Behind the Image: Dedication Dawn

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I took an early morning October drive to Antelope Lake in Plumas County, California, about a half hour from my Lassen County home. High clouds promised potential for a pretty sunrise and as I stood looking east toward Dedication Island near the dam, it did not disappoint.

Antelope Lake is a small man-made reservoir with about 15 miles of shoreline, sitting approximately 5,000 feet above sea level. It was created in 1964 when a 113-foot-tall earthen dam was built on Indian Creek. This scenic lake is a popular summer destination for recreation, attracting water skiers and anglers seeking trout, bass, and crappie. With numerous sheltered coves and abundant aquatic vegetation, the lake provides vital habitat for waterfowl such as western grebes, various duck species, and white pelicans. Birds of prey, including osprey and bald eagles, are also frequently seen soaring above the lake.

Dedication Island features a small plaque commemorating the reservoir’s construction.

Peaceful sunrise landscape photograph of Dedication Island at Antelope Lake in Plumas County, Northern California. The first light of dawn filters through a stand of tall pines, painting the sky in soft hues of violet, pink, and gold. Gentle mist rises from the lake’s calm surface, adding a quiet stillness to the scene. The silhouettes of the trees stand sharply against the radiant morning sky, reflecting the timeless beauty of this remote Sierra Nevada reservoir. This fine art image captures the serene moment when night gives way to day in one of Northern California’s most tranquil mountain settings.

Prints available here.

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