Night Photography at Devil's Gate, Lost Coast

Ferndale, California

Description

Photograph the night sky in one of California's nearly undeveloped coastlines. The Lost Coast in Humboldt county is a perfect place to go for dark skies and people-less beaches. The feeling of quiet and seclusion will make you feel like you are cut off from the rest of the world.

This section of the Lost Coast resides in between Capetown and Petrolia, CA. Entering "Lost Coast California" into Google Maps or a GPS should take you to the road you will need to be on. About 2 miles south of the Location marker the GPS gives you, just past Durr Creek, you should arrive at Devil's Gate (you can see the name on Google maps). There will be a small place to park on the right hand side at the foot of a small cliff peninsula where you can set up shop.

You must travel over mountains and winding roads that are less than perfectly paved to arrive at Devil's Gate but the drive itself is not difficult. Be sure to have plenty of gasoline, food and water for the journey as gas stations are far and few.

NOTICE - There is no cell service on this portion of the coast line so make sure to take proper precautions before heading out. Bringing a road atlas might also help.

Make sure you go on a day when the moon is not as full and you will easily see the stars shining bright. Use a flashlight to compose for long exposures and do not worry about car headlights ruining you photos because in an entire night you might see one or two cars drive past.

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