Carl Prothman | Photography

@carlprothman

Award-winning Pacific Northwest landscape photographer. Mountains, forests, waterfalls, and quiet moments in nature. Fine art prints available.

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Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· 20d

What first caught my eye was the way the evening light illuminated the left side of the ridge. From there, my eyes moved across the distant valleys and layered mountain ranges, each one fading farther into the horizon. That depth made the view feel expansive, and I really enjoyed taking it all in.

A wide mountain landscape viewed from the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. A rugged ridge fills the foreground, with warm evening sunlight illuminating the grassy left slope while the steeper right side remains in deep shadow. Beyond the ridge, multiple layers of blue-gray Cascade peaks recede into atmospheric haze beneath a pale, softly tinted sky. The contrast between golden light, cool shadows, and distant mountain layers creates a strong sense of depth. The scene feels quiet, expansive, and peaceful.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· 21d

While hiking back from an overnight trip at Mount Rainier, I caught this sunrise spreading across the sky. I loved the deep red clouds against the cool blue above, with the dark ridgeline turning the entire scene into a dramatic silhouette. #MountRainier #PNWPhotography

A brilliant sunrise fills the sky above Mount Rainier National Park. Layers of deep red, magenta, orange, and gold clouds stretch across the horizon, contrasting with the cool blue sky at the top. A rugged mountain ridgeline and forest appear as a dark silhouette across the foreground. The intense colors and bold contrast make the scene feel dramatic and unforgettable.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· 23d

While hiking the Burroughs Mountain Trail at Mount Rainier this past week, I came across these glacial boulders surrounded by mossy ground cover. I loved how the rocks lead the eye toward Mount Rainier’s summit beneath the clear blue sky. Sometimes the landscape just hands you the composition. 😀

Glacial boulders and low mossy ground cover fill the rocky foreground along the Burroughs Mountain Trail at Mount Rainier. The stones create a natural line leading through the alpine landscape toward Mount Rainier’s broad, snow-covered summit beneath a clear blue sky. A small pale moon is still visible high in the upper-right corner. The scene feels quiet, open, and humbling.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· 24d

Two waterfalls, one narrow gorge. Last weekend, I hiked to Twin Falls near North Bend, Washington. I like how the water drops from one fall into the next, framed by steep rock walls and tall forest. It is easy to see how Twin Falls got its name. #PNWPhotography

Twin Falls cascades through a narrow rocky gorge near North Bend, Washington. A long exposure softens the bright white water as it drops between dark gray cliffs into a deep blue-green pool. Tall evergreens, moss, and ferns surround the falls, with midday sunlight filtering through the old-growth forest. The scene feels cool, secluded, and peaceful.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· 25d

I captured this while hiking back toward Sunrise after spending the night trying to photograph the Milky Way over Mount Rainier. The stars had disappeared, but the layered clouds and early light gave me one more scene to remember. #MountRainier #PNWPhotography

A cloudy sunrise over layered mountain ridges near Sunrise at Mount Rainier National Park. Dark blue-gray clouds fill most of the sky, with soft gold and orange light beginning to glow along the distant horizon. Shadowed peaks stretch across the valley, while a steep rocky slope and evergreen trees frame the right side. The scene feels quiet, tired, and rewarding after a full night spent photographing beneath the mountain.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· 26d

Layers of Mount Rainier beneath shifting clouds I love how the many layers came together in this view, from the weathered log and young evergreens to the forest, Mount Rainier, and shifting clouds above. The changing clouds made the scene feel both dramatic and peaceful. #MountRainier

Mount Rainier rises beyond a dense alpine forest, its snow-covered summit partially framed by dark, fast-moving clouds. Young evergreens, wildflowers, and a weathered fallen log fill the foreground, adding depth and texture. The scene feels dramatic, peaceful, and distinctly Pacific Northwest.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· 27d

I tried to photograph the Milky Way directly over Mount Rainier yesterday, but the clouds had other plans. Still, check out the detail in this 30-second time-lapse video. Look closely and you’ll see climbers’ headlamps moving toward the summit, along with a few meteors streaking through the sky.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· 29d

