driving from SF to the north - DPChallenge Forums

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/20/2004 06:12:55 AM · #2

Hi Doron

I'd say it depends on whether you're driving up Hwy 1, or Hwy 101.

Going up Hwy 1 will give you coastal views but depending on trafic and road conditions can take you alot longer. If you really don't mind taking all day to get there then you can get some incredible views along that stretch of hiway.

Headed north I'd say stop wherever you see a view that you enjoy, and also stop at Pt Arena, and Mendicino.

I'd set aside some time in Fort Bragg and ask a local (or the people at the Denny's close to downtown) for directions to Glass Beach (its amazing, its really made of tons of glass) and try to visit MacKerricher State Park as you drive north out of town (its an awesome park and great beach).

Stop north of Eureka for Patricks Point and Agate Beach, both are great.

You really can't go wrong with this drive, its just awesome the whole way. If you ever have the chance sometime spend a few days and go all the way up through Oregon along the coast. You'll never forget it.

Have fun and take lots of pictures!
Dave

PhilipDyer

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

05/20/2004 07:16:37 AM · #3

If taking photos is your priority, then you absolutely must drive up Hwy 1, rather than 101. Just plan on it taking a long time and pack Dramamine for your passengers, because the road is very slow and windy (as in lots of twists and turns, not lots of wind). Excellent chance that it will be foggy, so plan for that and count yourself lucky if the sun is out.

I concur with all of the Count's recommendations. You can't go wrong with any of those locations. Be sure to take just a few minutes as soon as you cross the Golden Gate to take that first left turn and get some photos of the bridge with downtown in the BG. You might also detour up into Muir Woods once you turn off of 101 north of the Golden Gate. You can get some great redwood shots and even some nice vistas looking down onto the enormous Stinson Beach from up there. Also, keep an ear out for wildlife when driving near the water on your way up Hwy 1. You can often catch some sea lions playing around on the shore, and occasionally will spot some otters and even dolphins.

Have a great trip!

e301

05/20/2004 07:26:55 AM · #4

Originally posted by Count:

I'd set aside some time in Fort Bragg and ask a local (or the people at the Denny's close to downtown) for directions to Glass Beach (its amazing, its really made of tons of glass)

My god the borders on the photos on that site are UGLY

E

Count

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/20/2004 02:47:37 PM · #5

Originally posted by e301:

My god the borders on the photos on that site are UGLY
E

I know it! Glad its not my website...

05/20/2004 04:41:54 PM · #6

Since it seems you are going a pretty far up the coast I would recommend avoiding the sections of Hwy 1 closest to SF. If you live in the SF Bay Area you know they are hell. Lots of traffic, slow drivers, accidents all the time. I'd drive up 101 to say Hwy 116 in Petaluma (probably no need to stop, all the apple trees have finished blooming but you might see some interesting farmscapes) then hang a left on Bodega and drive out to the down of Bodega and Bodega Bay. Along the way you can take some photos of the rolling countryside, cows, and as a bonus the schoolhouse they shot "The Birds" at.

Continue along Hwy 12/Bodega till you hit the ocean and hang a right (obviously). Just after Bodega there is a really pretty section of rocky coast. I'm not sure what the name is but you see it in a lot of postcards from the area. Continuing up from there you'll cross the mouth of the Russian River. On weekends there are lots of ocean going kayakers. Sometimes an interesting shot or two there. On a clear day you can also sometimes see some brave souls hang gliding from the Goat Rock area. From what I understand a particularly challenging location.

Continuing north you are not too far away from Fort Ross. Fort Ross was the original Russian settlement in California. You can get some interesting views of the fort there. If you're lucky they will be firing the cannon while you're there. A few park officials dress up in traditional period Russian outfits and fire the large cannon. Very nice and great for sequence shots.

If you would have gone earlier in the year (wet months) just north of Fort Ross are state parks with tons of wild mushrooms. Great if you're into that type of photography.

