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OT - Need advice on northern california

Discussion

4 replies
Posted by Richard Voninski on August 3, 2006 at 11:45 AM
Yes i know this is RMNP. But I am not having much luck with this post-request at NPN-California so I thought I would inquiry with my friends here.

I have a trip coming up this month to Northern Calfornia
Specifically I will be visiting the coastal area from Mendocino to Cresecent City, the redwoods, Shasta-Trinity (via hwy 299) and possibly Lassen Volcanic NP.

I am looking for any advice on coastal shots, redwoods (trails must do's etc), any interesting hikes shots etc to explore along hwy 299 to Redding. And any advice on Lassen Volcanic. Is Lassen worthwhile?

Thanks for your help.

RichieV
Posted by Jamie Botdorf on August 3, 2006 at 12:14 PM
The coastal section of your trip is one of my favorite areas to visit! (I don't have any suggestions on Lassen/Shasta, though).

There are tons of nice pull off's, trails down to the beach, etc. as you go up 101. Of course, there are the several locations for the typical redwoods/fern compositions (in the park, Avenue of the Giants)...if you can catch these in the fog, I think they are really dramatic. If it is sunny, you can often get the light filtering through the upper branches of the trees.

I also like the Battery Point lighthouse in Crescent City...great cypress trees, flowers. You can go out to the lighthouse at low-tide. At high-tide the lighthouse grounds become an island.

Don't miss the giant Paul Bunyon and Babe the Blue Ox statues near Klamath! :biggrin:

Have a great trip! Can't wait to see some of your shots!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on August 3, 2006 at 1:56 PM
If you are driving through the area, then certainly plan to stop at Lassen. From a geological perspective, Lassen is certainly worth visiting. Neat lava tubes to explore, etc. But from a purely photographic objective, I'd spend my time on the coast. Keep in mind this is coming from someone who prefers to spend a longer time at fewer locations.
Posted by James H Egbert on August 3, 2006 at 7:11 PM
Man, i lived in the SF Bay Area for a few years and i can tell you that there is so much to shoot there, you can't go wrong! I kept myself on the PCH from San Diego to Oregon and the topography offered more than i could possibly imagine! I envy you for this trip! For me, I'd even head over to the Sierras too!
Posted by Ken Wyatt on August 5, 2006 at 7:36 PM
Hi Richie,
I just received my copy of issue 95 - Photograph America Newsletter, which focuses on Redwood National Park. It's full of tips on the best places to shoot, etc. You may be able to get a copy from Robert Hitchman in time for your trip. He can be reached at (415) 898-3736, hitchman@photographamerica.com or www.photographamerica.com.

I highly recommend subscribing to the newsletter for those who travel to areas in North America, but are not familiar with the target destination.

The other company I recommend is www.phototraveler.com, who markets regional guides to the U.S.