A quiet trail leading down to Shadow Lake. I was hiking the Wonderland Trail when I came across this view of the deep green water, surrounding evergreens, and a lone hiker near the shoreline. The whole scene felt calm and tucked away from the busier parts of Mount Rainier. #PNWPhotography

A narrow dirt trail descends through green alpine vegetation toward Shadow Lake at Mount Rainier National Park. The lake’s dark green and blue water reflects the tall evergreen trees lining the opposite shore. A lone hiker stands near the water, adding scale to the broad landscape. Rocky ridges rise above the forest beneath a clear blue sky. The scene feels peaceful, inviting, and wonderfully remote.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jul 12

Benson Bridge beneath Multnomah Falls I love how Benson Bridge divides the scene into layers, with the upper cascade disappearing above it and the lower falls continuing through the gorge below. #PNWPhotography #Waterfalls

Multnomah Falls drops through a moss-covered gorge, with Benson Bridge crossing between the upper and lower cascades. Ferns and fresh green leaves frame the softened water. The scene feels peaceful, cool, and immersive.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jul 11

This was the pre-sunrise glow at Mount Rainier, Washington, on July 4, 2026. Just before the sun came up, the entire sky lit up in brilliant shades of red, orange, and pink. One of those mornings that made the early alarm completely worth it. ✨ #pnw

Fiery red, orange, and magenta sunrise clouds sweep across the sky above dark, jagged mountain ridges. Evergreen silhouettes frame the right side, while distant Cascade peaks rise above a layer of low clouds on the horizon.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jul 10

The road into Mount Rainier always feels like it’s pulling you in. The trees close around you, the yellow lines lead the way, and then, there it is. Rising straight ahead like it’s been waiting for you. Hard not to feel that little spark of excitement every time.

A two-lane mountain road leads straight toward Mount Rainier, with yellow center lines pulling the eye forward. Tall evergreen trees close in on both sides before opening to a close view of the snow-covered mountain and glaciers under a deep blue sky. The scene feels like the road is drawing you in toward the mountain, with a quiet sense of anticipation and excitement.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jul 9

This side of Mount Rainier felt much more dramatic and glacial in the early morning light. The jagged ridges, deep shadows, and broad snowfields gave the scene a colder, more powerful mood. Moments like this are why I love being up there before the day fully begins.

Mount Rainier’s jagged volcanic ridges glow with warm sunrise light above pale glaciers and shadowed snowfields. The rocky cliffs show deep texture and contrast against a soft blue morning sky, with the glacier stretching across the lower frame. The scene feels rugged, quiet, and awe-inspiring.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jul 8

Morning alpenglow on Mount Rainier. The first light touched the upper mountain in soft pink and orange while the forest below was still sitting in shadow. Scenes like this are exactly why I keep getting up early for Sunrise.

Mount Rainier at sunrise, glowing with soft pink and orange alpenglow across the snow-covered upper slopes. Dark evergreen trees fill the foreground, creating a layered view between the shaded forest and the bright mountain. Wisps of cloud and haze sit along the lower slopes, while the blue early-morning sky remains calm above the peak.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jul 6

A very relaxed Hoary Marmot (Marmota Caligata) at Mount Rainier. I spotted this one while hiking near Sunrise this past weekend. I could relate to this marmot’s energy completely. Stretched out on a warm rock, soaking up the morning light, and making the mountain life look pretty comfortable.

A hoary marmot lies stretched across a pale granite boulder, facing the camera with its paws hanging over the rock. Bright sunlight highlights its gray-brown fur while darker rocks blur in the background. The photo feels relaxed, warm, and quietly funny.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jul 2

This path through the moss-draped Quinault rain forest felt like stepping into another world. The more I looked, the more details showed up: moss on the trunks, ferns along the trail, and all those layers of green disappearing into the forest. #TrailThursday #PNW

A narrow gravel trail winds through dense Quinault Rain Forest, bordered by bright green ferns, moss-covered tree trunks, and twisting branches overhead. Layers of green fill the scene with depth and texture. It feels peaceful, lush, and inviting.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jul 1

A quiet moment on the trail in the Quinault Rain Forest. This young deer stepped into the path and paused long enough for a photo. I loved the way the soft light came through the trees, shining on the deer almost like a natural spotlight. Moments like this are why I enjoy slowing down on a hike.

