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Washington Coast Astrophotography Adventure - 2 Nights (July 14-15, 2026)

$895.00

Two midsummer evenings on the wild edge of Olympic National Park: we’ll work the sculpted driftwood and tidepools of Kalaloch at golden hour, then settle near the iconic Tree of Life beaches as twilight deepens and (weather permitting) the Milky Way lifts over a restless Pacific. Expect mood—sea mist, low surf haze, and glowing horizons—perfect for blue-hour foreground plates, long-exposure water texture, and clean, stackable night skies when the marine layer breaks. We’ll time our sessions to favorable tides for safe access and graphic leading lines, with sunrise options for coastal fog and shorebird silhouettes. Field-first, small-group, and zero fluff—just unforgettable coast light and a repeatable night workflow you can take anywhere.

Two midsummer evenings on the wild edge of Olympic National Park: we’ll work the sculpted driftwood and tidepools of Kalaloch at golden hour, then settle near the iconic Tree of Life beaches as twilight deepens and (weather permitting) the Milky Way lifts over a restless Pacific. Expect mood—sea mist, low surf haze, and glowing horizons—perfect for blue-hour foreground plates, long-exposure water texture, and clean, stackable night skies when the marine layer breaks. We’ll time our sessions to favorable tides for safe access and graphic leading lines, with sunrise options for coastal fog and shorebird silhouettes. Field-first, small-group, and zero fluff—just unforgettable coast light and a repeatable night workflow you can take anywhere.

Additional Information — Washington Coast (Kalaloch / Tree of Life)

Terrain & Walking

  • Short beach approaches via maintained paths/stairs; expect 0.5–2 miles total per evening on soft sand, cobbles, and driftwood.

  • Occasional step-overs across large logs; no scrambling/climbing required.

  • We time sessions to safe tides; some compositions require brief wet-sand crossings.

Clothing & Personal Prep

  • Waterproof shell + mid-layer (coastal wind/chill even in July), beanie/light gloves.

  • Waterproof hiking boots with good traction; bring neoprene/water shoes or knee-high rubber boots if you want to wade tidepools/creek edges.

  • Extra socks, microfiber towel, small trash bag (for sandy gear), and a compact umbrella for mist.

  • Headlamp with red mode; bug repellent optional.

Photo Gear Notes

  • Tripod with wide “sand feet” (or tennis balls/rock bag DIY) to prevent sinking; wipe legs after each set.

  • Lenses: ultra-wide to mid-range

  • Lens cloths + rain cover; silica/desiccant in bag.

Conditions to Expect

  • Marine layer is common: plan for moody blue hour, long-exposure water texture; Milky Way appears when breaks occur.

  • Cool, damp wind (50s–60s °F after dark); mist/fine spray near surf.

  • Sneaker waves and shifting surf lines—keep bags above the wrack line and eyes on the ocean.

Safety & Etiquette

  • We keep an exit path behind us and never work on isolated rocks at a rising tide.

  • Tidepool ethics: step on bare rock/sand only—avoid anemones, sea stars, and eelgrass.

  • Wildlife: give seals/shorebirds space; no lights at wildlife; keep illumination low and brief.

  • Light discipline at night for other visitors and natural ambiance.

Physical Requirements

  • Able to carry a 10–20 lb kit and walk 1–2 miles on uneven sand with occasional log step-overs.

  • Comfortable descending/ascending beach access stairs/paths.

Meeting, Parking & Facilities

  • Meet at Kalaloch Lodge lot or designated beach pullouts (details/GPX provided after booking).

  • Restrooms at Kalaloch Lodge and select day-use areas; none on the beach.

  • Park pass/fees may apply within Olympic National Park—bring your pass or card.

Weather & Contingency

  • If heavy fog or surf makes night shooting unproductive, we pivot to blue-hour seascapes, long-exposure water studies, and coastal abstracts, then watch for sky breaks.

  • High winds/rip-risk → sheltered coves or higher vantage points above the surf line.