I’ve crossed the border and am now in Oregon. I’ll be spending the next three days driving up the coast towards Portland. There was no sunrise or sunset today… just think overcast and rain. A few areas had drifting fog, which was a little more entertaining. It looks like rain will be the norm on this trip.
Welcome to Oregon Brian! Hope you enjoy your time on the Coast! I wish I was there this weekend!
Ben My bad sorry I know your not Brian! its Late! sorry for the mix up! well hope you have fun!
In Washington…
One area to try this time of year, if you have time, is possbily chinook pass.
Rainy, Foggy, maybe a little snow, it’s on the paradise side of Rainier.
If you get fog or even some early morning mist or low rain clouds there are some phenomenal valley shots driving up the road (just have to keep your eyes open)
The rest stop just before tipso lake sometime has some great valley shots too.
No RV’s though! This is a treacherous road if the weather turns nasty. They will be shutting it down soon, little tipso is also awesome for rainier in the AM if you get a cloud break (doubtful) or snow and sun (it has happened, we have wierd weather here)
Reflection lake on the other side if you get any evening action.
Seattle has a few lighthouses that are cool when the fog and low clouds roll in, not to mention deception pass (if you head north on a low cloud stormy day)
Farther north (we have micro climates) Picture lake up at baker is worth a trip if they get better weather, or even darrington (white horse mountain) if it snows has some eye popping scenery (up by Bellingham) but not a lot of people can find a shot because of the town (there are a few places)
Also coast has some amazing wave action this time of year (Olympic National Park) with mist fog, and giant breakers, but thats a drive and a half.
You just never can tell around here.
For instance, overcast right now in bellevue, but the sun just broke out, wierd wierd wierd. Anyway in the pacific north west “Mood shots” are in this time of year (or shoot flowers in doors)
If you are into waterfalls check out
http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/
Canon beach is worth a trip also (Oregon / WA coast) for the Ecola park and the lighthouse if you get the right conditions.
A few of the coastal light heads are good to, but it’s a long way to drive for a maybe.
If you want specific ideas on an area let me know…
I’ve heard there’s a saying in Portland that “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.”
Hope you get some PNW photo ops. It’s a gorgeous area.
Head over to the eastern side of the Cascades! Bend is practically always sunny. However, there absolutely is no place prettier than the Willamette Valley in the sunny moments! Anywhere in the Willamette Valley.
Hey Ben
I’m not sure if you are still in Oregon, but if you are you MUST eat at Camp 18, Mile Marker 18, Hwy 26
Seaside, OR 97138
It’s this amazing restaurant. Check out the review…
http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Writeup.aspx?ReviewID=1537&RefID=1504
I still dream about the cinnamon rolls, and I haven’t been in OR since 2001!
Safe travels!
Deb