A young deer stands on a shaded gravel forest trail, looking toward the camera. Dense green leaves and ferns surround the winding path, while soft sunlight falls across the deer like a spotlight. The scene feels quiet, gentle, and unexpected.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jun 30

Post a picture YOU took. Just a pic. No description.

Lake Washington at sunset, with golden light reflecting across gently rippled water. A dark stand of bare trees and shoreline sit in silhouette, with distant hills, low haze, and bright feathered clouds stretching across the blue-orange sky. The scene feels calm, reflective, and peaceful.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jun 30

I went to the Quinault Rainforest in the Olympic National Park this past weekend. And hiked the Maple Glade Trail. It is the kind of trail where every few steps reveal another quiet forest detail. The ferns and moss-covered trees were amazing. It felt like walking through a magical landscape.

A small wooden footbridge leads into a dense rainforest trail surrounded by sword ferns, moss-covered trunks, hanging moss, and bright green leaves. The scene feels peaceful, lush, and inviting.

A moss-covered fallen branch arches across a thick bed of sword ferns, with tall rainforest trees and hanging moss filling the background. The scene feels wild, quiet, and deeply green.

A moss-covered fallen log sits among dense sword ferns, with tall rainforest trees and layers of green vegetation stretching into the background. The scene feels calm, rich, and deeply rooted.

Rustic wooden ranger station surrounded by dense green rainforest, ferns, tall trees, and a mountain backdrop. An American flag stands beside the weathered building, giving the scene a quiet, welcoming sense of place.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jun 29

First image back from Quinault Rainforest. I spent the weekend hiking Maple Glade Trail, surrounded by moss-covered trees, ferns, and that soft rainforest quiet. I still have plenty more to process, but this one felt like the right place to start. #QuinaultRainforest #MapleGladeTrail

Wooden boardwalk leading into the Quinault rainforest, surrounded by moss-draped maple and evergreen trunks, bright ferns, leafy understory, and soft filtered light. The trail narrows into dense green forest, creating a quiet, inviting mood.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jun 26

A quiet stretch of the Ohanapecosh River in Mount Rainier National Park. I loved the way the blue-green water moved through this narrow canyon, framed by moss-covered rock, pale stone, and deep forest. It is one of those places where the sound of the river makes everything feel still for a moment

Blue-green river water flows through a narrow rocky canyon lined with moss, pale stone, and dense forest in Mount Rainier National Park. Whitewater spills between the rocks before settling into a clear emerald pool. The scene feels quiet, cool, and deeply peaceful.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jun 25

The Ohanapecosh River gets much of its striking blue color from Mount Rainier’s glacial meltwater. As glaciers grind against the mountain, they create fine particles of rock called glacial flour. Those tiny minerals stay suspended in the water and scatter light, giving the river that vivid color.

A vertical landscape photo looking down into a narrow rocky river gorge. On the left side, vivid blue-green glacial water from the Ohanapecosh River rushes through the canyon, with white foam and swirling patterns visible on the surface. On the right side, steep dark gray and brown rock walls drop sharply into the water, covered in patches of moss and small bright green plants. Fresh foliage grows from cracks in the rock, adding a strong contrast against the cool blue water and rugged stone. The scene feels wild, refreshing, and distinctly Pacific Northwest.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jun 23

Driving up to Mount Rainier this past weekend, I saw this view and had to pull over. What caught my eye was the glacier-fed stream cutting diagonally through the loose stones below, with green forest climbing both sides. Wild, rugged, and very Mount Rainier. #MountRainier

A vertical landscape photo from Mount Rainier showing a glacier-fed stream winding through a wide rocky valley. The pale, silty water cuts diagonally through gray boulders and loose stones in the foreground, leading the eye toward snow patches and rugged ridgelines in the distance. Dense evergreen forest climbs both sides of the valley, with bright green summer growth on the slopes and a deep blue sky overhead. The scene feels wild, rugged, and shaped by mountain water, rock, snow, and forest.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jun 21

Silver Falls, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington This view had such a great layered feel to it. Moss in the foreground, rushing water below, the waterfall tucked in the distance, and trees wrapped around the whole scene. Quiet, tucked away, and very Pacific Northwest.

