The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful regions in the United States, with its pristine beaches, rugged coastline, and stunning scenery. As professional photographers, we know that capturing the beauty of this region is both a challenge and a privilege. In this article, we will explore the natural wonders of the Oregon Coast.
The Oregon Coast has three sections totaling 362 miles. North, Central, and South coasts. From the Columbia River to Cascade Head lies the North Coast. The Central coast goes from Cascade Head to Reedsport, and the South is from Reedsport to the California border. As tourists drive the coastline, they can see a shift in the landscape. The North Coast has very sandy beaches and as you drive south, the sand gives way to cliffs and sea stacks.
Early light on the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport, Oregon. Standing 93 feet tall, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse was first lit on August 20, 1873. Typical cloud bank on the horizon but the alpen glow gave some nice color. Limited Edition of 100 prints available.
Oregon Coast Photography Locations
One of the best things about the Oregon Coast is the variety of landscapes it offers. Whether you're looking for dramatic cliffs or peaceful tide pools, there's a photography location for you. Here are some of the most popular spots for Oregon Coast landscape photography:
Cannon Beach - Known for its iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach is a popular destination for photographers. The rock formations and tide pools make for beautiful photos, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Cape Kiwanda - Located in Pacific City, Cape Kiwanda is a beautiful spot for landscape photography. The towering sand dunes and rock formations create a dramatic backdrop for your photos.
Yaquina Head - Yaquina Head is a beautiful spot for nature and landscape photography. The lighthouse and tide pools are popular subjects, and the rugged coastline offers stunning views.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor - The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is a 12-mile stretch of coastline that offers some of the most stunning landscapes in Oregon. The towering cliffs, sea stacks, and beaches are perfect for landscape photography..
A perfect cloudy day to shoot a black and white fine art image of the bones of the Peter Iredale. The ship ran aground in a storm in 1906 while navigating to the Columbia River. No casualties among the 27 crew but the ship was never salvaged. After a couple weeks on the sand, the hull became damaged and was left alone. It has since become a major attraction around Astoria, Oregon and Fort Stevens State Park. Limited Edition of 100 prints available.
Tips for Oregon Coast Landscape Photography
To capture the beauty of the Oregon Coast in your photos, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:
Time your visit - The best times for photography along the Oregon Coast are during sunrise and sunset. The light during these times is soft and warm, creating beautiful colors and shadows.
Use a tripod - To ensure your photos are sharp and steady, use a tripod. This will help you avoid camera shake and allow you to capture long exposures.
Play with composition - Don't be afraid to experiment with different compositions. Try using leading lines or the rule of thirds to create visually interesting photos.
Consider the weather - The weather along the Oregon Coast can be unpredictable, so be prepared for changing conditions. Bring a rain cover for your camera and dress in layers to stay warm.
Sunset at Myers Beach on the Oregon Coast. Once the sun dropped below the horizon, the clouds started to light up and create the dramatic color. The Oregon Coast offers some of the best scenes with all the sea stacks and large waves constantly crashing in the shore and rocks and the Boardman Corridor. Limited edition of 100 prints available.
Lighthouses
The Oregon Coast is known for its rugged beauty, and the lighthouses that dot the coastline only add to its charm. These historic landmarks have played a vital role in guiding ships safely along the coast for more than a century. In this article, we'll explore the lighthouses of the Oregon Coast and learn about their rich history.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse
The Yaquina Head Lighthouse was first lit in August 1873, and it quickly became an important navigational aid for ships entering Yaquina Bay. The lighthouse was built on a rocky headland overlooking the Pacific Ocean, making it visible from miles away. The lighthouse originally used a first-order Fresnel lens, which produced a bright beam of light that could be seen up to 19 miles away.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
The Heceta Head Lighthouse, located near Florence, is one of the most photographed lighthouses on the Oregon Coast. It was first lit in 1894 and is the brightest lighthouse on the coast, with a beam that can be seen 21 miles out to sea. The lighthouse is open for tours, and visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the coastline.
Umpqua River Lighthouse
The Umpqua River Lighthouse, located near Reedsport, was first lit in 1894 and is one of the tallest lighthouses on the Oregon Coast, standing at 65 feet tall. It served as a working lighthouse until 1966 and is now open to the public for tours.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse
Located near Port Orford, the Cape Blanco Lighthouse was first lit in 1870 and is the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. The lighthouse is still in use today and is open to the public for tours.
One of the most photographed lighthouses on the Oregon Coast, Heceta Head Lighthouse was completed in August 1893. The light can be seen from 21 nautical miles away making it the strongest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. The assistant keepers house is now maintained as a bed and breakfast. Limited Edition of 100 prints available.
Southern Oregon Coast
The southern coast of Oregon is where you can find fewer people. This stretch of coastline runs from Reedsport to the California border. If you enjoy long walks on the beach with sea stacks everywhere, Bandon is for you. The famous sea stacks in Bandon are the Howling Dog and Wizard’s Hat. For lighthouses, the north side of the Coquille River lies the Coquille River Lighthouse.
