife need our protection. The Last Frontier is truly the most beautiful and majestic wilderness we have left. Alaska might seem far away—and to some, it is—but the impacts of continued fossil fuel drilling affect all of us. Thankfully, curbing future drilling will help stem the tide of a changing climate. I’m proud of the actions this administration has taken to limit future greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere and make Earth a little cleaner for generations to come. AD W/ @lcvoters - - - - #climatechange #climateaction #arcticcircle #travelalaska #exploretheoutdoors
Well that was AMAZING! While in @visitcarsoncity I took a 90 minute tour over Lake Tahoe with @hangglidingtahoe that blew me away! Just when I thought I’d seen everything here, this took the cake. It goes to show you the adventures are truly endless in the Reno-Tahoe Territory! (AD)I really didn’t know what to expect and was pretty nervous going up but after a few minutes, that all subsided and I got a Birds Eye view of the largest Alpine Lake in North America. We took off from Carson City, flew around South Lake Tahoe and over to Emerald Bay. On the way back, I was allowed to fly. Truly nothing close to anything I’ve ever done before. If you’re into thrills, this is hands down the best way to experience the area. 10/10 would do again. ----#visitcarsoncity #laketahoe #poweredhangliding #travelnevada #visitcalifornia #tahoelife
If you want to try out “easy” winter camper (during summer), Artist Point in Northern Washington is a great place to do it. You’re only two miles from the parking lot in case you get cold and it’s also not a huge time commitment to get up and down. My tips: Have a sleeping bag rated 15-20 degrees, have a sleeping pad at least 3.5-4 R-Value, and put a yoga mat under your sleeping pad for extra warmth. Clothes: down jacket, fleece, wool long sleeve, two pairs of socks, beanie, buff, gloves, hand warmers, waterproof boots Bring a chair so you’re not sitting on the snow/find a non-snowy spot to put bags/other gear. Let me know other questions you have and happy exploring! - - - #Washington #pnwadventures #artistpoint #wintercamping #washingtonexplored #wintercamping
Epic views from the Washington cascades!!
“Surely we have a responsibility to care for our blue planet” 🌎 We all have to find our small way to make a difference and I’m proud to be part of the @1percentftp giving 1% of my income back to organizations making this world a better place. - - - - #protectnature #onepercentfortheplanet #davidattenborough #planetearth #allaboutadventures #beautifuldestinations
“You are enough” Remember that. In a world that wants to put pressure on you to fit into a box, it’s okay to venture out and blaze your own path. Love life. Enjoy it. Smile. Follow @alecoutside for more of nature’s beautiful places! - - - #beautifuldestinations #nature #lifequotes #adventuretime
What to do when you visit Fairbanks Alaska during aurora season? 1) Get a lot of coffee. You’re in for some long nights 2) download SpaceWeatherLive and some other aurora apps 3) Check out the @explorefairbanks spots for best free aurora shooting (if you’re renting a car) if not, book some tours or get a taxi to Aurora Pointe. 4) try to chase aurora at least 3 night. If you do, you’ll have a 90% chance of seeing them. 5) what else is there to do: Take an epic Denali summit flight, enjoy the ice sculpting world championship (if they’re happening), go to Denali national park, see castner ice cave, go to the North Pole, and fly/drive into the Arctic circle. 6)Seeing the northern lights was truly one of my life’s highlights and I’m still blown away by how vibrant and electric they were. Have any questions? Ask away! - - - #explorefairbanks #travelalaska #alaskalife #alaskaadventure #northernlights #auroraborealis
One of the iconic trails and destinations in California’s Eastern Sierra mountain range. See my guide in the comments for all the info!
This phenomenal Mt Rainier hike is calling your name! Skyline loop trail details - 1,800 feet of gain - 6 miles - hike counter clockwise - best time is late July and August for wildflowers - remember, timed entry permits are in place for rainier this summer. (If you enter after 3pm no permit needed) 🥾Follow for more amazing adventures and help planing your upcoming trips. 👋🏼 - - - #washingtonexplored #hiking #pnwonderland #mtrainier #nationalparks #allaboutadventures
Was reminded of this quote from Ted Lasso and it is truly beautiful and important. Many people, predominantly men, do not ask for help when they need it. But there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. It’s actually incredibly strong and courageous to ask for help or advice. Odds are, people will show an outpouring of support. It’s who are as humans. And MOST IMPORTANTLY, you’re never a burden, even if you might feel a little like one. I know all too well what it means to need to rely on people. But they’re there because they love you and want to make a difference. Never forget that. ❤️ - - - #quotes #relationships #tedlasso #courage #friendshipquotes
Some epic moments in Washington! #hiking #travel #adventure
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