Oregon Coast Photoshoot Location Guide
Oregon Coast Photoshoot Location Guide
In this Oregon Coast photoshoot location guide, we’re exploring the best spots from Cape Kiwanda to Ecola State Park, including additional gems like Hug Point and Chapman Beach. The Oregon Coast is absolutely iconic for a reason, offering stunning backdrops from dramatic cliffs to serene beaches that any Oregon Coast photoshoot location will be gorgeous. Whether you’re planning a romantic couple’s moment or a fun family outing, you’ll find an array of my favorite, most breathtaking locations along the coast. Let’s dive into each location with details on trails, scenery, and tips for a seamless photoshoot experience!
Table of Contents:
- Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
- Arcadia Beach
- Hug Point
- Neskowin Beach
- Bob Straub State Park Beach
- Chapman Beach
- Cannon Beach
- Ecola State Park
– Indian Beach
– Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Loop
– Crescent Beach - Oswald West State Park
– Short Sand Beach
– Elk Flats Trail - Sunset Beach
- Helpful Tips for a Successful Oregon Coast Photoshoot
- Oregon Coast Photographer
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
Trail Hike: Moderate, 1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty Level: Moderate due to sandy paths and steep incline
Scenery: Towering sand dunes, majestic rock formations, sweeping ocean views
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but keep pets on a leash and be mindful of strong winds
Cape Kiwanda, known for its distinctive sandstone headland, offers stunning natural light and expansive beach views. Make sure to visit during low tide to explore tide pools and capture the striking Haystack Rock in the background.
Arcadia Beach
Trail Hike: Easy, short path to the beach
Difficulty Level: Easy
Scenery: Rock formations, sandy beach, tides
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on-leash
Arcadia Beach is perfect for those seeking a more intimate setting. With its backdrop of jagged rock formations and expansive sandy stretches, this beach provides a dynamic stage for beautiful, personal photos.
***Photo sourced from google***
Hug Point
Trail Hike: Easy, short trail to the beach
Difficulty Level: Easy, accessible paths at low tide
Scenery: Waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, sea caves
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on-leash
Hug Point offers a unique coastal experience with a small waterfall cascading onto the beach and captivating sea caves ideal for exploration and creative shots. Visit during low tide to fully appreciate its natural wonders.
***Photo sourced from www.oregonhikers.org***
Neskowin Beach
Trail Hike: Minimal, direct beach access
Difficulty Level: Easy
Scenery: Mystical “ghost forest,” ocean views
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on-leash
Neskowin is famous for its “ghost forest,” remnants of ancient trees that create a haunting but beautiful beach atmosphere. This Oregon Coast photoshoot location provides a unique setting for mysterious and atmospheric shots, especially during sunset.
Bob Straub State Park Beach
Trail Hike: Minimal, direct beach access
Difficulty Level: Easy
Scenery: Long sandy beach, dunes, estuary views
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on-leash
Bob Straub State Park Beach offers a peaceful expanse of sands, ideal for wide-angle shots of the coast. It provides stunning views of the Nestucca Bay and is perfect for capturing the serene essence of the Oregon Coast.
***Photo sourced from google images***
Chapman Beach
Trail Hike: Easy, short walk from nearby parking
Difficulty Level: Easy
Scenery: Captivating rock formations, rugged coastline, sea grass covered dunes
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on-leash
Chapman Beach, near Cannon Beach, offers expansive views of the coastline and striking rock formations. You can even view the iconic Haystack Rock to the south. One of my favoriteee hidden gems for an Oregon Coast photoshoot location. This quieter alternative to the heavily trafficked nearby spots is perfect for intimate photoshoots.
Cannon Beach
Trail Hike: Easy, beach access
Difficulty Level: Easy, accessible paths
Scenery: Iconic Haystack Rock, wide sandy beaches
Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs allowed off-leash under voice control
Cannon Beach is renowned for its picturesque Haystack Rock, perfect for sunset silhouettes. Its expansive beach provides ample space for creativity. This location is best just after sunrise or on a weekday evening to avoid crowds.
