The Oregon Coast’s Most Photogenic Beaches (With Photo Tips)

The Oregon coast is a photographer’s paradise, stretching 363 miles along Highway 101 where every turn reveals another breathtaking vista worthy of a magazine cover.

Each location along the coast has its own distinct character. Some beaches feature dramatic wide-open landscapes with sandy beaches, while others offer intimate scenes of tidepools, or rugged cliffs and sea stacks that make for compelling photographs.

This guide will highlight some of the coast’s most photogenic locations, along with practical tips for capturing the perfect shot. From the iconic Haystack Rock at sunset in the north to the dramatic wave explosions at Shore Acres, you’ll find all the information you need to capture Oregon’s coastal beauty.

Oregon’s most photogenic beaches include the iconic Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, the dramatic cliffs of Shore Acres State Park, and the unique sea stacks at Bandon Beach. From Cape Perpetua’s Thor’s Well to Cape Kiwanda’s stunning landscapes, photographers can capture incredible shots year-round, with winter bringing dramatic waves and summer offering perfect sunset conditions.

Northern Oregon’s Most Photogenic Beaches

The northern stretch of Oregon’s coastline holds some of its most recognizable landmarks. Here, misty mornings (okay, foggy mornings) and dramatic sunsets create the perfect conditions for capturing its iconic coastal imagery.

Cannon Beach and Iconic Haystack Rock

There’s a reason why National Geographic once named Cannon Beach one of the world’s 100 most beautiful places. The 235-foot Haystack Rock stands as nature’s exclamation point on an already stunning coastline, creating a focal point that’s impossible to ignore – and even harder to photograph poorly.

For the best shots, I recommend arriving within an hour of sunrise. The pre-dawn light creates an ethereal blue hour that perfectly complements the rock’s silhouette.

During spring and summer, look for nesting Tufted Puffins and Common Murres that make Haystack their home. The rock itself is a protected wildlife area so you will need to have a zoom lens.

More accessible are the tide pools that are revealed at low tide. Teeming with starfish and anemones, they offer unique foreground elements for your compositions. Try using these pools for reflections of Haystack Rock during sunset.

Ecola State Park’s Dramatic Viewpoints

Just north of Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park offers sweeping panoramas that feel straight out of a Pacific Northwest postcard. The park’s elevated position provides a perfect vantage point for capturing the coastline’s dramatic curves and hidden coves.

The Ecola Point viewpoint offers an unmatched perspective of Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock to the south. On clear days, you can even spot Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, which lays about a mile offshore.

Hug Point’s Unique Rock Formations

Often overlooked by casual visitors, Hug Point is a photographer’s secret weapon. This small state park, just five miles south of Cannon Beach, features fascinating geological formations, including historic stagecoach wheel ruts carved into the cliff face.

Time your visit with low tide to access the beach’s caves and sandstone rock formations. Be sure to check tide tables before visiting – the area is inaccessible during high tide.

Central Oregon Coast Photo Ops

The central Oregon coast offers dramatic and diverse photographic opportunities. This stretch combines raw geological power with accessible viewing points.

Cape Kiwanda’s Stunning Landscapes

At Cape Kiwanda, nature has sculpted a photographer’s dreamscape of golden sandstone cliffs and dramatic Pacific views. The cape’s distinctive dune provides multiple vantage points, offering unique perspectives of the coastline.

For the most compelling shots, climb to the top of the dune at sunrise. The morning light illuminates the sandstone cliffs with a warm glow that contrasts beautifully with the blue ocean. Look for patterns in the eroded cliff face – they make excellent foreground elements when shooting toward the iconic Pacific City haystack rock.

Remember to stay behind the safety fences while shooting. The sandstone edges can be deceptively fragile, and no photo is worth risking your life for.

Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Wonders

The Devil’s Punchbowl transforms from a peaceful bowl-shaped formation at low tide to a churning cauldron of white water during high tide. This collapsed sea cave offers photographers two distinctly different shooting opportunities.

During low tide, venture inside the bowl (with extreme caution and tide awareness) for unique interior shots of the wave-carved walls. Avoid low tides in winter and read more safety tips and recommendations here.

At high tide, position yourself on the northern observation point to capture waves exploding through the bowl’s openings – a fast shutter speed of 1/1000 or higher will freeze the dramatic spray.

Cape Perpetua and Thor’s Well

Cape Perpetua stands as the highest viewpoint on the Oregon coast, offering panoramic views that stretch for miles on clear days. But it’s Thor’s Well at its base that draws photographers from around the world.

