Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma – Mount Scott Scouting Photography, Part 1

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge campground hosts recommended Mount Scott as a place for sunset photography and so did the rangers in the visitor center, so I drove up the scenic drive to check out the views.

The steep drive up Mount Scott passed by large boulder fields and scenic views across the Oklahoma landscape.  I stopped at a number of pull outs to check out the local views.

View From the slope of Mount Scott, iPhone Scouting Photo
Lichen on Mount Scott Granite, iPhone Scouting Photo

Many of the granite boulders here are covered with yellow and grey lichen, forming interesting patterns on the rock faces.

Mount Scott Granite, iPhone Scouting Photo

There are massive granite rock faces along the route to the top of Mount Scott.

Yellow Wildflowers and Yellow Lichen, Mount Scott Granite, iPhone Scouting Photo
Shoe Rock, Mount Scott Granite, iPhone Scouting Photo

I’ve labeled this photo “Shoe Rock”, since I can see a shoe shape in the rock on the bottom left.

Blocky Rocks and Sky, Mount Scott Granite, iPhone Scouting Photo

When I reached the parking lot on the top of Mount Scott, I initially walked around the perimeter of the lot, looking out over the views.  I was discouraged to see much litter in the area around the parking lot.  I picked up a few plastic bags and put them into my trash.  I did not see any trash receptacles in the area.  When I am shooting photographs in such public areas, I often have to remove trash from the scene, prior to shooting.

The Duck, Mt. Scott Tree Remnant, iPhone Scouting Photo
View from Mt. Scott, iPhone Scouting Photo

From the parking lot, I worked my way down and into the area just below the parking area.

Mt. Scott Tree, iPhone Scouting Photo

This sprawling tree offered a number of photographic opportunities.

Artistic Sprawl, Mt. Scott Tree, iPhone Scouting Photo
Pom Pom Tree, Mt. Scott Tree, iPhone Scouting Photo

After this brief scouting of the area, I decided that I did not like all of the human infrastructure that would be visible in wide angle images across this area.  I decided not to return here, during this short visit; but I still wanted to explore more, in case I changed my mind or came back another time.  I retrieved my DSLR with 24-70mm lens from my vehicle and began a more extensive exploration.

Until next time,

Ken

 

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