***Photo sourced from cannonbeach.org***
Ecola State Park
Trail Hike: Moderate to challenging, 2.5 miles round trip to main viewpoints
Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging due to elevation gain
Scenery: Lush forest, panoramic ocean vistas, historic lighthouse views
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on-leash
Ecola State Park’s lush, green headlands offer a kaleidoscope of photo opportunities. Hike the trails for sweeping vistas of the rocky shoreline and spot migrating whales in the distance. The forested paths add a touch of mystery and charm to any photoshoot.
Indian Beach
Trail Hike: Easy, short walk from parking
Difficulty Level: Easy
Scenery: Rugged cliffs, crashing waves, lush forests
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on-leash
Indian Beach offers a secluded spot with a panoramic view of the ocean and dramatic rock formations. It’s an ideal setting for moody, atmospheric photoshoots, particularly during sunrise or sunset.
Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Loop
Trail Hike: Moderate, 3 miles round trip
Difficulty Level: Moderate with some elevation gain
Scenery: Historic lighthouse views, dense forest, ocean cliffs
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on-leash
The Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Loop offers breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic lighthouse perched on a small island. The blending of history and rugged natural beauty provides a spectacular backdrop for any shoot.
Crescent Beach
Trail Hike: Moderate, 1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty Level: Moderate with a few steep sections
Scenery: Secluded beach, sea stacks, expansive ocean views
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on-leash
Crescent Beach offers a private and picturesque setting with stunning coastal formations. Its seclusion makes it a fantastic spot for capturing intimate and serene photos.
***Photo sourced from That Oregon Life***
Oswald West State Park
Short Sand Beach
Trail Hike: Easy to moderate, 0.5 miles from nearby parking
Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate with gentle slopes
Scenery: Secluded beaches, dense forest, waterfall backdrops
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on-leash
Oswald West’s Short Sand Beach is a hidden gem, enclosed by cliffs and forests, perfect for capturing serene beach moments.
Elk Flats Trail
Trail Hike: Moderate, 1.8 miles round trip
Difficulty Level: Moderate due to elevation changes
Scenery: Forested trails, open meadows, coastal views
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on-leash
Another favorite in Oswald West State Park, is Elk Flats Trail. This cliffside trail offers stunning views of headlands with a unique perspective of the coastline, providing diverse scenery for any photoshoot. One of the most gorgeous trailheads for an Oregon Coast photoshoot location!
Sunset Beach
Trail Hike: Easy, direct access to the beach
Difficulty Level: Easy
Scenery: Expansive sandy beach, stunning sunsets, minimal crowds
Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs allowed off-leash under voice control
Sunset Beach in Nehalem is a fantastic location for capturing the vibrant colors of the sunset over a vast, open beach with sand dunes and sea grass. The quiet atmosphere and unobstructed views make it perfect for twilight photography sessions, enhancing the natural beauty of Nehalem Bay.
Helpful Tips for a Successful Oregon Coast Photoshoot
Wear Water-Friendly Shoes: The coast is wet and sandy, so bring shoes that won’t mind a bit of water.
Pack Extra Socks and Shoes: Stay comfortable by having dry backups to swap out between takes.
Bring Snacks: Keep energy levels up by packing light, portable snacks to enjoy during breaks.
Carry a Blanket: A blanket is perfect for seated shots or for taking a rest on the sand.
Check the Weather: Coastal weather can be unpredictable. Layers are beneficial for warmth.
Bring Sunscreen: Even overcast days can be deceiving; protect your skin from UV rays.
Capturing the beauty of the Oregon Coast is truly an unforgettable experience that I think everyone should have their photos captured here at least once. With these recommended locations and tips, I hope you feel all set for the most amazing Oregon Coast photoshoot.
Your Oregon Coast Photographer
Considering the Oregon Coast for an epic photoshoot? I’m of course a huge fan of choosing the Oregon Coast for a photoshoot location, as you probably guessed from this guide! If you’re in the market for a storytelling photographer to document your story–I’d love to connect with you. You can fill out my inquiry form here.
