Colin Tyler Photography

With the knowledge that autumn passes us by quickly in this part of the world and that opportunities are fleeting, I’ve recently been on a personal mission to document the changing season as thoroughly as possible. Too often though, I find myself looking at the same scene - the grand vista, if you will; so I made it my goal to take a more intimate look at this valley, to appreciate the smaller aspects and all that is happening right in front of me. I admire photographers who can celebrate the ordinary and find beauty in the most common, overlooked places. To me, that is the mark of a true artist. This morning, I found the inspiration I’ve been searching for and took a closer look at autumn in Eagle River Valley. See also: Autumn Colors

A collection of images taken during winter months at the Eagle River Nature Center, Alaska. Most of these were created since taking up residence here in October of 2014. 

Since first visiting Denali in 1996, I have returned dozens of times, often in early September when the autumn colors are peaking around North America's tallest mountain. If I were to add up all of my trips into Denali, they would collectively equate to months spent in one of my most cherished places. 

Moving water is one of my favorite subjects. No two waves are identical and therefore, no two photographs are ever the same. This is a collection of seascapes from Alaska, Oregon and New Zealand.

Harsh, beautiful, and unforgiving; the arctic landscape is like none other. In August of 2006 I fulfilled my dream of visiting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, on a rafting trip with two great friends, Chris McMichael and Leif Heide. We floated from the foothills of the Brooks Range to the coastal plain, enduring horizontal rain and freezing temps along the way.

As a native Minnesotan, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is a sacred place that is famous for foggy sunrises, grand waterfalls and solitude. Most of my visits to the BWCA took me across the border into Ontario's Quetico Park as well. 

While I love the vast wildness and endless opportunities of life in Alaska, I do miss the weather patterns and extreme temperature variations in my home state of Minnesota, which make for stunning skyscapes. 

Every day is a constant reminder of why I call Alaska home. Mountain vistas and vast, wild spaces.

The Crow Pass Trail is a 23-mile trek that begins in Girdwood and ends at the Eagle River Nature Center (Alaska); climbing 2,000 feet from the trailhead to the top of Crow Pass and descending 4,000 feet to Eagle River, where hikers must ford the swift, icy glacial water. The river crossing is roughly the halfway point. It is a very popular trek and each summer the trail sees several hundred hikers. Despite its popularity, it is a true backcountry experience and not for the faint of heart. There are several water crossings and steep portions where sure footing is essential. 

Autumn, the most magical time of year. See also: A Closer Look at Autumn

Images of the spectacular, mountainous Eagle River Valley during the long days of Alaskan summer. 

With temps hovering around -15˚F, it was cold on the hands and my camera gear but the light was beautiful. Judging from the frosted faces, racers suffered as well but that didn't dampen their spirits. I would especially like to tip my stocking hat to those who competed on fat tire unicycles! 

It was a wet, sloppy mess but fun to watch and photograph! Cheers to the hardy fools who persisted through the rain and slush. 

Conditions were excellent for this year's race. We've gotten a good amount of snow and cold temps have frozen the river nicely. 

It was a cold day out on the river but once again, I had a blast shooting this event! Racers:  Click here to purchase a high-res copy of your image for $20. If you do not see yourself here and would like me to search for your photo, please email me (mail@colintyler.com).