Olympic National Park Rainforest & Coastal Photography Workshop

This Olympic National Park photography workshop is based in Forks, Washington. Olympic combines dense old-growth rainforest with a rugged Pacific coastline, where moss-covered forests, waterfalls, sea stacks, and shifting surf create two very different photographic environments. We photograph these landscapes at sunrise and sunset, moving between rainforest valleys and coastal beaches as weather, surf, and forest light evolve.

Workshop overview

Panoramic sunset view of Second Beach with sea stacks, rocky shoreline, and dramatic clouds in Olympic National Park.
Dates
Dates TBA
Availability
Dates TBA
Price
$1690 USD
Instructor
Andy Cook

About the Olympic National Park photography workshop

Olympic National Park contains two distinct environments within a short distance of each other. In the rainforest valleys, dense old-growth forest and constant moisture create layered scenes best revealed by soft, even light. A short drive away, along the Pacific coast, the landscape opens into wide beaches where sea stacks rise from the surf and waves and shifting skies continually reshape the scene.

During the workshop we spend extended time in strong locations, staying with each as conditions evolve. Rainforest sessions often unfold slowly as we work through dense forest compositions and the movement of water in shaded creeks, small cascades, and waterfalls such as Sol Duc Falls. Along the coast at beaches like Rialto, Ruby, and Second Beach, attention shifts toward surf patterns, changing light, and the evolving relationship between water, rock, and sky.

Participants come with a range of experience, and guidance happens in the field as scenes develop. Newer photographers can get help with fundamentals like exposure, tripod technique, and composing within complex forest environments. More experienced photographers often focus on refining compositions, managing moving water, and responding to changing coastal light. Andy Cook is present throughout the workshop not to make his own images, but to help participants make stronger photographs, offering feedback when it's useful and stepping back when things are working. You can read more about how instruction works across all workshops on the How We Teach page.

Workshop highlights

Rainforest light and atmosphere

Photographing Olympic's rainforest, like the Hoh Rainforest, is often a slower process. Moss-covered trees, ferns, and small cascades create layered scenes that reward careful composition. Under overcast skies or light rain, color and texture deepen, and the forest becomes easier to photograph as contrast softens across the scene.

Sea stacks, surf, and changing light

Along Olympic's coast we work with sea stacks, surf, and shifting skies at sunrise and sunset. Beaches such as Rialto, Ruby, and Second Beach offer changing foregrounds as tides rise and fall and waves move through the rocks. Sometimes the goal is precise timing with natural exposures; other times neutral density filters allow longer exposures that turn moving water into softer, more abstract forms.

Working with weather

Weather is part of the experience here, not something to avoid. Light rain, mist, and cloud cover often improve forest and waterfall scenes. On the coast, cloud structure adds depth and shape to the sky, and changing conditions can transform the character of a scene over the course of a single session.

Hall of Mosses trail passing beneath a moss-covered arching tree in the Hoh Rainforest of Olympic National Park.
A moss-covered arch frames the Hall of Mosses trail in the Hoh Rainforest, where soft light and constant moisture shape the layered greens of Olympic's old-growth forest.

Workshop itinerary and schedule

Overview

  1. Workshop start (date TBA)

    Welcome meeting and introductions in the evening. Photography begins the following morning.

  2. Workshop end (date TBA)

    The workshop concludes after evening photography on the final day.

Lodging

Olympic Suites Inn
800 Olympic Drive, Forks, WA
Lodging website · 800-262-3433
Small forest stream cascading over exposed roots in the moss-covered Sol Duc rainforest of Olympic National Park.
A small stream cascades over exposed tree roots in the moss-covered forest of the Sol Duc Valley, where soft light and constant moisture create the layered greens typical of Olympic's rainforest.

What to expect

  • Morning: Mornings usually begin early, often before sunrise, especially on the coast where tides, surf, and early light dictate the timing. In the rainforest, mornings tend to start later as we wait for light to build enough to work effectively. When conditions are right, we stay with a scene long enough for light, water, and weather to change and reveal new compositions.
  • Midday: Midday provides a natural pause. This time is used for rest, downloading files, image review, and post-processing help. Participation is flexible; some people use the break to rest, others to review or process images, and others to explore on their own.
  • Evening: Evening shoots are shaped by location and conditions and typically follow the evening meal. On the coast, timing is influenced by tides and surf, with sunset and twilight sessions focused on sea stacks, waves, and changing skies. In the forest, light fades earlier, and evening work often ends sooner as the canopy darkens before sunset.
Dawn light reflecting in tide pools at Second Beach in Olympic National Park with sea stacks offshore.
Dawn reflections in retreating tide pools at Second Beach, where curved sand patterns and offshore sea stacks create layered coastal compositions.