A forest waterfall scene at Silver Falls in Mount Rainier National Park. Bright green moss fills the foreground, with a turquoise stream flowing through dark rocks toward a waterfall in the middle distance. Tall evergreen trees surround the scene, giving it a quiet, secluded Pacific Northwest forest feel.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jun 19

What caught my eye here was the warm weathered wood against the bright sky, and the way the barn still feels full of character after all these years. Old barns always seem to carry a quiet kind of history with them.

Weathered wooden barn with warm golden-brown boards and a bright metal roof, photographed from a low angle in a green grassy field. The barn fills most of the frame, with diagonal rooflines leading toward the upper right. Tall evergreen trees frame the left side and background, while a vivid blue sky with soft white clouds opens above the roof. The worn wood, uneven planks, small doors, and aged details give the scene a rustic, quiet, and nostalgic feeling.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jun 17

It was a special moment to finally capture my first astro image with the Milky Way, a lit tent, and Mount Rainier all working together in one frame. One of my favorite details is the faint line of climber headlamps on the mountain, adding a small human element to such a vast landscape.

A nighttime landscape photograph of Mount Rainier beneath a dense star-filled sky, with the Milky Way rising prominently on the left side of the frame. Snow-covered slopes stretch across the center, with a dark forested valley below. A glowing yellow tent sits in the lower right foreground, creating a warm focal point against the cool mountain night. A faint line of climber headlamps can be seen on Mount Rainier, adding scale and a subtle human presence. The image feels quiet, adventurous, and awe-inspiring.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jun 12

Palouse Falls State Park, Eastern Washington What caught my eye was how the bright white waterfall stood out against the dark basalt cliffs and green canyon walls. #LandscapePhotography #PNW

A wide view of Palouse Falls dropping from a basalt cliff into a deep circular pool below. Steep canyon walls surround the waterfall, with layers of dark volcanic rock, tan grasses, and bright green spring growth covering parts of the cliffs. Mist rises from the base of the falls, and the river curves through the pool below. The photo feels dramatic, rugged, and full of natural power.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jun 12

What caught my eye was the beautiful color throughout the clouds and the many distinct layers across the sky. I especially liked the low clouds gathering just above the dark foreground ridge, where all the smaller shapes, highlights, and shadows added so much detail to the scene.

A dramatic evening sky filled with layered clouds above a dark, tree-covered ridgeline. Warm golden sunlight illuminates the edges and undersides of several clouds, contrasting with deep blue-gray shadows. Smaller clouds line the distant horizon while a pale blue sky remains visible above. The scene feels peaceful, expansive, and full of changing light.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jun 11

Tall summer grasses along the edge of the forest. What caught my eye here was the way the seed heads rose above the layers of green and gave the scene a simple, natural rhythm.

A close-up photograph of tall grasses with pale seed heads standing in front of a dense wall of green trees and shrubs. The foreground is filled with overlapping blades of grass and vertical stems, while the background is richly textured with leafy summer foliage. The contrast between the lighter seed heads and darker greens gives the image depth and a quiet natural balance. The photo feels calm, fresh, and grounding.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jun 9

Morning light on wild daisies. What caught my eye here was how the white petals caught the warm sunlight while the background fell into deep green shadow. A simple scene, but full of life and texture.

A close view of white daisies with bright yellow centers growing among tall green stems and leaves. Several flowers are sharply focused in the foreground, while many others fade softly into the background. Warm sunlight highlights the petals and creates a rich contrast against the darker green foliage. The photo feels cheerful, peaceful, and full of early summer warmth.

Carl Prothman | Photography@carlprothman· Jun 8

Mount Rainier from White River Campground. What I liked most about this view was the layering. Dark forest in the foreground, a rugged ridge in the middle, and the bright snowfields of Rainier rising above it all.