We gave Oregon the #1 spot on our Top 10 States for Landscape Photography list in part because of its breathtaking coastline which is undoubtedly one of the most scenic in the world. Characterized by dramatic capes and headlands, wide sand beaches, coastal forests and seas stacks, the rugged Oregon Coast was formed millions of years ago by lava flows and thanks to the Oregon Legislature, the entire 364 miles of the coastline is open to the public. From the mouth of the Columbia River in the North, to Brookings in the South, landscape photographers have access to every wonderful mile, so head out on the Oregon Coast Highway for the perfect photography road trip packed with world-class locations. Here's our take on the top photo spots on the Oregon coast.
Ecola State Park
One of the most popular state parks on the Oregon Coast, Ecola stretches along 9 miles of coastline and offers outstanding photography opportunities - from grand landscapes to tide pools, catching the surfers in action or the birds in flight.
The entrance road meanders through a lush Sitka spruce forest, eventually opening up to a grassy bluff offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The view south is a classic, with the sea stacks punctuating the long sweep of shoreline, backed by the town of Cannon Beach and ridge of coastal mountains.
Ecola’s trails offer cliffside viewpoints of secluded coves, forested promontories and even an abandoned lighthouse. The park’s network of trails include an 8 mile segment of the beautiful but sometimes challenging Oregon Coast Trail, and a 2 1/2 mile historical interpretive route called the Clatsop Loop Trail where you can follow in the footsteps of Captain William Clark and 12 members of the Corps of Discovery who trod this path in 1806 looking for a beached whale near present-day Cannon Beach. Clarke described the vista as “… the grandest and most pleasing prospects which my eyes ever surveyed…”. We whole-heartedly agree!
Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock & The Needles
Heading south, the next stop is Cannon Beach where Haystack Rock, a 235 foot sea stack, is one of Oregon's most recognizable and most photographed landmarks. Haystack Rock and the nearby Needles make for great sunset subjects, but even during the day there are wonderful photography opportunities. At low tide, you can walk right up to Haystack Rock and find fascinating tide pool creatures in its intertidal area. The most colorful and visible creatures are the sea stars and the large green anemones just below the water surface. Puffins can be observed on Haystack Rock from early spring to mid-summer, offering the most accessible viewing of Tufted Puffins in the Northwest. Many other varieties of birds can also be seen, so don't forget to bring your binoculars and telephoto lens.
Cape Kiwanda
Continuing south, our next stop is Cape Kiwanda, located in Pacific City about 30 miles South of Tillamook. This small community features multiple forms of recreation that make for great images including surfing, boating and sand boarding. It also features another Haystack Rock which can be incorporated to dramatic effect in your photography. While the Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is more widely known, there are are actually three seas stacks on the Oregon Coast that share its name.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Continuing south on our journey we drive through Newport. This rustic coastal town features multiple great locations for photographers. As you head south, the first landmark you will pass is the Yaquina Head Lighthouse which at 93 feet is the tallest in Oregon. Standing at the westernmost point of the basalt headland, the lighthouse has been a bright beacon of the night, guiding ships and their supplies along the west coast since the light was first lit in 1873. Head to the rocky beach to capture the lighthouse and headland from below and be on the look out for photogenic seals sunning themselves on the nearby rocks.
Yaquina Bay Bridge & Newport Harbor
For another popular photography location, head to the nearby Yaquina Bay Bridge, an arch bridge spanning Yaquina bay. The overlook is best as a sunrise location but there are interesting shots any time of day or night, with the traffic on the bridge, the wooden pilings and the fishing boats heading out to sea all providing potential subjects. The bustling harbor with its sizable fishing fleet and great local restaurants is definitely worth a visit.
Cape Perpetua
Just 6-miles south of the town of Yachats is Cape Perpetua State Park. This extremely popular roadside attraction features iconic natural wonders including Thor’s Well and Spouting Horn. Cape Perpetua is best photographed with evening light and Thor's Well in particular is iconic with a sunset sky so take a look at the tidal information and plan accordingly. Remember photographing around breaking waves is always dangerous and that is particularly true of this location where many people have lost their lives in pursuit of a great photo. Safety first - always!
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta head Lighthouse is one of 12 scenic lighthouses along the Oregon Coast. Located just 13 miles North of Florence and perched atop 1,000-foot-high Heceta Head, the lighthouse is one of the most photographed on the coast - particularly at sunset. A half-mile trail to the lighthouse begins in the parking area (which also serves the sheltered beach) and passes the light keeper’s house on its way up to the lighthouse and viewpoint. Whether you shoot the lighthouse up close, from the beach below, or from the viewpoint on Highway 101 there are many options for a creative composition.
Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
Meandering 12 miles along the southern Oregon coast, the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is an absolute treat to hike and photograph. Named in honor of the first Oregon Parks superintendent, the landscape protected here is stunning and full of beautiful little gems, including hidden beaches, beautiful vistas, ancient trees, and roughly 27 miles of the Oregon Coast Trail. If you can't travel the entire length of the Oregon Coast, the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic area provides a great sampling of the breathtaking sea stacks, craggy bluffs and secluded sand beaches that make the Oregon Coast so special. Visit the Instagram favorites of Secret Beach, Natural, Bridge, and Indian Sands, but you'll find no shortage of great shots simply exploring this stunning area and finding your own favorites.
The Oregon coast is truly a photographic gem. We hope you've enjoyed these highlights and are inspired to see them for yourself on your next photography adventure.