Winter Storm at Hug Point

Large storm waves are a grand attraction on the Pacific and can make for drama and also danger. These are not really "sneaker" waves in this context. It's simply a continual powerhouse of surge, current and beauty. These waves are so large they actually break on the reefs far off shore, so the ocean has the appearance of a gigantic washing machine of chaos.

One of my favorite places is Hug Point in all weather. No tourists dragging their coolers and umbrellas at this time of year. It's also high tide, so the dynamics are in full swing.

My main "position" is approaching the beautiful falls of Falls Creek from the highway, descending wet vegetation and mud. This platform before the creek makes it's final leap to the beach is roughly 15 feet high. A great view but can, at times, feel like it is not high enough. Occasionally there are logs perched on the ledge at the top of the falls, and then swept away.

Surging water from the north

The drama of water surging, tossing logs like they are matchsticks, shows the power and beauty of water.

Surging water from the south

Transforming clouds, changing their shapes and patterns.

The sun peaks through the maelstrom

A much higher platform and a grand view of the waves and their power.

Safely above the turmoil

The waves full force

Brief Visit to Ecola and Hug Point

The first part of the afternoon was spent exploring Indian Beach at Ecola State Park with my step daughter Nadia and her partner Mike, including a hidden waterfall and an hike/overview of the steep and beautifully forested Tillamook Head.

With an incoming tide, Hug Point was the next destination. It rained most of the day, but cleared as evening approached. Unlike the many beach lovers in summer, it was serene, lovely and the falls had plenty of water.

 Especially this time of year, one has to be very careful of wave surge, particularly north of the falls. This is the first place to be inundated with waves. It was quite disconcerting, especially alone. 

Water moving in over the rocks, and my boots. 13 sec. exposure.

  
The top of falls is thoroughly safe, from the waves at least. A special place, with many places for the imagination to roam.

Heading south now after sunset, a parting shot of this lovely area.

 There are a number of small headlands between Hug Point Beach and Arch Cape. Beautiful confluences of basalt and sandstone is found here.

Oregon North Coast Workshop, July 17th, 2011

One thing you can count on in the Northwest is the weather changing it's mind, regardless what the computer models say. After delaying our workshop for one day, some of the participants experienced a righteous downpour in the early morning upon leaving Portland, but everyone was able to come, at least for part of the day.

The tide was well out as we made our way down to beautiful Hug Point and the myriad photographic opportunities there, including caves and a nice waterfall. It was a cool and overcast morning, so we had the potential of rich colors with lower contrast. We dodged the rain until 11a, when a light soaking was the theme. A good time for lunch and reviewing.

Shooting at Hug Point

The deep cave at Hug Point. Good to try HDR here. Thanks, Bill

After our review session, we strolled down to Haystack in the mist to be greeted by crashing waves and an incoming tide.

A few folks had to head back, but the rest of us were treated to somewhat clearing skies at the north end of Cannon Beach near Bird Rocks (sometimes known as Guano Rocks, for obvious reasons). with sea grass and a great view of Haystack.

Next we headed to Ecola State Park, another photographer's paradise. Since the weather had been rather rainy, the usual Sunday crowd was absent, and it was quite peaceful there.

Lush and well watered covering at Ecola State Park. Note those tripods.

Last stop was Indian Beach, Ecola State Park. Tide was going out as we strolled the beach, with pelicans flying and the sun finally making a modest appearance near the day's end. An added bonus was elk at Ecola Park making a somewhat unusual summer appearance!

Participants photographs can be viewed here>>

Thank you all for coming!