Posted by Kurt Budliger on July 22, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Hey Folks:
I'm a Vermont based photographer in the Seattle area for a few days visiting friends with my family. I was hoping to get out for a sunrise and/or sunset shoot and looking for a few recommendations. I don't have a lot of time and probably won't be able to camp (perhaps a few hours sleeping in the back of a subaru, hoping to stay within a few hours of Seattle. Hoping to shoot around a nice lake (alpine or otherwise) or flower meadow with great mountain backdrop. Considering Mt. Rainier but gather there is still tons of snow. Is the ice out on Refleciton Lake? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
There are areas leading up to Paradise that appear to be open and maybe Paradise is open at this time. I'm hoping so since I'm there in 2 weeks !!
There is also the enchanted wildernes to the East of Seattle as well as Mount Baker to potentially explore.
You might also want to consider the Olympic's. Hurricane Ridge will still probably have flowers and awesome views..... Go far to the West and do a sunset at Second Beach (close to La Push) - it's a 1 mile hike and lots of drift logs to hike over at the end, but it's truly one of the most beautiful beaches in the PNW. Try to time it with as low a tide as you can for closer access to sea stacks and marine life.
Posted by Mary Dempsey on July 23, 2008 at 9:06 AM
We were up at Paradise 2 1/2 weeks ago and there was still lots of snow. We were at Sunrise last week and the snow was gone as that is the "dry" side of the mountain. There were no wildflowers yet but that was a week ago. You could call the Ranger station... they are very helpful.
I would try sunrise at Rainier - I'm heading there this weekend to give it a shot. Wouldn't even consider Mt. Baker; still 15 feet of snow at the top. I've also seen recent reports that Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic NP might be a great spot for wildflowers and I think most of the snow is gone. If your on the paradise side of Rainier, give Tipsoo lake a shot. Might be some snow/ice covering the lake but still might make for a great sunset shot.
Hi, Kurt,
Welcome to the great PNW! I just returned from Hurricane Ridge and other areas of Olympic NP. Wildflowers are great everywhere-- Sol Duc trail for woodland varieties, the Ridge for lupine, paintbrush and cinquefoil and more of the alpine flowers, even some at the beach (we were at Rialto). Nice views at Hurricane Ridge, too; snow still on the peaks. Unfortunately, some driving delays are inevitable as the road up to the Ridge is under some big time repair. In other areas along the drive you'll see foxglove, fireweed and yellow vetch among others. And if you're interested, the lavender fields at the farms in Sequim are in full bloom. It's just after the festival, so a great time to go. Be sure to have the lemon-lavender ice cream at Purple Haze farm. You'll have to return every year just for that special treat! Hope you have a great time.
Posted by Kurt Budliger on July 25, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Thanks for all the suggestions. I don't how much I'll be able to check out, not a dedicated photo trip, mostly quality time with my little girls. We hit Cresent beach today and had a blast running in and out of the surf, oh to be that little and care free again. I plan to hit Hurricane Ridge tomorrow and perhaps Sol Duc area on Sat. before heading back to Seattle. Maybe time for a solo trip for Dad to Rainier on Suday before heading back to VT. Thanks again.
kurt
Posted by Mary Dempsey on July 26, 2008 at 1:41 AM
Kurt,
did you manage to make it to Hurricane Ridge today? I didn't check the post until now. I made my husband drive me up there. It was a really great day! A little too bright for much picture taking but that was my first time there. Have fun at Sol Duc!!
Discussion
6 repliesI'm a Vermont based photographer in the Seattle area for a few days visiting friends with my family. I was hoping to get out for a sunrise and/or sunset shoot and looking for a few recommendations. I don't have a lot of time and probably won't be able to camp (perhaps a few hours sleeping in the back of a subaru, hoping to stay within a few hours of Seattle. Hoping to shoot around a nice lake (alpine or otherwise) or flower meadow with great mountain backdrop. Considering Mt. Rainier but gather there is still tons of snow. Is the ice out on Refleciton Lake? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Kurt
There is also the enchanted wildernes to the East of Seattle as well as Mount Baker to potentially explore.
You might also want to consider the Olympic's. Hurricane Ridge will still probably have flowers and awesome views..... Go far to the West and do a sunset at Second Beach (close to La Push) - it's a 1 mile hike and lots of drift logs to hike over at the end, but it's truly one of the most beautiful beaches in the PNW. Try to time it with as low a tide as you can for closer access to sea stacks and marine life.
I would try sunrise at Rainier - I'm heading there this weekend to give it a shot. Wouldn't even consider Mt. Baker; still 15 feet of snow at the top. I've also seen recent reports that Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic NP might be a great spot for wildflowers and I think most of the snow is gone. If your on the paradise side of Rainier, give Tipsoo lake a shot. Might be some snow/ice covering the lake but still might make for a great sunset shot.
Drew
Welcome to the great PNW! I just returned from Hurricane Ridge and other areas of Olympic NP. Wildflowers are great everywhere-- Sol Duc trail for woodland varieties, the Ridge for lupine, paintbrush and cinquefoil and more of the alpine flowers, even some at the beach (we were at Rialto). Nice views at Hurricane Ridge, too; snow still on the peaks. Unfortunately, some driving delays are inevitable as the road up to the Ridge is under some big time repair. In other areas along the drive you'll see foxglove, fireweed and yellow vetch among others. And if you're interested, the lavender fields at the farms in Sequim are in full bloom. It's just after the festival, so a great time to go. Be sure to have the lemon-lavender ice cream at Purple Haze farm. You'll have to return every year just for that special treat!
kurt
did you manage to make it to Hurricane Ridge today? I didn't check the post until now. I made my husband drive me up there. It was a really great day! A little too bright for much picture taking but that was my first time there. Have fun at Sol Duc!!