Cascade Springs is a large artesian spring north of the Mt. Timpanogos Wilderness Area and along the Alpine Loop Scenic Backway. Seven million gallons of water a day flow down a series of limestone terraces and pools among lush vegetation. The short half-mile nature trail wraps around the natural springs and streams with bridges, boardwalks, and paved pathways. Crystal clear waters make it easy to spot trout that inhabit the pools. Interpretive signs along the pathways explain the geology of this small natural wonder. This is an enjoyable destination for families and hikers of all ages. Ample parking is available and public vault restrooms are onsite.

The above text is from Heber Valley Attractions

 This was my favorite Autumn spot this year. The lead image that follow are all from the last week of September or first week of October 2022.

These images were taken right at sunrise. It’s a short walk down a dirt road where I took the lead image of a box elder tree and all its glorious seed pods with beautiful light striking the mountains. 

For the other images I scrambled down to the beaver pond you can see in the lead image. 

Feature Image Details

• EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera
• Canon 24-105MM F4 L Lens
• 1/4 second ISO 100 F13
• Focal length 56mm

Focus Stacking

As usual on my landscape images, most of these are focused stacked. That means I took at least one shot of the foreground, middle ground, and background to keep everything sharp. Then I blended them together. 

Additional Images 

 

You can walk all the trails easily in 30 minutes. But I fell in love with this spot and spend several hours on each of three trips. These images are off the main trail but easily accessible down the dirt road.

It is a scramble down to the beaver pond, and very easy to slide into the water because the bank is quite steep. 

Morning light is different than afternoon light. And on one day I spent hours photographing a pair of moose that made an appearance for at least an hour one afternoon. Images coming up.

Tips

• Polarizers help. They lengthen the shutter speed giving smoother, more pleasant-looking water. 
• Focus stacking and longer shutter speeds necessitate use of a tripod. But if you goal is just a pleasant hike, that’s OK too. This is a beautiful place just to see and enjoy. 
• Nearly always, bright overcast is better for moving water. Second best is shade. Sometimes weak light filtering through makes a dramatic image. I have an example in a subsequent post. But full is nearly always a killer. 
• Notice the reflection in the lead image. Reflection shots are best if the water is in the shade but sunlight is hitting the reflected object, in this case distant trees.

Equipment

Those interested in my equipment and recommendations can find it here: Mish’s Equipment List.

Please Share!

If you like this article, please share by email or use one of the share buttons beneath the article.

Much more coming up Click to Subscribe by Email.

Mike “Mish” Shedlock