Going to Olympic NP, and Seattle- Sugestions? Lanscapes and Astro-Photography

Hi Everyone!

I am heading to the Seattle area for a work trip at the end of July, and I added a week on to go do whatever I want for vacation. I plan to go to Olympic National Park for sure, Maybe Ranier, and possibly go to the San Juan Islands to see whales I'm from Kansas, so I've never been anywhere in the Pacific NW.

I hope to be able to Photograph:
1. Great awesome Landscapes
Crazy awesome rocky peaks
Epic forests and vistas
SeaScapes with large and small islands
2. Waterfalls!!!
3. Night Photography!
I really love these pictures, especially with the milky way- I do have some experience. I'm thinking the beaches of the park will be best- any suggestions?

I would really like any advice you have on where to see, camp, and take pictures! I am hoping that someone who has been around there can give me some insider information on their favorite places. Pretty Please!!! And thanks so much for the help!

Here's a map of olympic NP if you want to mark it up
http://www.nps.gov …visit/upload/ol​ym_map.pdf

Still hoping someone has some advice for us We are thinking of spending more time at Olympic National Park now, just from some of the awesome pictures we have seen- it looks amazing!

I don't really have a whole lot of advice for you as I haven't done much photography in the Seattle area, but it is very scenic. Mount Rainer is lovely, I'm not sure what the timing is on wildflowers there. There may still be some flowers at the higher elevations that would be pretty to photograph. I know there are some waterfalls in the park as well. Overall I just wanted to say have a great trip and post lots of photos when you get back!

I'm hoping you get some responses, as I'm hoping to plan my own trip out there too. I haven't done too much of my own research yet, but one of the few things I've targeted as a 'must see' is the 'second beach,' specifically at sunset.

Sol Duc Falls is really cool. I went in April a few years ago so I don't know the water flow in July. I liked Second and Third Beach too. Check out some of photos:
http://www.pbase.com/g​oldbough

USA - Olympic National Park

It's been about a year and a half since I have been there....but that area is truly remarkable. Lake Crescent is a really beautiful area, and you pretty much have to drive through there to get out to the west coast. From there you can head over towards Sol Duc Falls, which has an access point near the lake. I would also recommend the beaches on the west coast, starting from South Beach all the way up to Ruby Beach. Remarkable beaches, especially if you can be there for either sunrise or sunset. If you want to stay in the area I highly recommend Kalaloch Lodge, beautiful place and one of the best breakfasts I had on the entire trip. I would also recommend the Hoh Rain Forest, which isn't all that far from the coast, I made the drive up in there after exploring the beaches. The density of the trees in that area is simply stunning. The other place I visited there was Quinalt Lake, but really wasn't all that impressed by it. I more or less just ended up driving through there on my way to Mount Rainer. Prepare yourself for some rain, as it rained everyday I was there, but fortunately it barely penetrates the canopy the trees create within the forest. Let me know if there is anything else I can help you out with.

When driving out there be sure you have enough gasoline. I almost ran out and had to pay $3.99/gal which at the time was incredibly high.

Hit Sol Duc, go down to Second Beach, wander through the different trails at the Hoh Rainforest, cruise down to the southern end and check out the areas around Lake Quinault.

For waterfalls, Madison just north of Alair campground and south of 101,is a short easy hike. Also Marymere Falls is also nice. A little longer hike on a very nice trail through some old growth trees.

Hope that helps.

Brian

Thanks for the help and advice! Here's my planned itinerary, There's no way I can get it all done, I have too much on each day!!

1. Buy food, drive to Olympic (Stay at Sequiem Bay St. Park)
2. hurricane ridge, obstruction point, hurricane hill, lake crescent Kayak?, marymare falls (Fairholme CG)
3. Sol Doc Springs, Sol Doc Falls, Cape Flattery, Shi Shi Beach, get to camp at Ozette (Ozette CG)
4. Cape Alva, 5:30pm MASS in FORKS, Second Beach, Rialto Beach (Mora CG)
5. Hoh Rain Forest, Ruby Beach, Quinault Lake, Merriam Falls, Rent Boats, drive to Olympia, WA (Olympia Hotel)
6. Drive to Rainier, SkylineTR(Panorama Pt), Hike #2 (Cougar Rock CG)
7. Hike to ridge? Hike #3, Stay near Reflection Lake (Cougar Rock CG)
8. reflection lake sunrise, Narda Falls, pick up Work car, Whale Watch??? (Work Trip Begins)