My Unforgettable Pacific Northwest Road Trip

For years I had dreamed of an epic road trip up the West Coast to immerse myself in the raw beauty of this part of the U.S. As a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, scenes of towering redwoods, roaring Pacific coastlines and mossy green rainforests had interested me for years. I decided 2024 would be the year I would finally make this trip a reality. I mapped out my route starting in the vibrant streets of San Francisco with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge serving as the backdrop, followed by Muir Woods’ magical giant redwoods to start my retreat into nature’s peace and grandeur. As a seasoned wedding photographer, I was eager to chase glowing golden hour light in some of Mother Nature’s most spectacular settings. Equipped with my camera gear, tripod, hiking boots and a sense of wonder, I set off on my solo adventure feeling an exhilarating mix of excitement, joy and possibility for what lay ahead on the open roads twisting along the gorgeous Pacific coast. With my bags packed and my rental car loaded with my gear, this trip was finally becoming a reality. This was only the beginning of what would become an awesome journey of discovery, natural marvels and adventure! a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach

View of the Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach.

Pacific Northwest Road Trip – Muir Woods

I should point out that scheduling this trip in late January was intentional. I learned through conversations on a previous trip to Oregon’s Willamette Valley that the rainy season in winter would provide the kind of dramatic skies I was looking for in my images. To prepare, I loaded up on Columbia Sportswear’s rain gear and lens covers from Think Tank to keep myself and my camera gear dry.

My first stop was the astonishing, ancient Muir Woods. For any nature lover or hiking enthusiast like me, visiting the Bay Area wouldn’t be complete without hiking one of the last old-growth forests in the world. Walking among the towering redwoods, I was hypnotized by these majestic trees and their canopy hundreds of feet above. The rain (pouring at times) created a sage forest scent, and perfect stillness filled me with a profound sense of peace. Although I missed the sight of spotted owls and bobcats, I lingered as long as I could, knowing this magical retreat would stay with me.

At the entrance of Muir Woods National Monument, visitors are greeted by a serene and majestic scene. The entrance area is marked by a rustic wooden sign bearing the name of the monument, nestled amidst the lush greenery and ferns that thrive in the shade of the towering trees. In Muir Woods National Monument, amidst the tranquil forest, there stands a majestic tree atop a serene lake. This towering redwood, reaching towards the sky, reflects its verdant foliage in the calm waters below, creating a mesmerizing tableau of natural beauty. In Muir Woods National Monument, the branches of the ancient redwood trees are adorned with a lush covering of vibrant green moss, creating a stunningly aesthetic display. The walking path at Redwood National Park lined with gigantic trees The Redwood Grove Loop Trail offers visitors a captivating journey through the heart of Muir Woods National Monument's ancient redwood forest. In the heart of the Redwood Grove, the tranquil waters of the lake gently lap against the smooth stones that line its shores.

Pacific Northwest Road Trip – Muir Beach Overlook

Traveling up California Route 1 and not far from Muir Woods, you’ll find Muir Beach Overlook. This location offers spectacular views of the Pacific and rocky coastal cliffs, but bring a windbreaker! The steep stair trail out to the furthest lookout point is more than a little blustery, but well worth the view!

The Muir Beach Overlook offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco, and the North Bay area. Perched atop the coastal cliffs, visitors can marvel at the vast expanse of the ocean The view from Muir Beach Overlook in Muir Beach, California, is simply breathtaking. Perched atop the coastal cliffs, visitors are treated to an expansive vista of the rugged Northern California coastline.

Pacific Northwest Road Trip – Fort Bragg, California

I was pleasantly surprised to discover the under-the-radar coastal town of Fort Bragg. Logistically, it was about halfway between San Francisco and my next stop, Redwoods National Park. After a 170-mile drive from Muir Beach Overlook, it was a perfect location to spend the night. The next morning I woke up at 5 am to photograph the sunrise at a local coastal area before embarking on the 200-mile drive up the PCH to the entrance of Redwood NP. I was rewarded by a gorgeous sunrise and watched in awe as the powerful Pacific Ocean crashed against the haystacks. It was a spectacular way to start the day! The rocky shoreline at Fort Bragg, California, presents a rugged and stunning coastal landscape. Jagged rock formations jut out from the shoreline, sculpted by the relentless action of the Pacific Ocean over millennia. Along the Oregon Coast, a rugged and picturesque rocky beach stretches as far as the eye can see. The coastline is characterized by dramatic cliffs and jagged rock formations that meet the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.

