Posted by Scott Bideau on June 4, 2012 at 11:30 PM
I'm going to be in Seattle next week for a few days (June 12-14) and would love to bring my camera gear along. I've read through the posts and see the typical recommendations of San Juan Islands, Olympic, Rainier, etc.
I'm curious what the wildflower situation will be. Is it too early?
What is the weather like in June around the Seattle area? Rainy? Foggy? Mount Rainier is obviously known for usually having some weather covering it. I've heard that Olympic Park is usually impacted by weather as well. Curious if there are areas that are more reliable for good shooting weather-wise?
Any unique locations that might present better reliability for shooting (ie. no bad weather) would be greatly appreciated.
Hi, Scott:
Weather in June in the Seattle area is unpredictable. But I hasten to add that "bad weather" can provide some of the best photo ops. In the area of the city of Seattle, there are many fine parks that provide good landscape opportunities. Many more if you can drive 1 to 3 hours from the city. Lots of good in-city shooting, too.
IF you are totally averse to shooting in bad weather, i.e., a little rain and/or wind, don't bother bringing your gear. With suitable rain gear for self and camera, you'll be prepared for a great time for photography. And chances are, there may not be any bad weather at all.
A "unique area" with reliable weather this time of year is the Palouse in Eastern WA State nearer to the ID border. It's a trek from Seattle, though. Another thought is the "rain shadow" areas of the Kitsap Peninsula-- Port Townsend, Port Angeles and Sequim-- all are 2 to 3 hours from Seattle and involve ferry rides across Puget Sound.
Hope this is helpful. Names and places for the Seattle Metro area can be provided if you decide it's worth bringing your photo gear!
Mid-June is too early for wildflowers at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, Mt. Rainier, and just about anywhere in the Cascades above 2000' elevation.
An option, both for wildflowers and if it's nothing but rain in Seattle is to head over the Cascades on US Hwy 2 to the Leavenworth area. It's a beautiful drive with some waterfalls along the way. Leavenworth Ski Hill (just north of town), can be very good for wildflowers, although June will be too late for the for masses of balsamroot and lupine.
Heading over the Cascade Crest on the way to Leavenworth, you might find some good wildflower patches along Hwy 2 from the Nason Creek Rest Area south to Tumwater, and over around Lake Wenatchee.
I'm not as familiar with parts north, but looks like some great suggestions from Catherine and Greg. I agree 100% that it will be too early for flowers at higher elevations. Farther south here in the gorge, flowers start to the east and move higher and westward as the season progresses. They peak in the eastern end in late April and early May, and at higher elevations in the western gorge in early June, and then work there way up to the base of the mountains by early to mid July. They typically don't get going at higher elevations until August.
Discussion
3 repliesI'm curious what the wildflower situation will be. Is it too early?
What is the weather like in June around the Seattle area? Rainy? Foggy? Mount Rainier is obviously known for usually having some weather covering it. I've heard that Olympic Park is usually impacted by weather as well. Curious if there are areas that are more reliable for good shooting weather-wise?
Any unique locations that might present better reliability for shooting (ie. no bad weather) would be greatly appreciated.
Weather in June in the Seattle area is unpredictable. But I hasten to add that "bad weather" can provide some of the best photo ops. In the area of the city of Seattle, there are many fine parks that provide good landscape opportunities. Many more if you can drive 1 to 3 hours from the city. Lots of good in-city shooting, too.
IF you are totally averse to shooting in bad weather, i.e., a little rain and/or wind, don't bother bringing your gear. With suitable rain gear for self and camera, you'll be prepared for a great time for photography. And chances are, there may not be any bad weather at all.
A "unique area" with reliable weather this time of year is the Palouse in Eastern WA State nearer to the ID border. It's a trek from Seattle, though. Another thought is the "rain shadow" areas of the Kitsap Peninsula-- Port Townsend, Port Angeles and Sequim-- all are 2 to 3 hours from Seattle and involve ferry rides across Puget Sound.
Hope this is helpful. Names and places for the Seattle Metro area can be provided if you decide it's worth bringing your photo gear!
Mid-June is too early for wildflowers at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, Mt. Rainier, and just about anywhere in the Cascades above 2000' elevation.
An option, both for wildflowers and if it's nothing but rain in Seattle is to head over the Cascades on US Hwy 2 to the Leavenworth area. It's a beautiful drive with some waterfalls along the way. Leavenworth Ski Hill (just north of town), can be very good for wildflowers, although June will be too late for the for masses of balsamroot and lupine.
Heading over the Cascade Crest on the way to Leavenworth, you might find some good wildflower patches along Hwy 2 from the Nason Creek Rest Area south to Tumwater, and over around Lake Wenatchee.