Tehachapi to Olympic Peninsula

[David Eckels]

Mid October. Always wanted to stop briefly in Tehachapi for some shooting. Any suggestions.
From there, up along the western slope of the Sierras to Oroville then on up to Medford OR, Columbia River Gorge, and Port Townsend.
I've read Bob Hitchman's excellent Photograph America concerning these areas, but thought I'd see if any LuLanders have a can't miss suggestion or two, especially with respect to Tehachapi. Good places to stay or eat?
Thanks in advance.

[marvpelkey]

As you did not specify the particular route you wished to follow, nor your time frame or photo interests and/or your physical capabilities, I will just throw this out:

Instead of heading through Medford, perhaps take 97 (at Weed, I think) and up through Crater Lake (should be good this time of year), then 197 to The Dalles (on the Gorge). The Dalles is a short distance to the old highway and "Waterfall Row". There are also a couple WFs on the Washington side of the Gorge as well as a couple wineries, a museum and Stonehenge type war memorial. We just did the Gorge and water is good at all falls. There are also a couple prime spots (on Wa side) to capture kite and sail boarders. There were a gazillion when we were there and you can get them backlit in the latter part of the day. Take a long lens though as my 70-200 was not quite long enough, wish I had taken my 200-500.

As I absolutely hate travelling I5 through the Seattle area, I would go through Portland, W/B and get to the coast, then take the coast road up into and through Olympic National Park. Unless you have commitments in Port Townsend, I don't find that area as interesting as the west coast of the Park, so the coast route keeps you along the coast and, if necessary, you can reach Pt Townsend via the west/north route.

Also don't know your budget/hotel/eating preferences, so won't throw out any advice in that respect, other than to say, the Gorge has a lot of hotel/motels as does ONP, a couple nice (and pricey) places which are right on the water.

Marv

[David Eckels]

Marv thanks for the reply. Some of my trip is constrained by visits to family. I am in good condition and able to walk 5-10 miles at a good clip so short hikes are easy; not so much for my friends when we get up to Pt Townsend. I am particularly intrigued by Waterfall Row and any hotel suggestions on the west end of the gorge and Multnomah Falls, which I've been want to photograph ever since I saw a Vinnie Versace  version years ago. If you have any favorite places to stay or restaurants you're willing to share, I'd be much obliged; don't worry about budget, I could always hock the camera or a lens or two!

[marvpelkey]

David,

Although we have been to the Gorge quite a few times over the years, we have only stayed at two hotels - Best Western Plus in Cascade Locks. Nice place, overlooking the river. We always visit a brewery/restaurant just down the street less than a block on the same side where I always eat the salmon rice bowl (We don't really prefer fancy places and just want decent healthy food). And Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa in Hood River. Old Spanish style building and reasonably decent place. Other than that, we take our travel trailer and stay in White Salmon where we eat in-house.

If you decide on the Gorge, make sure you research the various waterfalls. Many are literally roadside (like Multnomah, which can be over-run with tourists), along the small (and I mean quite narrow in places) historic highway, but some require a hike to reach. And, due to the big fire in 2017-ish, some locations that are well away from the road, may still be access-closed.

Although the more popular falls are on the Oregon side, Washington has a few as well, and they are less travelled. My most favourite on this side is Panther Creek Falls. Bit of a drive, if you don't know the area, but well worth the effort. And make sure you hike down to the bottom (along a switch-back trail).

Also, make sure you take a wide-angle lens. Many of the falls are quite tall and viewpoints quite close (so you are literally looking waaaay up to see the whole thing).

Feel free to ask any other questions,

Marv