Oregon Coast Photography

Basalt sea stacks rising from wet sand, crashing surf, tide pools and lighthouses make the Oregon coast one of America's best seascape destinations.

The light

The coast faces west, so sunset is the classic time; in summer the sun sets in the northwest, in winter in the southwest. Use the sun & moon map to see whether the sun drops behind a particular sea stack from where you stand.

Marine fog is common in summer; winter brings storms and dramatic skies between fronts.

Tides

Low tide exposes sand reflections, tide pools and access to rock formations — and high tide can trap you below cliffs. Check the tide finder and plan sunsets that coincide with falling tides.

Locations

• Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock: tide pools at low tide.
• Bandon: a beach full of sea stacks.
• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor: arches, coves and overlooks on the southern coast.
• Heceta Head and Yaquina Head lighthouses — see Oregon lighthouses.

Browse Oregon beaches for more.

Technique

• Long exposures (0.5–2 s) turn receding waves into streaks; 10-stop NDs smooth the sea completely.
• Use wet sand as a mirror for sunset color.
• A polarizer cuts glare on wet rocks.
• Protect gear from salt spray and rinse equipment afterward.

Safety

Sneaker waves can surge far up the beach without warning, and logs on the sand can roll in surf. Never turn your back on the ocean, and stay off logs and isolated rocks at rising tide.