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Iconic & Inexpensive Photography Locations in Northwest and Coastal Oregon

I've been compiling some of my favorite and/or dream photography locations in Oregon. Some of these have parking costs, or require walking or hiking in. Others are drive-up locations that don't require as much trekking. Almost all have free/public parking, but you should confirm that the location is open, accessible, and appropriate to your vision. Some of these areas, especially in the Gorge, are still affected by the wildfires in the previous years, and some may be closed due weather/road closures, especially in winter and spring.


Some state parks require permits to have a wedding or a photography session, with limits on the number of attendees in specific locations. If you have questions about a location, or aren't sure how to start planning an adventure, feel free to reach out: hello@norulesphotography.com


Portland Parks:

Portland Cityscapes:

  • Eastbank Esplanade near OMSI

  • Broadway Bridge

  • Hawthorne Bridge

  • Cathedral Park

Columbia Gorge Area:

  • Latourell Falls

  • Dalton Point

  • Government Cove Peninsula

  • Starvation Creek Falls

  • Hood River & Columbia River

Farther Coast Destinations:

  • George Rogers Park

  • Cape Kiwanda – beach with haystack rocks

  • Bob Straub State Park – grasses, white beach with mountains in the background

  • Winema Road Beach – big beach rocks

  • Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site – beach with haystack rocks

  • Cascade Head Lower Viewpoint – views of peninsulas and cliffs with beach and coast skyline

  • Clay Myers State Natural Area at Whalen Island – peninsula with grasses and beach on both sides

  • Heceta Head Lighthouse – beach, haystack, lighthouse

  • Hobbit Beach

  • Siuslaw National Forest – viewpoint of Hobbit Beach on overview in forest

  • Cape Perpetua Overlook - overlook with forest and beach feels

  • Arch Cape

  • Indian Beach

  • Neskowin Ghost Forest – creepy logs on a beach with haystack rock

  • Whaleshead Beach/Whaleshead Viewpoint

  • Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor – cliffs and rocks on the ocean overlooks

  • House Rock Viewpoint

  • Cape Arago State Park




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