Posted by Terri Norris on March 24, 2006 at 12:39 PM
Hello all!
I'm hoping to pick your brains and expertise for a few suggestions.
I'll be visiting the Seattle area for a week on April 3rd. Of course, I'll have my photo equipment and am hoping that you can suggest some day-trip shooting ops in the area. Probably not the best time of year, but I'll make the best of it.
I know we'll spend a couple of days around Mt. Rainier, but can you point me toward the best approaches or perhaps to some other hot-spots?
Thanks so much in advance...I've enjoyed surfing around the PNWNP site and can't wait to see some of your beautiful scenery!
Terri,
Most of us (not all) who frequent this forum are from the Northern half of Oregon. I myself don't know alot about good spots in the seattle area..One thing I do know is that you should be prepared for lots of snow in the high country. That said, a quick trip down to the Columbia River Gorge on the Oregon side would be a good idea. The greens really start to "pop" that time of year.
Posted by Zack Schnepf on March 24, 2006 at 4:32 PM
Hi Terri. Glad to hear you'll be in our neck of the woods. My one suggestion is to check out the Olympics, especially the coastline there, it may be the most photogenic stretch of coastline in the world IMHO. It's a bit of a drive from seattle but worth it for sure. You could also check out hurricane ridge if it's open, as well as the rainforests, such and the Sol Duc, and Hoh. The Olympic National park is one of the most diverse landscapes packed into a tight area, that's a relative term as the park is still huge, really like it's own small state.
Eric's suggestion is also a very good one, the gorge is well.... gorgeous, and there are some really spectacular hikes that are quite easy and relatively short. Wahclella is a good example, only one mile in and a beautiful waterfall.
IF you choose to visit the Gorge let us know and you may even get a guide or two.
Posted by Mike Jordan on March 24, 2006 at 6:52 PM
There are a lot of great places to shoot in the Seattle area and surrounding Puget Sound region. One group of photographers that can probably help you out a bit more, since they are all based up around the Puget Sound area are the group at this site: http://www.nwphotographers.net/forum/
If you want shots of Seattle, the Space Needle, Mt. Raineer, Eagles, Heron, Owls and other wild birds, and a whole lot more, they will know where it's at.
OK I "AM" from the Seattle area and one could write a book on "where" to shoot here. If it's Mt Rainier you hunger for then I suggest driving up to Paradise Lodge and going snow shoeing from there. The park rangers provide guided tours (including snow shoes) from Paradise Lodge. I don't recall the cost but it was quite reasonable.
The Olympics too are VERY nice but prone to nasty weather. As is Mt Rainier right now... But try going to the coast and find the beaches off Highway 101. Lake Quinault might still have some elk down low so check that out too.
The daffodils are blooming up in the Skagit River Valley outside La Conner. If that's your thing yer in fat city.
The San Juan Islands are a cheap trip right now since it's the off-season. Plenty of sunrise/sunset opportunities up there.
Terri feel free to email me and maybe we can hook up and shoot. I'm working during the week but the weekends are very possible.
Posted by Rick Lundh on March 25, 2006 at 12:45 AM
Hello from Oregon
Posted by Terri Norris on March 25, 2006 at 7:44 AM
Thanks to all of you!
Thanks Rick....The Skagit Valley Tulips sound interesting, as does the drive along the coast on 101. I'll pull up a map and see about Lake Qinault. The San Juan Islands sound like they might be a good side trip, too.
Zack....a drive down to the Olymips would be fantastic....I'll have to see what our time limitations will allow, but if it's up to me, we'll try to add it in.
Thanks again! I knew you'd have some great ideas!
Terri
Another area in Seattle a bit of departure from nature photography is the waterfront, Pike Place & Pioneer Square. They all have wonderful architecture and some great neon signs at dusk. Excellent food can also be found in any of those areas.
I also love Snoqualmie Falls and the Bend/Snoqualmie area for hiking, rivers, greenery,etc. about 30 mins east of Seattle out I-90. The lodge has a wonderful, yet expensive, weekend brunch- you must call ahead for reservations.
Lake Washington is another fun place especially on an early moring with a bit of mist. Kirkland offers some fun waterfront parks and more great food. (I guess I am hungry!) Also some wonderful galleries and shops. Alki Beach and the Magnolia area are both great places for sunsets, I can't remember exactly where the best parks are located. I lived in the Seattle area for 12 years, but I have been back in Portland the last seven years. Have a wonderful trip!
Discussion
7 repliesI'm hoping to pick your brains and expertise for a few suggestions.
I'll be visiting the Seattle area for a week on April 3rd. Of course, I'll have my photo equipment and am hoping that you can suggest some day-trip shooting ops in the area. Probably not the best time of year, but I'll make the best of it.
I know we'll spend a couple of days around Mt. Rainier, but can you point me toward the best approaches or perhaps to some other hot-spots?
Thanks so much in advance...I've enjoyed surfing around the PNWNP site and can't wait to see some of your beautiful scenery!
Most of us (not all) who frequent this forum are from the Northern half of Oregon. I myself don't know alot about good spots in the seattle area..One thing I do know is that you should be prepared for lots of snow in the high country. That said, a quick trip down to the Columbia River Gorge on the Oregon side would be a good idea. The greens really start to "pop" that time of year.
Eric's suggestion is also a very good one, the gorge is well.... gorgeous, and there are some really spectacular hikes that are quite easy and relatively short. Wahclella is a good example, only one mile in and a beautiful waterfall.
IF you choose to visit the Gorge let us know and you may even get a guide or two.
If you want shots of Seattle, the Space Needle, Mt. Raineer, Eagles, Heron, Owls and other wild birds, and a whole lot more, they will know where it's at.
Mike
The Olympics too are VERY nice but prone to nasty weather. As is Mt Rainier right now... But try going to the coast and find the beaches off Highway 101. Lake Quinault might still have some elk down low so check that out too.
The daffodils are blooming up in the Skagit River Valley outside La Conner. If that's your thing yer in fat city.
The San Juan Islands are a cheap trip right now since it's the off-season. Plenty of sunrise/sunset opportunities up there.
Terri feel free to email me and maybe we can hook up and shoot. I'm working during the week but the weekends are very possible.
Thanks Rick....The Skagit Valley Tulips sound interesting, as does the drive along the coast on 101. I'll pull up a map and see about Lake Qinault. The San Juan Islands sound like they might be a good side trip, too.
Zack....a drive down to the Olymips would be fantastic....I'll have to see what our time limitations will allow, but if it's up to me, we'll try to add it in.
Thanks again! I knew you'd have some great ideas!
Terri
I also love Snoqualmie Falls and the Bend/Snoqualmie area for hiking, rivers, greenery,etc. about 30 mins east of Seattle out I-90. The lodge has a wonderful, yet expensive, weekend brunch- you must call ahead for reservations.
Lake Washington is another fun place especially on an early moring with a bit of mist. Kirkland offers some fun waterfront parks and more great food. (I guess I am hungry!) Also some wonderful galleries and shops. Alki Beach and the Magnolia area are both great places for sunsets, I can't remember exactly where the best parks are located. I lived in the Seattle area for 12 years, but I have been back in Portland the last seven years. Have a wonderful trip!