I am planning a trip to visit relatives who live in Santa Rosa. But I only visited Bodega Bay on a really foggy day many years ago. I don't remember anything particulary scenic there. And I certainly have not seen many photos of it.
So I was wondering if there is a section of coast up there which is remarkable in any way for photographic opportunities? Is there anything on the same level as say Big Sur, Carmel, or even Eureka? I won't have much time coming out from CO so I have to maximize the time I have for shooting. I may just skip it and do the longer drive south toward Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz and Carmel.
Anyone with any experience, examples and/or photography advice along that section of coast would be be appreciated.
Derek,
Bodega Bay is a small, scenic fishing village with a few good photo ops. After having exhausted Bodega Bay, continue north on Hwy 1. The coast gets more rugged as you go north. Salt Point State Park and the area around it are good spots as the forest meets the rocky coast. If you have the time, go all the way to the town of Medocino. Both the coast and inland are scenic. If you cut inland on Hwy 128 along the Navarro River, you could go to the rhododendron grove nestled in the redwoods (I don't remember the name of the park in which the grove resides, but there are signs pointing the way.)
If you want to stay closer to Santa Rosa, visit Armstrong Woods State Park in Guerneville. Take River Road (freeway exit) from the north end of Santa Rosa directly to Guerneville. At the second stop light in Guerneville, take a right onto Armstrong Woods Rd which ends in the park.
Happy shooting.
Thats a big help and gives me gives me good food for thought. Although I am a CA native I have never really explored that section of coast before.
I think it might also help to find some online galleries of it. I am also looking for a photographers guide to the N. Cal coast. So far I haven't found much. Any book or website references would be appreciated.
Nick gives you some really good suggestions! I live in Petaluma near Santa Rosa so I can give you some specifics as well. If you like the coast I'd highly recommend (as Nick did) Salt Point State Park. The geology is fantastic.
Just north of Salt Point is Stump Beach. If hike around the headlands just south of Stump beach itself you will find some great rock formations that "dive" right into the ocean
In the Bodega area I would recommend going to Bodega Head. There is a nice perimeter trail around the head which could offer good shots. If you like craggy, rocky beaches, I suggest my favorite spot which is called Furlong Gulch. It's easily accessible and often deserted. Furlong is in between Wright's beach and Shell Beach.
Download the brochure from the Cal Parks website here: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451
It gives you all the names of the beaches and you'll be sure to find Furlong.
As Nick also suggested if you go further North to Mendocino I HIGHLY recommend Bowling Ball beach which is just south of Pt Arena.
Last but not least I'd also suggest going to Pt Reyes or Mt Tamalpais on Marin county. About an hour south from Santa Rosa.
Feel free to look at my small gallery here: www.oegallery.com/mprlandscapes for some "suggestions".
Hope this helps.
Mike
Posted by Stefan Ganev on June 30, 2008 at 2:33 AM
Hi Derek,
There is plenty of nice little beaches and dramatic coastline along Sonoma Coast, just North of Bodega Head. If you have time to travel and would like to explore more of the California coast, going North to Mendocino is worth; or South - to Point Reyes. You mention Carmel and Big Sur in your message, but they are really too far from Santa Rosa.
Discussion
4 repliesI am planning a trip to visit relatives who live in Santa Rosa. But I only visited Bodega Bay on a really foggy day many years ago. I don't remember anything particulary scenic there. And I certainly have not seen many photos of it.
So I was wondering if there is a section of coast up there which is remarkable in any way for photographic opportunities? Is there anything on the same level as say Big Sur, Carmel, or even Eureka? I won't have much time coming out from CO so I have to maximize the time I have for shooting. I may just skip it and do the longer drive south toward Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz and Carmel.
Anyone with any experience, examples and/or photography advice along that section of coast would be be appreciated.
Thanks, Derek
Bodega Bay is a small, scenic fishing village with a few good photo ops. After having exhausted Bodega Bay, continue north on Hwy 1. The coast gets more rugged as you go north. Salt Point State Park and the area around it are good spots as the forest meets the rocky coast. If you have the time, go all the way to the town of Medocino. Both the coast and inland are scenic. If you cut inland on Hwy 128 along the Navarro River, you could go to the rhododendron grove nestled in the redwoods (I don't remember the name of the park in which the grove resides, but there are signs pointing the way.)
If you want to stay closer to Santa Rosa, visit Armstrong Woods State Park in Guerneville. Take River Road (freeway exit) from the north end of Santa Rosa directly to Guerneville. At the second stop light in Guerneville, take a right onto Armstrong Woods Rd which ends in the park.
Happy shooting.
Thats a big help and gives me gives me good food for thought. Although I am a CA native I have never really explored that section of coast before.
I think it might also help to find some online galleries of it. I am also looking for a photographers guide to the N. Cal coast. So far I haven't found much. Any book or website references would be appreciated.
Thanks again for the help.
Nick gives you some really good suggestions! I live in Petaluma near Santa Rosa so I can give you some specifics as well. If you like the coast I'd highly recommend (as Nick did) Salt Point State Park. The geology is fantastic.
Just north of Salt Point is Stump Beach. If hike around the headlands just south of Stump beach itself you will find some great rock formations that "dive" right into the ocean
In the Bodega area I would recommend going to Bodega Head. There is a nice perimeter trail around the head which could offer good shots. If you like craggy, rocky beaches, I suggest my favorite spot which is called Furlong Gulch. It's easily accessible and often deserted. Furlong is in between Wright's beach and Shell Beach.
Download the brochure from the Cal Parks website here: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451
It gives you all the names of the beaches and you'll be sure to find Furlong.
As Nick also suggested if you go further North to Mendocino I HIGHLY recommend Bowling Ball beach which is just south of Pt Arena.
Last but not least I'd also suggest going to Pt Reyes or Mt Tamalpais on Marin county. About an hour south from Santa Rosa.
Feel free to look at my small gallery here: www.oegallery.com/mprlandscapes for some "suggestions".
Hope this helps.
Mike
There is plenty of nice little beaches and dramatic coastline along Sonoma Coast, just North of Bodega Head. If you have time to travel and would like to explore more of the California coast, going North to Mendocino is worth; or South - to Point Reyes. You mention Carmel and Big Sur in your message, but they are really too far from Santa Rosa.
Good luck!
Stefan