Hunt’s Photo Adventure: Olympic National Park: Rain Forests, Seascapes & Coastal Light

Workshop Description

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Olympic National Park, where moss-draped rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged Pacific beaches create endless photographic opportunities. This small-group photography adventure combines forest trails, tide pools, and iconic sea stacks, giving you a rare chance to capture the park’s diverse natural beauty.

Throughout the workshop, you’ll receive hands-on guidance on composition, light, and capturing both the subtle textures of ancient forests and the dynamic motion of coastal waves. Sunrise and sunset sessions are strategically scheduled to coincide with low tides and optimal light for forests, waterfalls, and beaches.

This workshop is perfect for photographers of all levels who want to immerse themselves in the park’s forests and coastline while building a diverse portfolio of images ranging from intimate moss and fern details to expansive ocean vistas.

Itinerary:
Base: Forks, Washington
Dates: May 17–22, 2026
Theme: Moss, Mist & Magic – Waterfalls, Rain Forests & Coastal Light

Day 1 – Sunday, May 17: Arrival in Seattle

• Arrive anytime at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
• Overnight: Aloft Sea-Tac Airport Hotel (group hotel).
• Rest and informal meet-and-greet.

Day 2 – Monday, May 18: Group Pickup & Travel to Forks

• 8:00 AM: Group pickup at Aloft Sea-Tac Airport Hotel.
• Drive directly to Forks, WA (approx. 4.5–5 hours via I-5 / US-101).
• Afternoon: Check into Forks accommodations and settle in.
• Evening Sunset: Rialto Beach – sea stacks, reflections, and long exposures.

Day 3 – Tuesday, May 19: Sol Duc Falls & Ancient Groves & Second Beach

• Sunrise Shoot: Sol Duc Falls – flowing water in soft morning light.
• Late Morning: Ancient Groves Trail – moss-covered evergreens, forest textures, and filtered light.
• Breakfast: Return to Forks.
• Midday / Afternoon: Rest or optional post-processing session.
• Evening Sunset: Second Beach – tide pools, sea stacks, and reflective sand.

Day 4 – Wednesday, May 20: Coastal Sunrise – Ruby Beach & Hoh Rain Forest

• Sunrise Shoot: Ruby Beach – driftwood, tidal flats, and sea stacks at low tide.
• Breakfast: Return to Forks.
• Late Morning: Optional rest or editing session.
• Afternoon/Evening: Hoh Rain Forest – Hall of Mosses Trail – soft light highlighting moss-draped canopy, forest floor, and ferns.

Day 5 – Thursday, May 21: Sol Duc / Forest & Sunset – Kalaloch

• Sunrise Shoot: Optional forest walk or creek near Forks for soft morning light.
• Breakfast: Return to Forks.
• Late Morning: Rest or optional editing session.
• Evening Sunset: Kalaloch Beach Four – dramatic coastline, wide-angle seascapes, and golden light.

Day 6 – Saturday, May 23: Travel Back to Seattle

• Morning:Depart Forks for Seattle (approx. 4.5–5 hours).
• Afternoon:Arrival at SEA and departure for flights home.
• Return flightsno earlier than 4 pm are recommended to allow for travel.

What’s included:

• Transportation while on the workshop
• Professional in-field instruction
• Image review as requested

What’s not included:

• Airfare
• Lodging
• Cost of meals
• Incidentals and Personal Items
• Travel Insurance/Emergency Medevac Coverage

Skill Sets: All Levels of Photographers are Welcome

Physical Activity Level: Moderate

This workshop involves some hiking of up to two miles round trip, including uphill and downhill sections, at your own pace (We could find other options). Participants will spend extended periods outdoors photographing in varying conditions, often cool, breezy, or wet. Terrain can be uneven, including rocky or sandy surfaces, and may involve standing in shallow moving water. Please refer to the ‘Weather and Gear ‘ section for guidance on dressing appropriately for cooler temperatures, early mornings, and coastal breezes.

In this workshop we will cover:

• Tracking Focus as it applies
• Exposure
• Composition
• Metering
• Use of Lenses
• Subject Development
• Creative Thinking
• Shooting in Low Light
• Motion and Slow Shutter Speed for water movement

Average Weather in Forks, Washington (May 17–22, 2026)

• Sunrise: 5:30 am and Sunset 8:40 pm
• Daytime Highs:Approximately 60°F (15°C)
• Nighttime Lows:Around 45°F (7°C)
• Humidity:Moderate, with average relative humidity around 75%
• Precipitation:May averages about 1.07 inches of rainfall
• Cloud Cover:Expect mostly cloudy skies with occasional breaks
• Wind:Light breezes, averaging around 9 mph

Recommended Photography Gear & Clothing

Camera & Accessories:

• Digital SLR or mirrorless camera
• Multiple fully charged batteries & extra memory cards
• Standard-to-wide lens
• Telephoto lens
• Wireless remote or cable release
• Circular polarizer filter
• Neutral density (ND) filters
• Camera and lens rain cover
• Sturdy Tripod

Clothing & Footwear:

• Warm layers for early mornings and evenings (temps can drop into the 30s°F / 0–5°C)
• Waterproof, insulated jacket or vest
• Hiking or insulated boots with good tread
• Water Socks or Overboots for standing in water
• Rain jacket and/or pants for wet conditions
• Warm hat, gloves, neck gaiter, and warm socks
• Hiking Sticks if you use them

Additional Gear:

• Headlamp or flashlight for pre-dawn or low-light shoots
• Soft-sided rolling duffle for packing gear and personal items

Travel information

• Flights: Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Arrival: Participants must arrive any time on Sunday, May 17, 2026, for an 8 am group pickup on the following day (Monday).
• Departure: Participants may schedule return flights no earlier than 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
• Flexibility: You may arrive before or depart after the official workshop dates if needed to accommodate travel schedules. Please note that hotels and transportation outside the official group pickup and drop-off times is the participant’s responsibility.

Hotel information

The Aloft Hotel at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) will serve as our meeting point on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle, making arrival and departure convenient for all participants.

You are welcome to stay at any nearby hotel; however, it is your responsibility to be on time for the group pickup at 8:00 AM on Monday, May 18. From there, we will drive directly to Forks, Washington, a scenic trip of approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.

Hunt’s Photo has reserved a block of rooms at the Forks Motel for the duration of the workshop. Each attendee will need to call the Forks Motel directly to reserve and pay for their own room.

At the conclusion of the workshop, we will return to the Seattle area on Saturday, May 23. A drop-off at the Aloft Hotel will be available for participants who wish to stay an additional night prior to departing from the airport. Recommended return flights should be scheduled for late evening on Saturday, May 23, or any time on Sunday, May 24, depending on personal preference and timing.

https://www.marriott.com/reservation/rateListMenu.mi Tel (206) 241-0260

https://www.forkslodging.net/forksmotel Tel: (360) 374-6243

Payments
A deposit of 25% of the total cost of the trip is required upon sign-up to secure a spot. The remaining balance is due 45-days prior to the workshop. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.