An elk photograph, submitted by Warrenton resident Kristen Wilkin.

Between windstorms and rain squalls, even the shortest days of winter on this grand coast offer scenes that all but ask to be photographed.

A herd of elk gallops through the morning surf beside Ecola Creek in Cannon Beach. The full moon’s glow is reflected off the last streaks of blue river from Astoria’s Pier 12. High surf warnings on ocean beaches bring out brave — and hopefully cautious — storm-watchers.

In this year’s submissions to the Coast Weekend Photo Contest, readers turned their lenses on the skies and waters of winter, and to brilliant sunset hues, rays of light pouring in through the forest canopy and the ever-present cargoes and tugs on the Great River.

Entries spanned the past year, with submissions closing Dec. 31. Now, along with the usual awards for first, second and third place chosen by staff at The Astorian, it’s time for you, readers, to weigh in on your favorites.

Between Jan. 1 and Jan. 12, visit the Discover Our Coast website and head to the “photo contest” tab to cast your vote for the People’s Choice photo, then look for the contest winners to appear in the Jan. 23 issue of Coast Weekend.

And please, if you plan to pack up the camera for next week’s last round of king tides or even take a simple walk on the beach, stay safe. Waves and currents can change quickly, and it’s always a good idea to keep a tide table on hand.