Posted by Mike Klarich on June 12, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I need some help with where to get some good nature photography locations in the Seattle area this July. I'm flying out renting a car and who knows where to go from there? I have nothing planed yet. What are the must see locations?
as Jim stated, it depends on how far you're willing to travel. Within Seattle, the Arboretum and Japanese Garden are good "urban nature" destinations. If you're willing to drive further, Olympic National Park and Mt. Ranier National Park can be a day trip, though Olympic is a little longer as it will involve a ferry ride. I'd imagine that the wildflowers around Ranier could be pretty compelling, depending on when in July you're visiting.
Here's a link to photos from my trip to Seattle last year - a mix of nature and urban subjects; nothing spectacular, mostly touristy shots, but they'll give a flavor of a few different areas.
Posted by Mike Klarich on June 12, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Rick, Jim, Thanks!
I'll be out in Washington for 2 weeks, renting a car and going anywhere and staying where ever I lay my head. I plan on putting on some miles and seeing as much as I can in 2 weeks (Canada/Washington). Looking for the normal scenic places along with original places tourist would not normally visit.
Then go to port angles and see Hurrican e Ridge from there go to the cost and check out ht the rain forrest. Mount Rainiere and St Hellens are great also
Mount Rainier NP is a must see but I think there is STILL a LOT of snow up in the mountains and will be for quite sometime. lodging/camping in MRNP will be limited at best.
Hurricane Ridge too is nice but again it's gonna have lots of snow still too. I will be up in Deer Park this weekend so I'll let ya know just how much snow is up there. Both Hurricane Ridge and Deer Park are in Olympic NP on the North side of the park. Port Angeles is a nice base to work out of for the north side of the park.
The coast is awesome, Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach and Second Beach are all great.
For more local to Seattle shooting Kubota Garden in south Seattle is a wonderful hidden gem of a garden. Alki Beach in Seattle makes for nice sunsets. Pike Place Market is fun to shoot and LOADED with dining delights.
Snoqualime Falls (my backyard) is a great shoot and 1/2 hour from downtown Seattle.
The San Juan Islands are a real treat to explore/shoot and enjoy. You can take a ferry to Friday Harbor and have a fun few days shooting up there.
Anacortes has a wonderful city park named Washington Park that has some excellent silvered trees with orange dirt that makes some wonderful images. Great sunsets too.
Mount Shuksan is a real iconic shot but best in fall.
These should get ya going. If you wish email me and I'll be glad to share my phone number and talk more on the phone.
Posted by Scott Nelson on June 21, 2008 at 6:53 PM
The Mt. Rainer trip is great going up Hwy 410 to the Paradise lodge. There is an amazing overlook looking south to the mountian just past Crystal Mt ski resort. I imagine the snow issue might clear out some by the time July hits. If you head in that direction, I would highly recommend continuing over the pass to Eastern Washington. You'll be amazed at the change in landscape/climate by just a few dozen miles.
The North Cascade Hwy loop is a fantastic trip and if the pass is open, has some of the most amazing views I have ever seen. Here is a link to their site: http://www.cascadeloop.com/
Honestly, the state of Washington is an outdoor photographers dream. I've been here 18 years and am still in awe at some of the views. There really arent too many places around here you cant find great things to shoot. Enjoy your visit here; you picked a great time of year.
Discussion
6 repliesJim
as Jim stated, it depends on how far you're willing to travel. Within Seattle, the Arboretum and Japanese Garden are good "urban nature" destinations. If you're willing to drive further, Olympic National Park and Mt. Ranier National Park can be a day trip, though Olympic is a little longer as it will involve a ferry ride. I'd imagine that the wildflowers around Ranier could be pretty compelling, depending on when in July you're visiting.
Here's a link to photos from my trip to Seattle last year - a mix of nature and urban subjects; nothing spectacular, mostly touristy shots, but they'll give a flavor of a few different areas.
I'll be out in Washington for 2 weeks, renting a car and going anywhere and staying where ever I lay my head. I plan on putting on some miles and seeing as much as I can in 2 weeks (Canada/Washington). Looking for the normal scenic places along with original places tourist would not normally visit.
Jim
Hurricane Ridge too is nice but again it's gonna have lots of snow still too. I will be up in Deer Park this weekend so I'll let ya know just how much snow is up there. Both Hurricane Ridge and Deer Park are in Olympic NP on the North side of the park. Port Angeles is a nice base to work out of for the north side of the park.
The coast is awesome, Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach and Second Beach are all great.
For more local to Seattle shooting Kubota Garden in south Seattle is a wonderful hidden gem of a garden. Alki Beach in Seattle makes for nice sunsets. Pike Place Market is fun to shoot and LOADED with dining delights.
Snoqualime Falls (my backyard) is a great shoot and 1/2 hour from downtown Seattle.
The San Juan Islands are a real treat to explore/shoot and enjoy. You can take a ferry to Friday Harbor and have a fun few days shooting up there.
Anacortes has a wonderful city park named Washington Park that has some excellent silvered trees with orange dirt that makes some wonderful images. Great sunsets too.
Mount Shuksan is a real iconic shot but best in fall.
These should get ya going. If you wish email me and I'll be glad to share my phone number and talk more on the phone.
The Mt. Rainer trip is great going up Hwy 410 to the Paradise lodge. There is an amazing overlook looking south to the mountian just past Crystal Mt ski resort. I imagine the snow issue might clear out some by the time July hits. If you head in that direction, I would highly recommend continuing over the pass to Eastern Washington. You'll be amazed at the change in landscape/climate by just a few dozen miles.
The North Cascade Hwy loop is a fantastic trip and if the pass is open, has some of the most amazing views I have ever seen. Here is a link to their site: http://www.cascadeloop.com/
Honestly, the state of Washington is an outdoor photographers dream. I've been here 18 years and am still in awe at some of the views. There really arent too many places around here you cant find great things to shoot. Enjoy your visit here; you picked a great time of year.