jstauf

All of you amazing photographers have done such a great job with suggestions for photographing the Grand Canyon; could you do me a favor and do the same for my trip this summer? We are taking our RV to these three parks this summer - where are the best vantage points for a beginning DSLR shooter. I'm having so much fun and learning so much - trying to learn it all so I have amazing photos from this trip. Thanks for any assistance you can offer.

Redrock51 Loc: Utah

I'll just address Glacier. We visited there in late July. Spectacular.! Best picts along the "Highway to the Sun" which is usually closed until early July due to snow drifts. Plan accordingly, if you can. Also, Glacier is a hiker's paradise, but has very limited access by road. If you're not planning to hike into the back country, look into the helicopter flights. We did an hour and got some spectacular shots. It's a bit pricey, but how many times in your life will you be there?

llindstrand Loc: Seattle Metro

If you are going to be in Glacier, be sure and go across the border and see Waterton Lakes Park in Canada. It is the sister to Glacier. You are also very close to great parks of the Canadian Rockies and Lake Louise. The Canadian Rockies are much more spectacular than the U.S. ones. If you are interested in Dinosaurs, there is one of the best exhibits I have seen at Drumheller Alberta East of Calgary.

The Crater Lake is spectacular but one cannot depend on getting there until August due to snow. Drive the loop drive or if time is limited at least go up the South side. The Redwoods are interesting but if you are in that general area, Yosemite is far more spectacular. On the East side of Yosemite is Mono Lake and Mt Whitney both of which are very interesting.

So unless your vacation is longer than two weeks, I would take a couple of years to get the most of these areas. If you want additional information on any of these areas let me know.
Swede

HallowedHill Loc: Chattanooga, TN

I can only address Crater Lake, but even from the parking lot there are beautiful views. If you can arrange it get there for the morning Golden Hour. You won't be disappointed.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Glacier to Crater Lake without Yellowstone/Grand Teton?

Crater Lake is easiest since there is a road all around the rim...once the road is open which isn't till like July. But you can take great shots from the lodge which is the only place you can get to when it is buried in snow. The Lake doesn't freeze (mostly...I found some ice) so the main thing is to get it on a clear day.

The problem in the Redwoods is getting the perspective on those things. Also note that there are a lot of Elk in Redwoods so bring a telephoto. You'll want it for the mountain goats in Glacier also.

You might also want to check out Oregon Cave on the way...if you have a small RV or other transportation. The road is very narrow and windy. Also you might be restricted on Going to the Sun highway in Glacier. Check their WEB site for the size restriction: might be 25 feet.

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Note wife and dog for perspective

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Oregon Cave

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TheDman Loc: USA

If you go to actual Redwood National Park, take a long drive down Bald Hills Road. Lots of lupine-covered hills back there.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

When people ask for suggestions for photography trips I often suggest a resource that I think is well worth looking into. For years now, photographer Robert Hitchman has been publishing photography guides through his website "Photograph America". These 10-12 page guides are written by a photographer for photographers, and often contain great suggestions for hikes, vantage points, and less well-known sites of interest in an area.

The guides can be downloaded individually in PDF format for $8 each, or you can purchase sets of guides for regions, such as the Pacific Northwest, or California. (I have them installed on my smart phone and my iPad, so I have access to them while traveling or hiking). For your trip, the guides #20 - Glacier NP, #80 Oregon Backroads (covers Crater Lake), and #95 Redwoods NP, would be helpful. But do take a look at the others offered in the regional sets, as there may be others that would be helpful in your travels around or between the parks you are planning to visit. For example, you might like to have the guide for the Beartooth Highway (#70), Wyoming Bighorns (#108), or Montana Hi-Line (#119) as well.

I'm not a shill for Mr. Hitchman, but I have used his guides for many years and feel somewhat obligated to not keep this resource to myself when the opportunity to share it with my fellow photographers arises.

Best wishes for a fabulous trip!

Allen Hirsch Loc: Oakland, CA

Welcome to UHH.

I visited Crater Lake last summer for the first time. I recommend going early and late for the best light in different directions (that way, you can shoot from both sides of the lake in the best light).

Here's my folio from there:

http://allenh.zenfolio.com/p399129860

Dr.db Loc: Central Point, OR

When traveling between Glacier & Crater Lake, I would strongly suggest taking the scenic route through NE Oregon (Hwy 395 & 26), so you can catch sights like the Painted Hills, John Day fossil beds, etc... - a lot of primo landscape country.

Crater Lake is generally "accessible" year-round, but the opening date for the north road varies greatly from year to year, usually June-July (this year will probably be early!). Here is the Park Service's page for current weather & road updates. Send me a PM when you're in the neighborhood - we'll buy you lunch at Beckie's in Union Creek.

jstauf

Beautiful shots. Thank you for sharing.

jstauf

Thanks for the tip on the "guides" - looks like I'm going to take the Pacific Northwest package after payday - I've already ordered two new lenses for the trip! The guides look very helpful, and I am a regular visitor to the northwest, so they'll be useful for more than just this trip.

Allen Hirsch Loc: Oakland, CA

You should quote who you're replying to, to know what post you're referencing.

jstauf

Thank you Allen Hirsch - I'm not to this forum - I expected the reply to appear directly below. I'll try to remember that.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

My pleasure. I hope you find them as helpful as I have. I use them as supplements to other guides I own, but in some cases they are pretty much the only photography guide I can find for a given area. For example, his guide to the Palouse gave me more helpful info than I could find in any other single place.

jstauf

The Palloose is on my list of places I'd like to see, too. I could make it a part of my way home, so I might have to just stop on by! :D