If it weren't for imported maples, there would be no autumn reds in this part of the Northwest. So, Nature compensates by offering every shade of yellow and orange.

That is, every shade imaginable but impossible to replicate in painting or even photography.

After all, these mountains are moody and unpredictable. And the same run-of-the-mill aspen can transform from muted, rusted pastels to deep honey or semi-transparent amber all in a single day.

You just have to see it.