This seemingly bottomless sinkhole (actually about 20 feet deep) creates some of the coast’s most dramatic photos as the ocean spills from all sides into its depths.

Safety is crucial here – bring a weather-sealed camera and wear rubber boots. Position yourself at least 20 feet back from Thor’s Well, using a longer lens if necessary. The waves can be unpredictable, and many photographers have lost equipment by getting too close.

Don’t miss the nearby Devil’s Churn, where incoming waves create explosive displays against the narrow inlet.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, located near Florence, is a stunning natural wonder that offers photographers a truly unique landscape to capture. Stretching for 40 miles along the coast, this expansive dune system is the largest of its kind in North America, creating an otherworldly environment that feels more like a desert than a coastal region.

What makes the dunes particularly interesting is their ever-changing nature. Wind and weather constantly reshape the dunes, creating new patterns, textures, and shadows that offer endless compositional possibilities.

The diversity of the dune ecosystem adds another layer of interest for photographers. Forest patches, small lakes, and native plants break up the sand, providing chances to capture striking contrasts and unique scenes.

Southern Oregon’s Most Photogenic Coastal Locations

The southern Oregon coast reveals a wilder, more rugged character than its northern counterparts. Here, dramatic cliffs meet isolated beaches as the crowds thin out, but the photo opportunities multiply.

Shore Acres State Park’s Dramatic Cliffs

Shore Acres State Park offers a completely different perspective on coastal photography. Unlike the sandy beaches common elsewhere, this former estate provides elevated views of waves crashing against sandstone cliffs – particularly spectacular during fall and winter storms.

The best photographs here come during rough weather. Dramatic shots can be had during winter storms, when waves can reach heights of 60 feet or more. The designated viewing areas provide safe spots to photograph these massive swells, though you’ll want to protect your gear from the salt spray.

Visit between November and February for the most dramatic wave action.

Bandon Beach’s Sea Stack Formations

Bandon Beach is where you can capture shots of a quintessential Oregon coast landscape. The beach’s collection of sea stacks creates endless compositional possibilities, especially during golden hour and blue hour.

Face Rock, the most famous formation, seems to gaze eternally skyward, while the surrounding stacks create perfect silhouettes during sunset.

During summer months, marine layer fog often rolls in, creating moody conditions perfect for black and white photography.

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor stretches 12 miles along the southern coast, offering a diverse collection of photo opportunities in Oregon. From hidden beaches to natural bridges, each turnout along Hwy 101 presents a new possibility.

Natural Bridges Cove provides the corridor’s most iconic shot, though reaching the best vantage points requires careful hiking.

Secret Beach, despite its name, offers accessible compositions of isolated coves and sea stacks – best photographed during low tide.

Beach Photography Tips and Techniques

Successful coastal photography is as much about technique and timing as it is about location. Here’s what I’ve found works best in our unique coastal conditions.

Best Times for Coastal Photography

The golden rule of coastal photography is simple: plan around the light and tides. The best photographs typically come during the edges of the day.

Morning shoots (30 minutes before to 1 hour after sunrise) often provide the most favorable conditions. The wind is typically calmer, and you’ll find fewer footprints in the sand. Plus, morning marine mist often creates mysterious, moody conditions perfect for photography.

Evening shoots offer dramatic light but require more patience. I recommend arriving an hour before sunset to scout compositions and watch how the changing light affects the scene.

Try Long Exposure Techniques

Long exposure photography transforms the Oregon coast’s dynamic waters into ethereal mists and streaks. The technique is straightforward but requires specific tools and techniques.

Start with these basic settings: – ISO: 100 (lowest native ISO) – Aperture: f/11 to f/16 for maximum depth of field – Shutter Speed: 1-30 seconds, depending on the effect you want.

Composition Tips for Beach Landscapes

Use leading lines: Incorporate incoming waves, patterns in the sand, or rocky formations to draw the viewer’s eye through the frame. At locations like Cannon Beach, the receding tide creates natural leading lines to Haystack Rock.

Find foreground interest: Don’t just shoot the obvious landmarks. Look for tide pools, interesting rocks, or patterns in the sand to create depth.

Rule of thirds: While rules are made to be broken, placing the horizon line along the upper or lower third of the frame typically creates more dynamic images than centering it.

Include scale: Oregon’s coastal features are massive, but this isn’t always apparent in photos. Including a human figure (small in the frame) or other recognizable element can help convey the true scale of these landscapes.

