I’m so excited to show a sneak peek from this amazing fall family photography session at Rattlesnake Lake here in the scenic Cascade Mountains! Contrary to what the name implies, there are no rattlesnakes at the lake (or anywhere around here for that matter), but it does have an interesting history. The name actually comes from these seed pod things that “rattle” in the breeze. But far more interesting is that when the lake starts to dry out in late summer, you can see all sorts of tree stumps, jutting out of the lakebed, serving as remnants of its past. Why were so many trees here cut down and the stumps just left behind? Well, just over 100 years ago, what is now Rattlesnake Lake used to be a brand new town called Moncton. Well, at least it was a small town for about 10 years before the newly created dam above Rattlesnake Lake (creating Chester Morse Lake in the process) started to seep water down into this valley in 1915. Not to worry though, there was no cataclysmic end to Moncton residents – they had plenty of time to evacuate. And after especially dry summers when the lake really dries out (it is pretty shallow for a lake), you can see remnants of the foundations of buildings built here…. Just a bit of fun history there and since Halloween is just a week away, kind of fitting as well!

And so for this adventurous family photography session, we explored this beautiful lake just outside of Snoqualmie and North Bend, capturing so many incredible photographs in the process. I loved capturing how much fun they all have together. And whether it was climbing on stumps, throwing rocks in the lake, picking up leaves, climbing trees, or riding on Dad’s shoulders, their little girl was full of energy and smiles! 🙂

Thank you all for an absolutely wonderful session! Enjoy a sneak peek at just a few of the many highlights!

The Cascade Mountains offer absolutely breathtaking landscapes! I feel so blessed to be able to call this beautiful place my home.