Gold Rush on McGee Creek

Aspen aglow over McGee Creek

Early last month, some photographers friends, my son, and I met up near Mammoth Lakes, California in the Eastern Sierra Mountains. Just after sunrise, we ventured over to nearby McGee Creek just in time to catch the aspen trees, glowing neon-yellow, in the morning light.

McGee Creek Gold Rush

Yellow aspen trees glow along McGee Creek (https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/mcgee-creek/) near Mammoth Lakes, California (Eastern Sierra Mountains)

 

[Photo caption:] Yellow aspen trees glow along McGee Creek (https://www.monocounty.org/places-to-go/lakes-rivers-creeks/mcgee-creek/) near Mammoth Lakes, California (Eastern Sierra Mountains)

McGee Creek is well-covered with trees and other foliage, making it a real challenge to actually get to the water, but my son and I were able to find the perfect spot to squeak through. We made it into the creek and discovered this bend with its spectacular, golden aspens. This shot is extra-special because I was able to capture the bright yellow tree with the creek in the foreground and I didn’t even get my feet wet!

I was astonished at how much water was still in the creek even after the dry summer months. And take a look at the right side of the image. See those exposed tree roots? The heavy winter snow run-off caused the creek to swell, washing out the embankment. Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me. . .