Wind Swept Trees Point Reyes Lighthouse

Once you begin walking up the road toward Point Reyes Lighthouse, you have about a half mile hike before you reach the lighthouse. There are several benches along the side of the road where you can rest and get a slightly different perspective on the view of Point Reyes Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore. About half way through the hike you will come to about 5 trees that have been shaped and twisted by the wind:

View of Point Reyes Beach through tree

I think most people walk briskly by these trees because they are so excited to get to the Point Reyes lighthouse, but I think that the trees provide a great photographic opportunity for those that spend a bit of time there, especially with Point Reyes beach in the background:

Point Reyes lighthouse wind swept tree

Even after passing the trees, they still provide some interesting photo shots.

Rocks and trees Point Reyes Lighthouse National Seashore

Cascade Falls Crystal Cave Sequoia National Park

About three-fourths of the way down the trail to get to the entrance of Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park (CA) you will come to the Cascade River and Cascade Falls. The Cascade River runs just outside Crystal Cave (not through it — Yucca Creek runs through Crystal Cave and empties into the Cascade River) and has a number of short falls that can be seen as you descend down the path which offer wonderful photo opportunities.

Cascade Falls near Crystal Cave

Middle section of Cascade Falls in Sequoia National Park

Cascade Falls near Crystal Caves in Sequoia National Park

The hike down the Crystal Cave trail to the cave entrance takes about 10 – 15 minutes, but you may want to add more time in so that you can spend some time taking photos along the way without being rushed.