Pacific Northwest Road Trip – Redwood National and State Parks

During my drive towards Crescent City and Redwoods NP, the sheer size and geographical diversity of our country’s 3rd largest state really sank in. In my 20-ish visits to California over the years, I had traveled between the border with Mexico in the south to as far north as Napa Valley. I knew that there was still a large part of the state that stretched north of Napa but this was my first time experiencing it.

As I approached Redwood NP, I had already traveled almost 350 miles from my starting point in San Francisco. Being from the east coast, we just don’t have anything to compare this too. For example, as a New Jersey resident, that distance would take me from my NJ home through 5 states and have me enjoying a lobster roll in Maine 6 hours later!

So, after a 3.5 hour drive, I was finally venturing into the heart of Redwood National Park. I was dwarfed walking among the tallest, most ancient trees on Earth. I stood speechless gazing at their colossal trunks, wider than school buses! As fog crept between the giants, I felt their mystical energy – as if I’d stumbled into the realm of elves and sprites. The moss-covered trees (a result of up to 80 inches of rain per year, thus making it a rainforest) reminded me of alien beings. I left knowing I’d barely scratched the surface of this magical kingdom. Interesting Fact: The Redwood National and State Parks are a complex of one national park and three California state parks (I thought it was one big park). The combined Parks contain Redwood National Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. The parks’ 139,000 acres preserve 45 percent of all remaining old-growth coast redwood forests. a gray asphalt road winds its way through the towering trees of Redwood National Park, creating a natural tunnel of verdant foliage overhead The titan trees of the Redwood National Park shimmer in the morning sunlight, their towering forms bathed in a golden glow. Along the Karl Knapp Trail, hikers are immersed in a verdant forest adorned with a lush carpet of moss that blankets the landscape. wood boardwalk bridge with old redwood trees cutting into the path at Redwood National Park Wooden signage of the Karl Knapp Trail which is a 2.5-mile loop that leads hikers alongside a babbling creek and under some of the tallest redwood trees in the world. In the early morning along the Karl Knapp Trail, the forest is shrouded in a veil of fog, lending an ethereal atmosphere to the landscape. Amidst the serene forest, sunlight filters through the canopy above, casting a golden hue on the landscape below. Towering trees, adorned with a vibrant cloak of yellow-green moss, bask in the warm glow of the sun's rays. As you stand along the banks of the Smith River, you're greeted by a mesmerizing sight: the tranquil waters of the river shimmer with hues of blue and green, creating a stunning contrast against the surrounding landscape. a small river in between towering trees at Redwood National Park the Smith River is famous for its stunning blue-green waters, which shimmer in the sunlight and reflect the surrounding foliage. Along its course, the river passes through towering redwood forests, rocky gorges, and tranquil meadows, providing a diverse array of habitats for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike man is standing behind a towering tree that has fallen. This once magnificent redwood tree, standing at an impressive 20 feet in diameter, now lies on the forest floor, its massive trunk and sprawling branches a testament to the grandeur of nature.

It’s hard to tell from this selfie but the trunk of this fallen tree behind me was easily 20 feet high.

In the tranquil depths of Redwood State Park, sunlight filters through the dense canopy above, casting light among the towering redwood trees.

After the first day of exploring a couple of the Redwood National Parks, I spent the night in the town of Crescent City. This small town is one of the northernmost towns in California and is about 20 miles from the southwestern Oregon border. It was a great spot to rest up after a long couple of days driving, hiking and shooting before I started my journey up the Oregon coast.

The Battery Point Lighthouse stands proudly atop a rocky promontory, overlooking the rugged coastline of Crescent City, California. Perched on a picturesque peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, this historic lighthouse has guided ships safely through the treacherous waters of the Northern California coast for over 160 years.

Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City, CA. The lighthouse dates back to 1856 and sits on an island that is accessible only by foot during low tide. The waves that I saw crashing around the island were dangerous and it was easy to see why this lighthouse is important to the local shipping community.

