Ashley Fox of Tehama County captured the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse overlooking the Humboldt County coastline as sunlight breaks through clouds over the Pacific Ocean. The photograph won first place in the Rural County Representatives of California’s 10th annual Rural County Photo Contest. Photo courtesy of Rural County Representatives of California

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - A photograph of the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse overlooking the Humboldt County coastline has taken first place in the Rural County Representatives of California's 10th annual Rural County Photo Contest.

Ashley Fox of Tehama County earned the top honor for the photograph, which captures sunlight breaking through coastal clouds over the Pacific Ocean, with the lighthouse, shoreline and sea stacks in the foreground.

"Congratulations to Ashley Fox of Tehama County on earning first place in the RCRC Rural County Photo Contest," said Humboldt County Supervisor Rex Bohn, an RCRC board delegate. "Her photograph of the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse beautifully captures the breathtaking scenery, historic architecture, and coastal character that make Humboldt County so special."

Bohn said the photograph highlights the places found throughout rural California.

This year's contest drew a record 327 entries from 160 photographers. The RCRC Board of Directors selected the top three photographs during its Aug. 19 meeting.

Eric Wiseman earned second place for a drone photograph of the Trinity Alps in Trinity County taken shortly before sunrise on the winter solstice.

Megan Zaied received third place for a photograph of vineyard rows across Alexander Valley in Sonoma County.

RCRC established the annual contest to highlight the landscapes, activities, history and communities within its 40 member counties while promoting tourism and local economic development.

Fox's winning photograph will be displayed during RCRC's 2026 Annual Meeting in Santa Barbara County in September. RCRC also plans to feature the image in its marketing materials and publications throughout the year.