Behind The Photo: Russian Ridge Preserve
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Golden Fields Over The Golden Gate
Rays of sunlight set a dreamlike scene across the hills above the bay.
Few things in life truly surprise with amazement, especially when it comes to experiencing new places. With countless websites, Instagram posts, and YouTube videos covering every inch of this planet, it seems as though there is nowhere left to discover for yourself. But every once in a while, you get lucky. Every once in a while, you’re met with a glorious location that completely catches you off guard. I went to the Russian Ridge Preserve unsure of what to expect from a place I knew so little about, but the surprise of what I found made it that much better.
While researching a location is usually a good idea, it can also rob the joy of stumbling upon something magical you never expected. Sometimes, it’s far more rewarding to head into a place blind and see what the world has in store.
San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. One stunning location after another, each more incredible than the last. From the infamous Golden Gate Bridge Overlook to subtly unique spots that stand out while still managing to fit in, like the Painted Ladies. No matter where you are, there’s another sight just around the corner. And just when I think I have seen everything the city by the bay has to offer, I learn of a place that could top them all.
While I am capturing another unbelievable San Francisco sunset this city is so famous for, another photographer gives me a tip about a place with a view even better than the one we’re at now. He tells me, “While these spots are great, there’s an even better spot for sunsets. The Russian Ridge Preserve.”
Better than these spots? With sunlight glistening off of the towering Golden Gate Bridge and soft rolling waves below. Seems pretty hard to believe, but I tell him thanks for the tip and carry on with my pictures. Better than this spot pshhh, there’s no way. It sounds like he’s just making stuff up in an attempt to try and have his favorite spot all to himself. Nice try bud, it’s not working this time.
I continue to soak up all the great shots of the Golden Gate Bridge until the sun finally sinks below the horizon, then pack up my things and head back downtown.
The next day I explore the city a bit more. Take in the soaring view of Coit Tower, catch a San Francisco Giants game, and stop for a meal at the fantastic restaurant The Progress. And to cap it all off I was going to go to Marshall’s Beach for another spectacular sunset on the Golden Gate Bridge. But on the way there, a thought keeps popping up in the back of my mind.
What if that guy at the overlook was somehow right?
It’s impossible to believe, but I can’t help to think, what if he was telling the truth? What if it really is “An even better spot”?
Should I abandon my plans for a guaranteed great photo and actually go check it out for myself?
Sure, I could just look it up, but it’s not too far, and I’m already fully intrigued, so why not see for myself? What do I have to lose?
Is this the right decision? As I drive higher and higher up the mountains, through thick, dark forests with the lights and sounds of the city fading behind me, I can’t help but wonder, is this the right choice?
Should I really be passing up the opportunity to capture gentle rays basking off the Golden Gate Bridge from the well known spot of picture perfection that is Marshall’s Beach, or watching a magnificent sunset from the blissful Palace of Fine Arts? Those spots are guaranteed locations that produce stunning picture after stunning picture, especially at sunset.
But now thinking on it, maybe that’s the real reason I’m heading to this unknown location instead of the other well known spots. They’ve all been done before.
I could head back to one of those spots and get a fantastic photo, but people have already seen thousands of those pictures time and time again. I want something new, something fresh and exciting that shows San Francisco is more than just the same couple of spots. Plus, I don’t want just a fantastic photo; I want picture perfection, and if the Russian Ridge Preserve is anything like the guy says it is, then picture perfection most definitely awaits.
Maybe it’s a dumb idea to pass up surefire locations in search of a better picture that may or may not exist. But I’ve tempted fate before, like at the Bonneville Salt Flats, and that worked out far better than I could have imagined.
Finally I pull up to the small gravel parking lot. Looking around, it seems like there’s nothing of note. Like I’m in the middle of nowhere. Nobody else around. No great views or overlooks. No incredible sunset scenes. Not much of anything at all. This guy actually lied to me just to clear out his favorite spot. I can’t believe I wasted all this time for nothing. I knew I never should’ve listened to him! How could I have fallen for it?
Well, there is a trail leading over the nearby hill, so screw it. I might as well see where it leads. I get out of my car, grab all of my camera gear, and head out, hoping to salvage something out of this wild goose chase.
Walking along the trail, it seems as though the Russian Ridge Preserve has the potential to be a pretty good picture with tall flowing grass over a couple of hills, but it’s missing something. It’s missing that grandiose scene, something that takes your breath away in amazement.
Maybe there is an overlook or viewpoint just beyond these hills that makes this place really stand out; I try telling myself in hopes of it actually being true.
As I crest over the peak of the final hill, I’m met with warming rays of sunlight, and that’s when all of my hopes are answered.
A golden vista beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Pure natural beauty, as far as I can see. Open, rolling fields painted with light yellow grass dance in a mesmerizing wave as subtle breezes sweep the hills. The soft light of the sunset casts an enchanting, airy look as if a golden veil was set across the whole Russian Ridge Preserve. Even the soothing sounds of summer resonate from every direction. All of these wonderous elements create a dreamlike scene far too perfect to be true.
That guy was actually telling the truth! I’m shocked. For as incredible and awe inspiring as the other San Francisco sights are, this scene at the Russian Ridge Preserve tops them all. Sure, some of the other spots are stunning in their own way of taking in the city and all of its attractions, but this spot, this open space of heaven, brings something no other place in San Francisco does. Pure natural perfection.
Every direction I look, I’m met with a new detail that adds to the overwhelming beauty this place provides, yet something seems off. This space is undeniably incredible, but instead of sitting back and trying to take it all in, there’s only one emotion that crosses my mind, confusion.
How is nobody else here taking in what can only be described as heaven on earth, and what have I done to be lucky enough to have this place all to myself?
