The next point of interest along the coast is Point Reyes National Seashore.  This is the one location I would like to explore later, but we chose to move on.  I’m told you can shoot a nice lighthouse and a group of Tule elk. 

Farther up the coast, you’ll arrive at Bodega Bay.  This small community is worth a stop for its several photo spots, if you’re there at the right time of year for bird activity or whale watching.  A bird walk was built just south of town fairly recently.  It boasts boardwalks and trails through the marshes.  (I saw a lone egret, but different times of the year I'm sure would feature other bird activity.)  The most popular spot is Bodega Head, where lots of people go to see the passing whales that occasionally approach very close to the rocky cliff. 

Between Bodega Bay and Jenner, you’ll encounter several pullouts with access trails that run down to the beach where there are nice sea stacks that can be used as strong foreground subjects for sunset shooting.  The trails may be adorned with patches of ice plant that present a pretty bloom in spring.  In the fall the normally green leaves start turning red, offering a chance for you to create interesting color and pattern shots.  As you progress farther north, you’ll find many more pullouts with nice overviews of the coastline, but you would be well advised not to stop at every one, because you’ll never make it to your preferred destination. 

My next stop was at Gerstle Cove in Salt Point State Park where I was told I’d discover interesting colors and patterns in the sandstone above the water as well as good crashing wave action.  Both were true.  In fact, this is a location where you’ll want to give yourself a bit of time.  Take a variety of lenses with you to capture the wave action as well as the sandstone patterns.
 

Crashing Waves
Canon 1Ds Mark II, 70-200mm at 200mm, f/5, ISO 320, 1/1600 second, -1/3 EV

Just south of Gerstle Cove is Fort Ross, an old Russian outpost with quite a few interesting buildings.  Depending on the time you have to remain in the area, you might opt to head north to Point Arena for more photo ops.

Between Jenner and Santa Rosa in the town of Guerneville you’ll find Armstrong Redwoods State Preserve, another forest worth a visit.  The big draws here are the tallest and also the oldest redwoods in the area.  For me, treks into the woods are more about looking for intimate landscapes of small bits and pieces rather than trying to capture the whole scene, even if it’s a large redwood.

The Vintner’s Inn, where we stayed, a little north of Santa Rosa, has its own vineyard and is designed like an old Italian villa with several lovely fountains and vines growing up the wall around the windows and balconies.  Even if you’re not staying at the inn, it’s worth a visit for its unique photo opportunities.