pikemon

4 weeks is pushing it. We spent 4 weeks just in Oregon one year. Still, highlights would be Mt. Ranier, Mt. St. Helens, waterfalls along the Columbia River gorge in Oregon, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, Big Sur is fabulous but one section of the road is closed due to a landslide. San Diego is a wonderful city to visit. Joshua Tree National Park.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

The northern Oregon coast is very beautiful, and easily accessible via US-101. Many folks like to visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory and if you like Air Museums, there is a nice one just south of Tillamook located in the only wooden blimp hangar still extant. If you plan on using I-5, there are several more Air/Space Museums farther south (do a web search). Pacific City is a nice little town with a beautiful beach and Haystack Rock. (There is another Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, somewhat farther north.) Astoria is said to be a popular place to visit. The Mackenzie River down south offers some lovely scenery and in warmer weather tubing on the river.

The view of the Pacific Ocean from Mt. Hebo is very nice, but dependent on the weather and how well your car can handle the winding road 8 miles up the mountain. (That was my first USAF duty station, so I know it well. All the USAF equipment and buildings are now gone, though.)

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

The San Juan Islands in Washington State are lovely. They are accessed by ferry from Anacortes WA and stops at Orcas Island and San Juan Island are very worthwhile. Victoria BC has already been mentioned regarding the ferry to there from Port Angeles. However, IMHO the ferry from Anacortes and through the San Juan Island group to Sydney, close to Victoria, is much more scenic than the Port Angeles ferry, which crosses open water whereas the Anacortes ferry winds through the picturesque islands. This little corner of the country is considered enchanting by many visitors. I've spent a substantial amount of time photographing there. If you do decide to visit be sure to research ferry schedules through the WSDOT (state dept of transportation) website. There are so many great places in the west to visit choices can be difficult. I haven't read the details in every post but if not already mentioned the red rock country of southern Utah is another fabulous place to visit and photograph. Have a wonderful, fabulous trip. The possibilities are almost endless.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I think this is an absurd plan! You cannot possibly appreciate the magnitude of the country that you will be passing through in such a short amount of time! I know you think that "gee, while we're out west, let's see it all" - but holy crap - you can spend days in the Aspen area, then days in the Durango/Silverton area, and then head north up through Ouray to Grand Junction - there's a week. Yellowstone and the Tetons - or will you miss them - those take a minimum of a week and it would be tragic for you not to go there. I could easily spend a week in Eastern Washington State before heading over the mountains to the coast. Then in California - my wife and I - years ago - spent two weeks just in the San Francisco region - Napa Valley, Carmel, Monterey Bay, Big Sur, and then over to Yosemite, which is really the jewel of California if not the entire west. San Francisco itself is an awesome city to visit - Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, and the bridge itself - very cool. I think you should decide to travel less and see more. Get off the beaten track and really see things! But whatever you do - have fun and stay safe! By the way - if you can spend a few days in the Denver area it will help you acclimate to the altitude, which is even higher in Aspen.

oldgeezer3 Loc: SoCal

Side trip out of Seattle-- Snoqualme Falls. Something you won't find in Jersey! Be sure to check for road closures! If you go to Yosemite, think about Sequoia NP, too. The big trees are astounding. Calif. Highway Dept. has a good website for road closures.

IreneAC Loc: San Diego

I agree about Yosemite being the jewel of California, and maybe the entire west, but not in June !
I have only been there in spring and fall but the horror stories I've heard about Yosemite in the summer would make me stay away .
Maybe go to Yosemite as a separate trip when schools are still in session.

ML13400

Try to visit Big Sur in California.

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Hi
If you get into eastern Idaho I suggest Crater's of the Moon National Monument for excellent photography options (https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm). Take care & ...

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I'm going to assume that the Grand Canyon is on your itinerary - either the north or south rim. I have found driving across country that sometimes driving through the small towns or taking the two-lane roads yields marvelous photography opportunities. But be sure to write down where you are!

mcm981 Loc: Los Angeles, CA

Highway 1 at Big Sur is currently closed due to a major slide and bridge damamge. They are working on the road. Please check conditions and factor the additional time into your itineary. Big Sur should not be missed.

Silvernlight

Sounds like a great photo trip, just be advised that you should check for closed roads before you get committed. Example, Hwy 1 from Big Sir south to north San Louis Obispo county ( the best part) is closed indefinitely due to mud slides. have a safe trip.

PhotosBySteve

If you are restricted to 4 weeks, leave your camera art home, otherwise you will NEVER make it. Use your cell phone along the way, if you are not driving, tho take pictures without stopping. There are far too many photo ops along that entire route. Using your cell phone will allow you to catalog a location with GPS, so you might be able to revisit at a later date to get proper photos.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I know of many places. But 4 weeks you would be like National Lampoon's Vacation. 4 weeks on the PCH alone gets you just a slight taste of what's there.

Desert Gecko Loc: desert southwest, USA

Despite the possibility of crowds, I wouldn't miss Yosemite. Even in June/July, it's worth a visit. I went up twice in July and once in September last year (first year I went up that wasn't in the spring), and the crowds weren't too bad. My kids enjoyed playing in the Merced River (runs down the middle of Yosemite Valley) and swimming in Tenaya Lake & enjoying its beautiful sandy beach -- things that can't be done in spring. Yosemite is simply stunning and IMHO shouldn't be missed. Moreover, if you can manage a drive up US-395 through the beautiful Owens Valley (Lone Pine, Big Pine, Bishop) en route to Yosemite's back door (Tioga Road, or CA 120), you can cut across, do what you want in Yosemite Valley, then exit the west side and get back to the coast via any of several scenic routes.

I also concur that Big Sur is worth a look.