Little Finland: Land of Many Names and Shapes

Eye:  Hobgoblin Playground (Little Finland) landscape photography

This is a timely post because this location was recently designated Gold Butte National Monument.  It is also known as Hobgoblin Playground.  The name that most people recognize is Little Finland.  That name is the most mysterious and curious.  I assume it is referring to the sandstone "fins" which are present on many of these delicate creatures.  The name hobgoblin seems to make more sense because it is similar to Goblin Valley in Utah.  Nevertheless by any name it is an interesting place to visit and I must say it is a long road to visit.  The scenery is pretty, lonely.  I have no idea if President Obama has ever visited this area before turning it into a national monument.  This designation will surely bring more visitors to the area.  The beauty is undisputed.

Pincer:  the lobster or crab reaches out in this bizarre sandstone shape.

As far as photography goes, I visited in the middle of winter.  The low angle of the sun and some lovely clouds allowed me to create lots of beautiful compositions.  I primarily shot pictures with the 16-35mm f/2.8 L lens.  I also used the 90mm tilt-shift for some of these images.  With the hobgoblins it makes a better more dramatic picture to shoot from a low angle and have stone structure surrounded by the sky.  This works well with these particularly lovely skies.  This was my 2nd visit to the area.  I made a previous visit 5 years ago.  That visit was to try out a new tilt-shift lens, the 17mm.:  My prior visit to Little Finland.

Hovering Hobgoblin

Little Finland taken at sunset/dusk

Mushroom rock at Little Finland

Gordon's hike rating:

Hike Difficulty:                   ★★★ Moderate

Trail Condition:                   ★★ Fair, mostly over sandstone

Trail Hazards:                      ★★ Mild:  Irregular surfaces

Trailhead:                              Little Findland

Time Required:                     Most of a day to drive, hike and return

Distance round trip:              1-3 miles

Off the Beaten Path:             ★★★★ Yes, 4 Stars

Scenery:                                ★★★★ Excellent, 4 Stars

Photographic Potential:        ★★★★ Excellent, 4 Stars