Remember that these are guidelines, not rules. As an amateur photographer, the most important thing is that the composition captures a moment I want to remember.

Weather Protection Gear

The Oregon coast’s weather is famously unpredictable. Here’s what to pack:

For Your Gear: – Rain covers or weather sleeves for cameras – Microfiber cloths (bring extras) – Silica gel packets – Zip-lock bags for lens changes

For Yourself: – Water-resistant jacket – Rubber boots or waterproof hiking shoes – Layered clothing (conditions can change rapidly) – Fingerless gloves for winter shooting

Tripods and Filters

Consider a circular polarizer filter. It can help cut glare on wet rocks and enhances sky color.

A sturdy tripod is very useful for coastal photography. Look for these features:

• Carbon fiber construction (resists salt corrosion)
• Twist-lock legs (less likely to jam with sand)
• Rubber feet with retractable spikes
• Load capacity at least twice your heaviest setup

After each shoot, thoroughly rinse the tripod’s legs in fresh water and dry them completely. Salt and sand are tripod killers, but proper maintenance can extend their life significantly.

One often-overlooked essential: a rocket blower or similar air blaster. Sand has a way of getting everywhere, and this tool helps prevent it from transferring to your sensor during lens changes.

Remember, you don’t need every piece of gear to start. Begin with the basics, even if it’s just your smartphone. Remember there are filters and tripods designed for phones as well!

Seasonal Photography Considerations

Each season along the Oregon coast offers distinct photographic opportunities and challenges.

Summer Light and Crowds

Summer brings the most predictable weather but also the biggest crowds.

Arrive early at popular locations like Cannon Beach. Not only does this provide the best light, but you’ll often have the beach nearly to yourself until 9 AM.

Summer mornings frequently feature a marine fog layer that burns off by mid-morning. This fog can create ethereal conditions perfect for moody shots.

Tip: Look for less-visited beaches during peak tourist hours. While crowds flock to Cannon Beach, nearby spots like Hug Point often remain relatively quiet.

Winter Storm Photography

Winter transforms the Oregon coast into a dramatic spectacle of powerful waves and moody skies.

Safety becomes crucial during storm season. Maintain a safe distance from cliff edges and never turn your back on the ocean. The most dramatic shots often come from protected viewpoints rather than exposed beaches.

Winter also offers shorter days but longer golden hours, providing extended periods of perfect light. The low winter sun creates beautiful lighting effects that emphasizes texture in rocks and waves.

Spring and Fall Opportunities

The shoulder seasons offer the best of both worlds: dramatic conditions with fewer crowds.

Remember that regardless of season, coastal weather can change rapidly. Pack layers and rain gear, even on seemingly clear days.

Safety Tips for Coastal Photography

When exploring near the ocean, safety must always come first. The same forces that make our coastline so photogenic can also make it dangerous for the unprepared photographer.

Tide Awareness and Planning

Never turn your back on the ocean isn’t just a saying – it’s a rule that can save your life. Sneaker waves can appear without warning, even on seemingly calm days.

Check local tide tables and plan your visits around tidal movements. Research specific location hazards and pay attention to the locations of safe retreat paths.

Many of the coast’s most photogenic spots, like Thor’s Well and Hug Point, become dangerous or inaccessible at high tide. Use the NOAA tide predictions app and plan to arrive a little early so you don’t miss your ideal window of opportunity.

Weather Considerations

Oregon coastal weather can change dramatically in minutes–clear skies one can transform to sideways rain an hour later.

Check marine forecasts before heading out and pay attention to incoming storm systems.

The Oregon coast is often windy, but pay extra attention to wind advisories.

During storm season (November-February), stay well back from cliff edges and viewing areas. Those 60-foot waves at Shore Acres are spectacular but can easily sweep over the designated viewing areas.

Lightning safety is crucial during thunderstorms. If you hear thunder, pack up immediately. No photo is worth risking a lightning strike, especially when carrying metal tripods.

One final, crucial tip: always tell someone your shooting location and expected return time. Cell service can be spotty along the coast, and many of the best photography locations are in relatively isolated areas.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution. There will always be another opportunity for that perfect shot.

Capturing the Magic of Oregon’s Coastal Beaches

Capturing the perfect coastal shots is about patience & persistence.

Some of my favorite images came from simply waiting. Waiting for the light to change, for the tide to shift, for the clouds to part. The coast rewards those who take time to observe.

Most importantly, remember to occasionally put down your camera and simply experience these magnificent places. Don’t spend your whole trip looking through a lens.