Registration

Dates for this workshop haven't been announced yet.

→ Join the interest list.

Terms & Conditions Cancellation Policy

Sol Duc Falls spilling into a narrow moss-covered canyon in Olympic National Park.
Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park, where multiple water chutes spill into a narrow moss-covered canyon beneath the forest trail.

Workshop details

Experience level
Beginner to advanced. Participants should be comfortable working independently at times, as the group often spreads out while shooting.
Group size
Small group (target of 8 participants).
Effort
Moderate to difficult. Trail hiking with a few hundred feet of elevation gain to reach some locations. Longer trails range from about 1–2 miles each way. We hike most days, sometimes twice a day.
Conditions
Cool temperatures and moisture are common. If it's windy on the coast it can be cold.
Sunset at Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park with sea stacks and long-exposure surf.
Sea stacks rise above the shoreline at Rialto Beach as long exposures soften the surf and evening color lingers along the horizon.

Getting to the workshop

Air travel

Most participants fly into Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac).

Drive times:
SeaTac to Port Angeles: ~2 hr 30 min
Forks to SeaTac: ~3 hr 30 min

Driving and carpooling

Expect a mix of maintained dirt and paved roads. A standard rental car is sufficient. We encourage participants to carpool during the workshop to limit impact and simplify logistics.

Morning light filtering through the forest along the Sol Duc Trail in Olympic National Park.
Morning light filters through the forest along the Sol Duc Trail, where the winding path and lush understory create simple, layered compositions.

Recommended gear

Lenses

A useful range is roughly 18mm to 400mm (full-frame equivalent). Wide coverage helps in the rainforest and on beaches, and longer focal lengths are useful for isolating sea stacks and compressing layers.

Lens hoods

To protect the front lens element from light rain and surf air.

Filters

Bring a polarizer plus 6-stop and 10-stop neutral density filters for long exposure surf and waterfall work.

Clothing and footwear

Rain is a real possibility. We may shoot in the rain—bring an umbrella and rainproof clothing. Waterproof hiking boots are recommended.

Workshop Preparation & Logistics

Sunset over sea stacks and reflective wet sand at Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park.
Sunset light washes across Ruby Beach as sea stacks and wet sand reflect the fading color along Olympic's Pacific shoreline.
Workshop participants at La Push during a previous Olympic National Park photography workshop.
Participants during a previous Olympic photography workshop gather along the shoreline at La Push as morning light reaches the coast.

Workshop Participants Gallery

FAQ

Is this workshop more rainforest-focused or coast-focused?

It's genuinely both. Olympic is one of the few places where old-growth rainforest and sea stacks belong in the same week. We'll photograph mossy forest scenes and waterfalls when the light is soft, then shift to the coast for sunrise and sunset as conditions allow. The mix keeps the workshop productive even when weather changes.

How physically demanding is the hiking?

This workshop is more physical than some of the others. Expect regular trail hiking, a few hundred feet of elevation gain to reach certain locations, and longer walks in the 1–2 mile range each way. We hike on most days, sometimes twice a day. You don't need to be fast, but you do need to be comfortable carrying your gear and moving steadily on wet, uneven trails.

What are the conditions typically like, and do we shoot in the rain?

This time of year marks the transition from the rainy season to the drier months, so conditions can range from cool and damp to sunny. Rain is a possibility, and light drizzle can actually be excellent in the rainforest. We'll work in light rain, but avoid heavy rain and high wind. Waterproof boots and real rain gear can make the week dramatically more comfortable.

How much post-processing and image review is included?

Image review and post-processing help are part of the workshop, typically during midday breaks. Andy can review images and help with editing decisions using your own files.

What gear matters most for Olympic—anything people overlook?

Two things: traction and rain protection. Waterproof hiking boots with good grip, plus a jacket that actually keeps you dry, will help you stay focused. A polarizer is useful in the rainforest and near water, and solid ND filters (6-stop and 10-stop) are great for long exposures on surf and waterfalls. Bring a stable tripod and a way to keep your camera dry while shooting.