Pacific Northwest Road Trip – Oregon Coastline

It didn’t take long for the Oregon coastline to take my breath away with its wild, windswept drama. I first stopped along the Samuel H. Boardman Corridor at several different locations followed by Otter Point State Park and Gold Beach before stopping for the night in the charming town of Bandon. All day my views were filled with sheer cliffs plunging into the sea as waves smashed against the volcanic rock formations. I braced myself against the strong winds/rain and salt spray…all my senses felt alive! Photographing these locations was challenging due to my lack of experience with strong winds/rain and aggressive waves that are common in the winter months in the coastal Pacific Northwest.
I learned a lot…quickly! a stunning and diverse rock formations, sculpted over millions of years by the relentless forces of wind and waves found in Oregon coastline Along the Oregon coastline, majestic cliffs rise dramatically from the edge of the Pacific Ocean, creating a breathtaking backdrop of rugged beauty. The Oregon coastline is dotted with sheer cliffs and rock formations. spectacular rock formations that can be found along the Oregon coastline

Pacific Northwest Road Trip – Oregon Sand Dunes

The Oregon Dunes are over 100,000 years old and stretch approximately 40 miles. The Dunes are the largest in North America and rise up to 500 feet in some areas. I wasn’t aware of the Dunes until I kept seeing them from the Highway and finally stopped to take a look at one of the entrances. I wish I had known and planned to spend more time there. You can rent off-road vehicles, go horseback riding and camp, among other things.

Fun Fact: Frank Herbert’s science-fiction novel Dune was inspired (in part) by the author’s research on and fascination with the area.

towering dunes, some reaching heights of up to 500 feet, create a dramatic and ever-changing landscape that is both awe-inspiring and unique plant life exists in the sandy areas of the Oregon Dunes

The top picture was a plateau that I hiked to that had about a 100-foot elevation. The enormity of the dunes became apparent there…it was all the eye could see in all directions. The couple in this photo walking their dog provides a bit of scale as to the size of this one small piece of the Sand Dunes National Area. Much to my surprise, the bottom photo and its plant life somehow exist in this sandy area.

Pacific Northwest Road Trip – Devil’s Churn

There’s something really beautiful, albeit, scary about the ocean in the winter…especially in the Pacific Northwest. Respect must be given to the sea at all times but just in case you forget, the locals are kind enough to remind us visitors. I heard “don’t turn your back on the ocean” many times. I learned what “sneaker waves” were and saw more than a few posted signs warning me that “serious injury or death by drowning” could occur if I got too close to the action. The problem with that is, if you’re a photographer and you want to create images that have impact, you need to “get close to the action”.

One such place was the location below. I shouldn’t have been surprised that a place called “Devil’s Churn” might be a little dangerous. Most of the area is safe, you just have to use common sense. However, part of the area is a narrow inlet coming inland from the roaring Pacific. The more I looked at it, the more I thought that being at the end of the inlet and shooting towards the ocean would make for a nice shot. The trick was getting out to that point with a 40-pound backpack on, in the rain and knowing that if I slipped and fell into the inlet…well, thankfully that didn’t happen and I got the shot!

Pacific_Northwest_2024_Blog-264 Pacific_NW_waves5 an inlet in the Devil's Churn which is a striking natural feature located along the central Oregon coast, within the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area near the town of Yachats. This narrow inlet or chasm in the coastal rock formations, created by the relentless force of the ocean waves crashing against the shore.

The rocky ledge on the left side of this image is what I had to use to get out to this shooting spot. It doesn’t look like much but it was slippery and raining. Knowing that drowning would be the result of slipping and falling made this a little scary to say the least.

At Devil's Churn, the rugged Oregon coastline reveals its dramatic beauty as towering cliffs stand sentinel against the relentless onslaught of the Pacific Ocean.

Pacific Northwest Road Trip – Otter Rock & Yaquina Head Lighthouse

I spent the night at The Inn at Otter Crest which I recommend if you stay in this area. While I was in the area, I visited the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and made sure to see the Devil’s Punchbowl before heading north. One thing to note that I didn’t factor in to my planning: If you want to see a water based attraction (like Devil’s Punchbowl), make sure that you are there at the right time of day i.e. high or low tide. I missed a couple of opportunities to see some locations at their best because of this. Now I know!

Pacific_Northwest_2024_Blog-281 Oregon_Lighthouse Two majestic eagles soaring over Otter Rock, against a backdrop of rugged cliffs and crashing waves along the Oregon coastline. Two majestic eagles cling to a branch beside the shore, their powerful presence accentuated against the backdrop of the tranquil waters and scenic landscape.

The first time I’ve ever seen an Eagle while traveling…so beautiful!