A natural wonder of this majestic magnitude is usually celebrated and raved about in thousands of websites and Instagram posts. Usually, a place like this is packed with bystanders blocking every inch of sightlines just for a quick glimpse of the magical views.
But they’re not. There isn’t another soul here.
How is this possible? How have I stumbled upon this overlooked oasis? Did I accidentally cross into someone’s private property? Is there a secret spot with far better views that everyone is gathered at?
Dozens of questions bounce around my head as I try to search for an answer as to why an area of such serene beauty can be so undiscovered.
I almost feel guilty for being here. Guilty in a way that feels like I am intruding on an area that is only meant to be a quiet sanctuary, away from the city and people of the bay. Guilty for basking in the golden landscape when it feels like one person shouldn’t be allowed to have something this gorgeous all to themselves.
As the burst of glorious surprise begins to simmer, I attempt to cast my guilt and confusion aside and count my fantastic luck that I found this spot. Now, it’s on to the hard part. Where to find the perfect picture?
It’s easy to find great pictures in a place as stunning as the Russian Ridge Preserve, but the whole reason for coming out here isn’t to find great pictures. I can find those back in the city. No, the reason for coming here is to find the perfect picture. A spot where there is no mistaking the unmatched beauty of the area, a spot that shows a landscape with surreal sights unlike any other, a spot that shows… perfection.
I scan the open fields, hoping such a spot even exists here, when I see it. A far off golden hill standing high above the rest. That’s the spot. That’s where I need to go to capture these once in a lifetime surroundings.
I reach the base of the hill and begin the climb. I still can’t believe a place of this majestic beauty can be so overlooked. And wading through the dense, tall grass as it almost appears to glisten in the rays of golden sunlight only furthers my disbelief. I reach the peak and my suspicions are confirmed, this is the spot.
More of the golden dreamy fields are now visible, with hills rolling farther and farther into the horizon. Every direction swaying with the breeze as if I am standing atop a small island amid a sea of soft grass. Just when I think it can’t get any better, a new breathtaking aspect is added to the scene. The fog.
A light layer of fog wafts in the distance, casting shadows onto those below. It is as if the air and environment are trying to keep the views of the Russian Ridge Preserve shielded from the outside world. But from the Preserve looking out, the warm and illuminated layer of fog acts like a blanket covering up all the distractions and noise from the far off city.
While the fog to the left is incredible, the sight straight ahead is even better.
A set of mountains jut up from the hills, serving as a type of barrier attempting to contain the fog from spilling out over the bay. However, instead of keeping the fog stagnant, the fog rolls up and over the mountaintops only to drop off the other side and dissipate into the air in another soothing visual of wonder. Like the fog is trying to imitate a waterfall as the stream steadily flows off the edge of a cliffside to whatever awaits below.
It’s this unexpected addition that takes this spot of magnificent views and elevates them into something of straight euphoria.
I begin snapping off picture after picture, eager to capture as much of this spectacular delight as I can while the sun slowly sinks lower and lower beneath the horizon. I even find a perfectly placed rock to stand on, as if the earth itself presented this platform to provide a perch for soaking in all of the surroundings.
Time slows as I get photo upon photo. It could have been 20 minutes or 20 hours. All I can focus on is how lucky I am to be in this spot at this time. It isn’t until the soft rays of sunlight begin to fade across my face that I snap out of the trance this environment put me in.
But even as light begins to fade, I can still see the beauty as clear as day.
Even with the marine layer starting to work its way into the bay, I can still see San Francisco in all of its amazement. I can still see the lights of the city beginning to shine to life. I can still see the last gasps of golden sunlight reflecting off the quiet ocean waters. I can even see the Golden Gate Bridge looking as sublime from here as it does up close. It is as if the city itself is trying to hold this moment in place for just a little longer.
When I first crested that hill to see the fields of golden gorgeousness, I knew this is a one of a kind spot, but I didn’t fully understand why. Sure, the sights are far more spectacular than most places on the planet, but there’s more to it. There’s something else behind the sights that makes the Russian Ridge Preserve such a special place, and when I look down to San Francisco and the Bay Area, that’s when I understand.
It’s so special because it’s so different from anywhere I have ever been. It’s the fact that it’s so different from the bright lights and gorgeous architecture of the nearby city. So different from the soft seaside waves and sandy beaches. So different from the rest of San Francisco and other landscapes around the United States.
The Russian Ridge Preserve showcases what makes this city one of the best in the world, the unrivaled beauty in the most diverse ways. See waves roll onto the beach while the sun rises on the Golden Gate Bridge, dine at one of the many world class restaurants, and now, with the addition of these magical hills for the sunset of a lifetime, right when I thought San Francisco couldn’t get any better I discover this place.
The Russian Ridge Preserve doesn’t offer thrill seeking cliffs or rapids rushing through dense forests. There is no harrowing journey to reach the open nirvana like fields of this area. There isn’t an adrenaline filled experience that makes you feel alive, but it doesn’t have to because this spot doesn’t demand anything either.
The Russian Ridge Preserve won’t force you to fight through packs of people just to reach an overcrowded overlook. There aren’t sets of strict rules limiting your exploration and enjoyment. There isn’t even an entrance fee.
You see, the Russian Ridge Preserve isn’t like anywhere else in the United States. It doesn’t care whether you’re there or not. This area doesn’t care if you enjoy the miles of picturesque hills. It doesn’t care if you choose to ignore the pristine golden bliss. It doesn’t even care if you know this place exists, and that’s the point. Because no matter what, the Golden Fields Over The Golden Gate will always be home to natural perfection.
Russian Ridge Preserve
(And unknown man with the suggestion to come here)
Thank you for an unforgettable experience
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