Top state parks
State ParkDevils Punch Bowl State Natural Area
State ParkYaquina Bay State Recreation Site
State ParkBoiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
State ParkBeverly Beach State Park
State ParkOtter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint
State ParkWhale Watching Center
State ParkDriftwood Beach State Recreation Site
State ParkSeal Rock State Recreation Site
State ParkSmelt Sands State Recreation Site
State ParkGleneden Beach State Recreation Site
State ParkBeachside State Recreation Site
State ParkLost Creek State Recreation Site
State ParkW. B. Nelson State Recreation Site
State ParkYachats Ocean Road State Natural Site
State ParkYachats State Recreation Area
State ParkAgate Beach State Recreation Site
State ParkFogarty Creek State Recreation Area
State ParkRoads End State Recreation Site
State ParkRocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
State ParkD River State Recreation Site
State ParkEllmaker State Wayside
State ParkSouth Beach State Park
State ParkGovernor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site
State ParkDevil's Lake State Recreation Area
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How to photograph state parks
State parks often protect a signature feature — a gorge, lake or overlook — that is best in early morning before visitors and harsh light arrive.
- Check park hours: many state parks close at dusk, which affects sunset and night shooting.
- Ask rangers about photography permits for commercial work, models or drones.
- Weekday mornings are the least crowded at popular viewpoints.
- Trail maps often mark overlooks — combine them with the sun azimuth to plan.
- Day-use fees or passes are common; buy them online before arriving.
Season: Spring wildflowers and autumn color are peak seasons in most parks.