At the heart of Otter Rock is the iconic Devil's Punch Bowl, a natural bowl-shaped formation carved into the basalt rock by centuries of wave erosion. During high tide or stormy weather, seawater surges into the bowl, creating a mesmerizing display of churning waves and sea spray.

Devil’s Punchbowl in Otter Creek, Oregon.

Pacific Northwest Road Trip – Willamette Valley, Oregon

If you love Pinot Noir, you can head east from Otter Rock to the picturesque Willamette Valley for a day of great wine and food. Pinot Noir’s that rival some of the great French labels can be had here, along with some amazing restaurants and inns to spend the night in before heading back to the coast and up to Washington.

Pacific_Northwest_blog-19 Pacific_Northwest_blog-20

Pacific Northwest Road Trip – Olympic National Park, Washington

My last main stop and one that I had been anticipating for quite some time: the mossy rainforests and stunning beauty of Olympic National Park. I was greeted by cascading waterfalls crashing into ancient ravines cloaked in emerald green. Surrounded by 1,000 year old cedar giants interwoven with sword ferns, I’d found an enchanted woodland kingdom of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike my previous stops along this trip, I must admit that hiking miles into the forest alone got a little creepy at times. Signs at all the trailheads give you advice if a bear or mountain lion crosses your path and also suggest that you “don’t hike alone”. Maybe that was in my head a little as I walked for hours, hearing things scurry around in the forest all around me. If that is something that concerns you, you’d want to bring a companion for sure. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I would go many hours, sometimes a full day without seeing another person. I personally enjoyed that, for the most part, as my camera was my companion on this trip. However, if I had been in an emergency situation (I was often miles away from my vehicle and another human), it wouldn’t have been ideal. Fun Fact: There is little to no cell service in Olympic National Park, especially once you are in the forest. Wooden sign at the entrance of Olympic National Park, boldly stating 'Entering Olympic National Park' against a backdrop of lush greenery and towering trees. Lush greenery abounds in Olympic National Park, where trees draped in vibrant moss and surrounded by diverse plant life create a verdant and enchanting forest landscape. A cozy Mount Storm King Ranger Station nestled amidst the serene wilderness near Olympic National Park backdropped by gorgeous evergreen trees surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery, offering a tranquil retreat in nature's embrace. Lush greenery abounds in Olympic National Park, where trees draped in vibrant moss and surrounded by diverse plant life create a verdant and enchanting forest landscape. Olympic National Park is a majestic wilderness teeming with towering western red cedar, Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, and western hemlock trees, creating a verdant canopy that shelters a diverse array of flora and fauna. Birch trees line the tranquil banks of the Sol Duc River in Olympic National Park, their slender trunks and delicate leaves adding a touch of elegance to the lush riverside landscape. Within Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent offers a serene and picturesque vista surrounded by towering evergreen forests. Old-growth forest, subalpine lakes, and snowy peaks populate the Sol Duc landscape At Kalaloch Beach 4, a warning sign stands prominently, alerting visitors to the unique hazards and attractions of the area. The sign cautions visitors about the ever-changing Tides and the potential dangers of being caught off-guard by rising waters. Wood shards scattered along the windswept shores of Kalaloch Beach Wood shards scattered along the rugged coastline of Kalaloch Beach, remnants of driftwood weathered by the relentless forces of the Pacific Ocean, adding texture to the sandy shores A small rock cave nestled along the shoreline of Kalaloch Beach, framed by towering cliffs and battered by the relentless force of huge waves crashing against the rugged coastline. A tranquil shoreline at Kalaloch Beach, where gentle waves lap against the sandy shore A tranquil shoreline at Kalaloch Beach, where gentle waves lap against the sandy shore

Fun Fact: No one goes swimming in the ocean in this part of the country, not even in the summer months. Between the cold-water temps and the driftwood/tree hazards, going for a swim in the Pacific from Northern California through Oregon and Washington just isn’t a thing!

Pacific Northwest Road Trip – Hoh Rain Forest

The Hoh Rain Forest is a wonderland that will transport you to a primordial world of towering trees, lush vegetation, and an almost ethereal beauty. As I ventured into this temperate rainforest, I was surrounded by a canopy of massive Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and Douglas fir trees that reached dizzying heights, filtering the occasional sunlight into a soft, green glow.My visit here was truly a step back in time, offering a glimpse into one of the few remaining examples of the temperate rainforests that once blanketed much of the Pacific Northwest.

