The Kreps Family owns a large cattle ranch north of Bingen, Washington and are kind enough to open their property to hikers.

Green grass and warm sunshine welcomed me to their trailhead on the first full day of winter.

The 8 1/2-mile loop hike traveled along the open summit of 2,300-foot Burdoin Mountain for several miles.

The open Oak Savannah environment was a magnet for blacktail deer. Because the wind was in my favor, I was able to sneak close to many of them.

One of the benefits of solo hiking and photographing is that it’s much easier to see wild animals, birds too, before they see you. This tip is one of the true secrets of good wildlife photography.

Blacktail Doe (easy to sneak up on when she’s focused somewhere else)

Hood River Bridge over the Columbia River

Blacktail Doe on the alert

Lone mature Ponderosa Pine on the slopes of Burdoin Mountain

Lower trail on Burdoin Mountain

Blacktail Doe (easy to sneak up on when they’re feeding)

Dense clouds near top of Burdoin Mountain