Exploring Lake Steinhagen, Texas

Located in the heart of East Texas, Martin Dies Jr. State Park offers a rich mix of forested beauty and aquatic wonder, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike. At the heart of the park lies Lake Steinhagen, a reservoir with a fascinating history and an ever-changing light soaked landscape that’s perfect for capturing the magic of nature through the lens.

The History of Lake Steinhagen

Lake Steinhagen, sometimes referred to as Dam B, was created in 1951 as part of the construction of the Town Bluff Dam on the Neches River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the reservoir primarily for flood control, water supply, and recreational purposes. Over the decades, the lake has become a haven for wildlife and a favorite destination for campers, birdwatchers, and photographers.

The lake covers roughly 13,000 acres and is surrounded by dense woodlands, marshes, and sloughs, providing an excellent variety of environments to photograph. The primary purposes of Lake Steinhagen, also known as B. A. Steinhagen Reservoir, are to:

1. Reregulate the intermittent power releases from the Sam Rayburn Dam.
2. Provide head for hydroelectric power generation.
3. Divert water into a supply canal for various uses.
4. Store water for flood control.

Lake Steinhagen’s Appeal for Photography: The Lake of Light

Lake Steinhagen consistently delivers incredible opportunities for landscape and wildlife photographers. Whether it’s the reflection of cypress trees in the still waters, the colorful hues of sunrise and sunset, or the abundant birdlife, there’s always something worth capturing. In our experience, Steinhagen offers ample opportunity to capture beautiful light as it plays with the many features found in and around the lake.

A Labor Day Weekend to Remember

We recently camped at Martin Dies Jr. State Park over Labor Day weekend and returned with some beautiful photos that truly highlighted the lake’s diverse lighting conditions. Unlike our last visit, where the morning light was brilliant and the evening fell flat, this time the evening delivered a photographer’s dream. A major storm system was brewing across Texas, creating dramatic lighting over the lake during golden hour.

The sun broke through patches of clouds, illuminating parts of the landscape while leaving others in shadow, creating dynamic compositions that were both moody and awe-inspiring. These fleeting moments, where sunbeams played across the forest and water, gave us the opportunity to capture some of the most memorable landscape shots we’ve ever taken.

The Next Morning’s Disappointment

However, the next morning was a different story. We woke before sunrise, hoping for a repeat of the previous evening’s brilliance. But the storm had settled in, leaving a blanket of thick, overcast skies with no light breaking through. While we couldn’t capture any notable images that morning, the spectacular evening before more than made up for it.

An Eerie Encounter at Gum Slough

Despite the lack of morning light, our early wake-up provided an unexpected wildlife encounter. Before dawn, we ventured to Gum Slough and walked out onto a pier, shining a light across the water. To our surprise, we saw two glowing red eyes staring back at us from the murky water. On closer inspection, it turned out to be an alligator! Unfortunately, the lighting conditions were too poor to get a shot, but seeing such an eerie sight in the pre-dawn hours was a thrill in itself.

Tips for Capturing the Beauty of Lake Steinhagen

1. Golden Hour is Key: The best light at Lake Steinhagen often comes during the golden hour, when the sun is low and its light is softer, creating stunning reflections and dynamic contrasts.
2. Be Prepared for Changing Weather: As our Labor Day weekend experience showed, weather can change rapidly. Storm clouds often create dramatic, but fleeting, lighting opportunities, so keep your camera ready.
3. Explore Wildlife: Beyond landscape photography, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, migratory birds, and even the occasional deer. Keep your lens ready for wildlife encounters, especially in marshy areas like Gum Slough.
4. Scout Locations Early: Whether you’re aiming for sunrise, sunset, or wildlife, scouting your locations early will help you find the best spots for the perfect shot.

Martin Dies Jr. State Park and Lake Steinhagen are ideal locations for photographers seeking to capture the untamed beauty of East Texas. With its rich history, diverse ecosystems, and ever-changing weather conditions, it’s a location that never fails to surprise and inspire. Whether you’re after moody landscapes, wildlife encounters, or serene water reflections, this park offers countless opportunities to fill your camera roll with nature’s wonders.