Crepuscular rays appear as the sunrise is filtered by the forest. Taken in Thornewood Open Space Preserve, in California’s Bay Area.

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California, just outside of Palo Alto, is Thornewood Open Space Preserve. You can find it wedged between (new) La Honda Road and Old La Honda Road. The small park is fairly nondescript. However, it can be strikingly beautiful in the right weather. Unlike most Redwood forests in the area, Thornewood is on the east side of the mountains, so does not get as much fog. This means that it dries quickly, so is best visited during or right after a rainfall. Under these conditions, the mist and revived moss turn the landscape into a lush primeval rain forest. I set out to explore the park the morning after the season’s first serious rain. When I first rounded the bend, this scene looked completely different, with no beautiful rays. I paused to briefly take in the scene, and began photographing something in the opposite direction of this tree. Then I felt the light change behind me, and turned to see these amazing crepuscular rays piercing through the mist and branches. It lasted like this for only five or so seconds, and I was lucky to capture it in time.

Purchase “Percolating Sunrise – Thornewood Open Space At Dawn” Fine Art Print: