The BEST Spots For Oregon Photography
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When people talk about stunning locations for Oregon photography, they usually mention the main sites, like Multnomah Falls or the expansive Crater Lake. However, Oregon is such an incredibly beautiful state with many different locations that are just as stunning! Like the picture perfect Trillium Lake with all of its calm and secluded beauty. Or the hidden gem of Watson Falls, that enchants in woodland wonder.
Searching for the best Oregon photography takes you to all corners of the state, into dense overgrown forests that appear to have been left undiscovered by humankind. Large and open vista views span across entire Oregon landscapes without a single obstruction in sight. Even a hidden seal sanctuary among the seaside waters, like the Sea Lion Cave, shows how unique and spectacular this state can be.
Keep reading to see all of the BEST SPOTS FOR OREGON PHOTOGRAPHY!
1.) Multnomah Falls
Perhaps the crown jewel of not just Oregon photography but also United States photography. A 2 tiered cascade that lines up in a seamless stream of perfection. Plus, a small footbridge spanning the gap between cliffs while the whole area is surrounded by lush green plant life creates a view of pure wonder.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Travel and Long Exposure
BEST SPOT
– At the lower lookout point
BEST TIME
– Early morning for softer shadows and far less people
Pro tip- The nearby Fairy Falls and Wahkeena Falls are also great Oregon photography opportunities!
2.) Crater Lake
If you’re hoping for wide Oregon landscapes that stretch into the horizon, then Crater Lake is for you. This massive mountaintop crater is a beautiful scene that blends smooth, peaceful water, a circle of tall mountain peaks, and a clear, open sky.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Panorama
BEST SPOT
– Discovery Point Trail
BEST TIME
– Sunset to see long shadows cast onto the lake from the surrounding mountains.
Pro tip- Try to go during summer to avoid the thick snowfall.
3.) Watson Falls
More of an under the radar Oregon photography spot, this waterfall may be the best location people aren’t talking about. Watson Falls takes the best of Oregon photography and combines it all into one magical place. Soft flowing rivers moving down rock mountains, it’s here. Dense Pacific Northwest forests that coat you in a wooded wonderland, no problem. And a gorgeous open waterfall that screams natural spectacle. Yeah, that’s Watson Falls.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Nature
BEST SPOT
– Near the top of the river before the right turn
BEST TIME
– Evening so the sun can still illuminate the scene without blinding the falls
Pro tip- There are also fantastic long exposure shots of the river running down the mountain!
4.) Smith Rock State Park
If the lush green wonderlands of the Oregon forests aren’t your thing, or you simply want a bit more variety, then head to Smith Rock State Park. Thick woods are traded for dry rock mountains and open Oregon landscapes. Instead of being swarmed with green vegetation, you can climb to the sky high peak of the park and take in full, unobstructed scenes.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Landscape
BEST SPOT
– The River Trail
BEST TIME
– Morning, so you can enjoy the river views uninterrupted
Pro tip- The River Trail is great for easy scenic sights, but the full 360° view at the top of Misery Ridge Trail is well worth checking out. If you can make it!
5.) Sea Lion Cave
One of the more interesting spots on this list is the Oregon Sea Lion Cave, which shows the many variations found within this area. Along the Pacific Coast cliffs, 200 feet below the peaks, sits one of the largest sea caves in the entire country! While that should be reason enough to check out this fascinating place, there is also a colony of large sea lions that like to call this cave home.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Wildlife and Nature
BEST SPOT
– In the cave and up the stairs to the lookout point
BEST TIME
– Midday, so there is plenty of light in the cave
Pro tip- Before heading down the elevator to the cave, there are also plenty of great seascape shots along the ocean cliffs.
6.) Portland Japanese Garden
Japanese gardens always make for very picturesque places, and the Portland Japanese Garden is a shining example. Pathways running around large koi ponds, finely combed zen gardens, and even a calming waterfall can all be found inside this one great garden.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Abstract and Nature
BEST SPOT
– Around the large pond behind the buildings
BEST TIME
– As soon as they open to beat the crowds
Pro tip- Reserve your tickets ahead of time because they only allow a limited number of people inside the garden during a specific time slot.
7.) Near 64153-64477 Lewis and Clark Hwy, White Salmon, WA 98672
Who could have guessed that a simple roadside stop could be such a beautiful location? This spot features clean and quiet views of the Columbia River with the imposing Mt. Hood watching over in the background. Although this Oregon photography spot is technically in Washington, it is a picture of Oregon. That counts right?
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Landscape
BEST SPOT
– One of the roadside pull-offs after crossing the bridge into Washington
BEST TIME
– Sunset, to see the sun’s rays sink along the mountainside.
Pro tip- If you keep following the Columbia River west for a few miles you will make it to the gorgeous waterfalls of New River Gorge.
8.) Portland Witches Castle
You don’t have to travel into the Oregon wilderness to find stunning nature shots. They can be found right in the heart of Portland! The Portland Witches Castle is a dense forest escape away from the city that also holds the remains of an old stone building right at the center of the woods.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Travel and Nature
BEST SPOT
– In front of the castle
BEST TIME
– Midday for rays of light poking through the forest
Pro tip- If you hike beyond the castle, you will find quieter and more dense forest scenes.
9.) Tamanawas Falls
Tamanawas Falls has everything for capturing the one of a kind Oregon landscapes this state is so famous for. Every step of this magical area is filled with natural watery wonder. From the many fantastic lookout points along the riverbank to the gorgeous Tamanawas waterfall that looks too good to be true. Not to mention, this is one of the best hikes in Oregon.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Long Exposure and Nature
BEST SPOT
– Atop the rock pile on the right hand side of the waterfall
BEST TIME
– Evening for dramatic shadows cast onto the open waterfall area
Pro tip- The whole hike is a beautiful trip, explore the whole hike Here!
10.) Mirror Lake
With Mirror Lake, the beauty is right in the name. A quiet and secluded lake in the middle of the forest that looks as if the rest of the world has forgotten about. Smooth glass like waters give perfect reflections of not just the surrounding trees but a great reflection of towering Mt. Hood looming in the background.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Reflection
BEST SPOT
– On the far side of the lake, looking back at Mt Hood
BEST TIME
– Sunrise for a very peaceful scene
Pro tip- Check the weather beforehand to make sure you are able to get clean shots of the distant Mt Hood.
11.) Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake is a must when searching for the best and most beautiful Oregon landscapes. This immaculate body of water showcases what makes the Pacific Northwest such a magical place while also providing one of the most spectacular views of Mt Hood. Enjoy the company of fish, crawfish, and salamanders as you take in the views of the snowcapped mountain sitting behind peaceful waters and thick pine trees in one of the best spots in the entire state for Oregon photography.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Reflection and Landscape
BEST SPOT
– Southwest corner of the lake
BEST TIME
– Sunset, to see a long painted sky overtop the mountain and lake
Pro tip- Hike around the entire lake as each angle offers different incredible views.
12.) OR-35 Highway
Another of the more unexpected locations to grab some high quality shots is the Oregon-35 Highway. Along this stretch of road you’re treated to open lines of sight of the striking Mt. Hood as the highway appears to lead directly towards the base of the massive mountain.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Telephoto
BEST SPOT
– Gilhouley Rd & OR-35
BEST TIME
– Sunset, for a stunning sky and light rays cast onto the mountain
Pro tip- This is a great picture stop after hiking Tamanawas Falls just down the road.
13.) Wreck of the Peter Iredale
Perhaps the best thing about Oregon photography is how it can show natural environments taking over the land in free and powerful ways, and the Wreck of the Peter Iredale is a perfect example. Beached in 1906, the eerie skeletal remains of the English ship Peter Iredale have shown visitors how the Pacific Northwest can reclaim the land for itself.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Abstract
BEST SPOT
– Inside the partially buried wreck
BEST TIME
– Sunset to see the sun peeking through worn pieces of the ship
Pro tip- Make sure to go during low tide so you can walk around the whole shop without worrying about getting wet.
14.) Painted Hills
Natural colored hills painted in a tie dye like fashion, sounds like a great photo spot to me. The Oregon Painted Hills are a captivating spot that shows how odd and colorful the world can be. Vibrant shades of red, yellow, orange, and more decorate the open Oregon landscape in a hypnotic way you don’t want to miss.
BEST TYPE OF PICTURE
– Landscape
BEST SPOT
– Painted Hills Overlook
BEST TIME
– Evening for easier light that really makes the colors pop
Pro tip- A telephoto lens is a must if you want to capture up close details of the natural colors.
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