Towering trees adorned with lush mosses in the enchanting Hoh Rainforest, creating a verdant and mystical canopy that shrouds the forest floor in a carpet of greenery. An empty road winding through the heart of a dense forest, flanked by towering trees and dappled sunlight filtering through the lush canopy A serene small lake nestled amidst the towering trees adorned with lush mosses in the enchanting Hoh Rainforest A tranquil lake nestled within the depths of the Hoh Rainforest

Pacific Northwest Road Trip – Rialto Beach

Nearby the Hoh Rain Forest, the secluded Rialto Beach offers a dramatic contrast to the rainforest. This rocky shoreline features giant driftwood logs strewn across the coarse sand like forsaken sculptures. The real draw, however, is the majestic rock formations-known as sea stacks that jut out of the pounding surf. Their presence is utterly breathtaking, inspiring me to wander along the beach and constantly framing new photographic perspectives of this unique location.

Interesting Fact: The logs that wash up on Rialto Beach and other parts of the PNW are massive in size and create a hazard for anyone getting close to the water.

Signs are posted at most beaches warning that logs in the water can kill if they strike someone. Many of the trees are 10 feet around and dozens of yards long, and are piled up like toothpicks at the back of the beach. These logs were entire trees that had fallen into rivers and streams through erosion and storms and floated during flood times down to the ocean or directly into the ocean from the shoreline. The power of the sea is incredible!

Driftwood strewn across the sandy expanse of Rialto Beach, remnants of weathered trees carried by the tides and scattered along the rugged coastline Driftwood strewn across the sandy expanse of Rialto Beach, remnants of weathered trees carried by the tides and scattered along the rugged coastline One of the most iconic rock formations along the Oregon coast is Haystack Rock, located in Cannon Beach. Rising 235 feet above the sandy shores, this massive sea stack is home to a variety of seabirds and tide pool creatures, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and tide pool explorers. A long road winding through the untamed wilderness of Oregon, bordered by towering trees and dense foliage Lake Crescent is a pristine gem nestled within Olympic National Park, showcasing crystal-clear waters surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests A long road meandering through the untamed wilderness of Oregon's lush forests, bordered by towering trees and verdant foliage

In spent my final night in the town of Port Angeles, Washington. It’s a small town that’s a gateway to Olympic National Park. Unlike many of the other towns I had stayed in during this trip, it has full time residents and isn’t reliant on the busy season of Olympic N.P. during the summer. I had plenty of restaurants and coffee shops to choose from which was a welcomed site after a week of very few options!

Lake Crescent, a pristine gem nestled within Olympic National Park, showcasing crystal-clear waters surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests A captivating waterfall cascades gracefully amidst a moss-laden forest along the Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail A wooden dock extending into the pristine waters of Lake Crescent, framed by the majestic beauty of Olympic National Park.

And this is where my 1,500 mile road trip ended before heading to Seattle and a red eye flight back to Philadelphia.  I just happened to stumble upon this dock at Lake Crescent, just 10 miles from Port Angeles, Washington. It was rainy, foggy, moody, peaceful and absolutely beautiful. Not a soul was around and I found it to be the perfect place to wrap this journey up and head home.

Pacific Northwest Road Trip – Seattle, Washington

A panoramic view of downtown Seattle captured from the water, showcasing the city's iconic skyline, with towering skyscrapers, bustling waterfront, and the majestic Puget Sound in the foreground. a black and white photo of the space needle in seattle A panoramic view of downtown Seattle captured from the water, showcasing the city's iconic skyline, with towering skyscrapers, bustling waterfront, and the majestic Puget Sound in the foreground.

As I arrived in Seattle, I gazed back at the open road that had stitched together the highlights of my West Coast road trip. At one point during my dozens of hours in the car, it dawned on me that over the years and concluding with this trip, I had traveled the entire length of the Pacific Coast Highway, from Baja California to Olympia, Washington. All 1,675 miles of it!

I felt renewed having witnessed Mother Nature’s masterpieces firsthand and for the most part, with no one around. But most of all, I’d fallen completely in love with this slice of our spectacular planet, promising myself I’d be back to peel back more of its magical layers.

I highly recommend a Pacific Northwest Road Trip to anyone, especially those from other parts of the U.S. and abroad. You just won’t find anything like it where you live!

Join me on my next stop: Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park.

Want to learn more? Hit me up and let’s chat!

Contact Ralph Deal Photography
The walking path at Redwood National Park lined with gigantic trees