Oregon

Southern Oregon is home to dynamic light that illuminates giant seas stacks at sunrise and sunset. I travelled there in April and Sept, which I believe are the best times of year for light and weather. Southern Oregon cities nestled along the coast include Coos Bay, Bandon, and Brookings. Here is a link to a Southern Oregon Map to help you with your planning. I was based in Bandon and stayed at a vacation rental across the street from Face Rock and the Wizards Hat. I’ve travelled all the way South to from Astoria down the Coast. There are so many photographic opportunities in Oregon, you can’t see them all in the best light during one trip!

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Southern Oregon weather is mild, with wind, clouds and rain being common. You would see me on the beach, always in full rain gear. Don’t forget your camera rain jacket, about 1000 lens cloths, your umbrella, gum boots/waders, and a sturdy tripod. I was hit by a rogue wave and my heavy Manfrotto tripod held steady and saved my camera and thus my trip!

Oregon Sea Stacks

Sea stacks are the most prominent feature of the Oregon coast. They were formed millions of years ago from lava flows that cascaded down into the sea from what is today eastern Oregon and Washington states. The ocean waters cooled the lava flows and formed these large basalt rock formations that today, attracts thousands of photographers from all over the world. There are a few favorite formations that you will see captured time and time again. Each new season, sunrise or sunset brings with it different light conditions and opportunities to capture the sea stacks.

Northern Oregon is home to Ecola State Park and Cannon Beach with the iconic Haystack rock formation. We have yet to spend time at Haystack and are looking forward to returning. Southern Oregon is where you will find the Wizards Hat and Bandon Beach, which we captured in the gallery above.

Our other favorites in Southern Oregon include Shore Acres Park at rising tide for some amazing shots as the waves pound the shore and Cape Sebastian, although we didn’t capture any images there when we visited.

When we return to Oregon, we would love to spend more time exploring the crap load of waterfalls and backcountry roads that wind their way throughout the state.