For peace and quiet on the Oregon Coast, Gold Beach is the town for you. Nestled between the Pacific ocean and the Rogue River, Gold Beach offers thousands of acres of protected lands for activities. Hiking, biking, clamming, and fishing are just a few options in this quiet coastal town.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
The corridor was created in the 1950s and includes 12 miles of rugged coastline between Brookings and Gold Beach. It was designated a state scenic corridor in 1961 and has since become a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.
Between Gold Beach and Brookings lies the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Arguably the most amazing stretch of coastline in the lower 48 states for nature and seascape photography. The craggy bluffs, offshore rock formations, and secluded beaches fill the area. A few of the more visited areas in the corridor are Secret Beach, Thunder Rock Cove, Natural Bridge, and Cape Sebastian. Although it’s only 12 miles in length, The Boardman Corridor is a must see. The Boardman Corridor is where you may find the most photographers. The seascapes are amazing and only a short walk from the car.
A misty evening at Thunder Rock on the Oregon Coast for sunset. The mist from the ocean spray creates a lot of atmosphere and depth to the image. I feel like One Eyed Willy from the Goonies would be floating by on his pirate ship. Limited edition of 100 prints available.
Art Galleries
Mossy Creek Pottery
Nestled on a picturesque six-acre expanse bordering the captivating Siletz Bay Wildlife Refuge, Mossy Creek Pottery stands as a testament to artistic excellence. Founded in 1973, this captivating establishment beckons visitors with its timeless charm and serene ambiance. Conveniently located just half a mile off the U.S. Highway 101, the journey to this treasure trove is a delightful one, guiding travelers through a majestic forest of spruce and hemlock along the Immonen Road.
In the heart of this natural haven lies the century-old farmhouse, which serves as the humble abode for the masterpieces of 40 talented Northwest artists. Inside the farmhouse's unassuming walls awaits a mesmerizing collection of functional and decorative pottery, adorned with an array of glazes. Each piece represents the distinctive styles and techniques meticulously crafted by our local and regional potters.
Once in a Blue Moon Gallery
Welcome to a world where creativity knows no bounds – an artistic wonderland that brings forth a breathtaking collection of original watercolor and oil paintings, fine art prints, sculptures, fused glass, and art & craft supplies. Whether your heart yearns for the spiritual and whimsical or the surreal and enchanting, this diverse collection has something special for every art lover.
Oregon Gallery
Ron's love affair with Oregon's diverse landscape began long before his passion for photography took root. Growing up in this captivating part of the country, surrounded by the ocean, mountains, and desert, it was only natural for Ron's family to embark on explorations of their surroundings. Even before he ever seriously picked up a camera, Ron had traversed most of the state, forming a deep attachment to its natural beauty.
While every journey has its twists and turns, Ron and Laurie recently made the difficult decision to close their gallery in Seaside. But amidst change, they remained steadfast, continuing to operate their gallery in Cannon Beach. This coastal haven now serves as a sanctuary where visitors can still immerse themselves in Ron's timeless portrayals of Oregon's awe-inspiring landscapes.
Hawk Creek Gallery
During his college days, Michael Schlicting's life took an unexpected turn when he enrolled in a required art class. Little did he know that this seemingly ordinary academic obligation would unlock his latent artistic abilities and set him on a path of passion and purpose that would become his life's work. From that pivotal moment, Michael's artistic journey began to flourish, and he went on to make a living as an artist right from the moment of his graduation
Throughout his artistic journey, Michael Schlicting continues to paint the world as he sees it – with an artist's soul and a traveler's heart. From that fateful art class to the illustrious presence of his paintings in esteemed collections, his story is one of passion, dedication, and the sheer joy of bringing beauty to life on canvas. And as he roams the world, exploring and discovering new wonders, his art remains a testament to the power of artistic expression and the boundless possibilities of a life dedicated to creativity.
Conclusion
Nestled within the lower 48 states, the Oregon Coast stands as a captivating haven for dramatic seascape photography. With its myriad lighthouses and imposing sea stacks, this enchanting region offers an awe-inspiring canvas for photographers seeking to capture nature's grandeur at its finest.
For those who yearn to immerse themselves in the serenity of less populated areas, the southern coast beckons with its alluring charm. The Boardman Corridor, Gold Beach, and Brookings are just a few of the hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Each location holds the promise of breathtaking vistas and opportunities to create unforgettable photographs.
So, whether you are a seasoned photographer seeking to expand your portfolio or an amateur capturing the beauty of the world, the Oregon Coast awaits with open arms. Its picturesque lighthouses, majestic sea stacks, and vast ocean horizons offer an endless array of artistic possibilities. Embrace the allure of this photographer's paradise, and let the Oregon Coast's natural splendor fuel your creative spirit.
I have been to Secret Beach many times waiting for some good light. It finally happened on my last trip to the Oregon Coast. The Oregon coast is some of the most amazing coastal scenery in the world. Located in the Boardman Corridor near Brookings, Secret Beach is well worth the stop. Limited Edition of 100 prints available.
One of the many amazing locations in the Boardmann Corridor near Brookings, Oregon. Indian Sands is not as popular as Secret Beach or Natural Bridges. Indian Sands trail has sand dunes, forests, creeks, wildflowers, and an ocean view. Limited Edition of 100 prints available.
