MENDOCINO CO., 7/17/25 – Photographers of all experience levels are invited to submit their captures of California’s state parks for the California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest.
The annual contest invites submissions showcasing the natural beauty, recreational activities and unique landscapes of California’s state parks.
Rachel Norton, executive director of the foundation, calls it an exciting opportunity to showcase the photographic talents of creators and artists throughout the state, while celebrating the wonders of state parks.
“This is a fun opportunity for Californians to highlight and raise awareness for the parks they love,” she said. “With hundreds of state parks around the state, we expect to see a diversity of photos that include beaches, mountains, urban parks, rivers, people enjoying nature and more.”
According to the foundation, there are 280 state park units, including parks along over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lakes and rivers, 15,000 campsites, over 3,100 historic buildings and more than 11,000 archaeological sites.
Mendocino County has 19 state parks, including Mendocino Headlands, Sinkyone Wilderness, Van Damme, Russian Gulch, MacKerricher, Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve, Navarro River Redwoods, and Standish Hickey State Recreation Area, among others.
Participants can submit up to three photos in the following categories:
- Scenic Landscapes — Natural beauty across all seasons
- Wildlife & Nature — Flora, fauna, and ecosystems
- Recreation & Activities — Hiking, surfing, camping, and more
- People in Parks — Enjoying parks responsibly and sustainably
- California History — Cultural and historic sites in parks
According to the foundation, there is no entry fee. Submissions will be judged on originality and creativity, technical quality, relevance to the category, emotional impact and storytelling, and aesthetic appeal.
Category winners will receive a California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass ($195 value) which provides free entry to 134 state parks and will have their winning image(s) featured in the foundation’s 2026 calendar.
Honorable mentions will be showcased in an online gallery and social media.
Submissions are due Sept. 30. For more information and the official contest rules and photo guidelines, visit calparks.org/photocontest.
Oh yeah!!!!
Fun on fun
Woohoo!!!