Still north is Point Arena, I think somebody mentioned it previously. Nice photo op but I think there are more attractive lighthouses. (Pigeon Point south of SF for example)

North to Mendocino and by this time if you haven't already it's time for a nice meal, a drink, and to stretch your legs and wander around taking photos. The coast before and after are great so you may consider taking a picnic break or you can get something in the town and photograph the old time victorian feeling. The church photographs well and is featured on numerous postcards. If you have the time for a good walk the Mendocino Headlands State Park is good for interesting seascapes. They have a sea tunnel or natural bridge there that is really neat.

Fort Bragg was mentioned by another. I've never managed to do much in Fort Bragg other than the when I was younger we would alway take a ride on the Skunk Railroad. If you're into trains that's the thing to do.

After Fort Bragg you'll want to pull off and drive down the Avenue of the Giants. This is where you can drive through the trees. It gets crowded but what's better than taking a photo of you and your friends going through the middle of a hollowed out tree. The AVE is right near the park you are going to so I'm sure it's already on your visit list.

The particular route I outlined is very much an ALL DAY drive. You'll make it to Humboldt if you don't spend a lot of time at any particular place. When I've done it I would just make notes of places that looked interesting in the morning and photograph in the late afternoon. So basically half the journey on the way up and half on the way down. Since there are hills and mountains facing west I think all the scenic type shots alone here photograph better in the late afternoon/evening.

sfalice

Canon PowerShot SX60 HS

05/20/2004 06:27:24 PM · #7

Originally posted by Count:

Hi Doron

...I'd set aside some time in Fort Bragg and ask a local (or the people at the Denny's close to downtown) for directions to Glass Beach (its amazing, its really made of tons of glass)...

And I thought this pretty little beach was my secret!

You cannot go wrong with any of the advice on this page, but it sure does take time. Highway 1 is incredibly beautiful but literally cannot be rushed. TechnoShroom's tips are spot on!

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

05/20/2004 06:51:37 PM · #8

Originally posted by sfalice:

And I thought this pretty little beach was my secret!

It's been featured on a number of TV shows. If you're partial to Heull Howser he did an episode on it and Patrick's Point State Beach in his California's Gold series a few years back.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

05/20/2004 07:07:54 PM · #9

Rent a convertible.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

05/20/2004 07:08:21 PM · #10

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

Originally posted by sfalice:
And I thought this pretty little beach was my secret!

It's been featured on a number of TV shows. If you're partial to Heull Howser he did an episode on it and Patrick's Point State Beach in his California's Gold series a few years back.

Bay Area Backroads also. History channel, on their Modern Marvels program couple of days ago showed the hardships of building the PCH, Highway 1 and Highway 101 up to the Oregon border.

Message edited by author 2004-05-20 19:25:58.

sfalice

Canon PowerShot SX60 HS

05/20/2004 07:33:50 PM · #11

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

Some one of these days I'm just going to have to start watching TV! ;>)

05/20/2004 09:07:12 PM · #12

Originally posted by faidoi:

History channel, on their Modern Marvels program couple of days ago showed the hardships of building the PCH, Highway 1 and Highway 101 up to the Oregon border.

Yeah, I watched that program before. Great show, made me really want to visit some of those places further north.

We've been thinking about planning a drive up to Washington. The only downside of road trips for me is the GF. I like driving but the car puts her to sleep almost instantly. So there is nobody to talk to. On the other hand if she drives I can't sleep because she makes me so nervous. She's either grinding gears or tailgating or whizzing in and out of cars. Just freaks me out.

We are going to Las Vegas in June and taking the longer route through Yosemite with stops in the park, Mono Lake, Rhyolite, and after we get to vegas side trips out to Red Rock, Valley of Fire, and possibly Zion. This trip may kill driving for me for awhile.

sfalice

Canon PowerShot SX60 HS

05/20/2004 09:40:30 PM · #13

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

[quote=faidoi] if she drives I can't sleep because she makes me so nervous.

We are going to Las Vegas in June and taking the longer route through Yosemite with stops in the park, Mono Lake, Rhyolite, and after we get to vegas side trips out to Red Rock, Valley of Fire, and possibly Zion. This trip may kill driving for me for awhile.

Oh, but she drove some lovely 'S' curves in that RoadSign Challenge...

You have a super trip planned. There's those bristlecone pines after Mono Lake... You're scampering through D.V. (smart move in June) but stopping at Rhyolite (one of my favorite photostops). Hope you post pics later on.