Oregon has to be one of the most beautiful states in America. Full of lush green landscapes, waterfalls, and a stunning coastline Oregon is a must-do road trip for photographers.
Most people who visit Oregon end up in Portland but there is plenty to see that’s just an hour drive out of the city.
Here are the best places to take pictures in Oregon:
- 1. Rowena Crest Viewpoint
- 2. Wahclella Falls
- 3. Multnomah Falls
- 4. Latourell Falls
- 5. Airplane Home
- 6. Trillium Lake
- 7. Portland Japanese Garden
- 8. Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
- 9. Silver Falls State Park
- 10. Haystack Rock
- 11. Thor’s Well at Cape Perpetua
- 12. Falls Creek Falls
- 13. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
- 14. Abiqua Falls
1. Rowena Crest Viewpoint
Probably one of the most popular things to photograph in Oregon the huge curve in the road at the Rowena Crest viewpoint is a sight to see. Plus it’s only a 90 minute drive from Portland on the Columbia River Gorge. This spot looks great day or night, it’s especially fun to capture the light trails of cars driving down the road.
Rowena Crest Viewpoint on Google Maps2. Wahclella Falls
The 1.9 mile out-and-back hike to Wahclella Falls will give you fantastic mossy views of the falls.
Wahclella Falls Trail on Google Maps3. Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls has to be the most photographed waterfall in Oregon. Located just out of Portland you can get here with a 45 minute drive. When I saw Multnomah in photos I didn’t realize it was such a large tourist attraction, surprisingly there is a parking lot and plenty of tourists.
Multnomah Falls on Google Maps4. Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls is a large single stream waterfall measured at a whopping 224 feet that can be reached via a a short 0.2 mile out-and-back hike.
Latourell Falls on Google Maps5. Airplane Home
The Airplane home is privately owned but the owner welcomes guests. I highly recommend bringing a drone to this location to get the full effect of this unique home.
Airplane Home on Google Maps6. Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake gives you a fantastic view of Mount Hood, just 7 miles south of Mount Hood and a couple of hours from Portland sunrise or sunset is epic from the lake.
Be sure to check the weather before heading to Trillium Lake, when I visited I was unable to drive down due to high snow.
Trillium Lake on Google Maps7. Portland Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden in Portland consists of 8 garden spaces with Japanese maple trees, Koi fish, stone gardens and more. If you’re planning on bringing a tripod you’ll have to pay an additional $10 tripod fee which can be paid at the ticket booth. The Japanese Garden also has a tea house to enjoy lunch during your visit.
Portland Japanese Garden on Google Maps8. Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
The Wooden Shoe Tulip farm is a stunning farm with 40 acres of fields. Before visiting make sure to keep up to date with events at the farm.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm on Google Maps9. Silver Falls State Park
There are plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls to explore in Silver Falls State Park. The park includes the 7.4 mile Trail of Ten Falls which takes you to ten waterfalls all over the park. If you’re planning a quick stop you can head to South Falls. From the parking lot it’s about a 1.1 mile round trip walk to explore South Fall.
South Falls in Silver Falls State Park on Google Maps10. Haystack Rock
Located on the coastline of Oregon Haystack Rock consists of massive rocks on the shore standing up to 235 feet tall.
Haystack Rock on Google Maps11. Thor’s Well at Cape Perpetua
Thor’s Well is a naturally carved hole in the shore line of Cape Perpetua’s shoreline.
Be careful when visiting this location since tides can be dangerous at times.
Cape Perpetua on Google Maps12. Falls Creek Falls
Falls Creek Falls consists of a 6.2 mile loop trail which ends in a stunning waterfall at the top of the trail.
Pictured above is the 4th tier waterfall in Falls Creek Falls.
Falls Creek Falls Trail on Google Maps13. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
On the coast of Oregon is the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor which is quite a bit of unique terrain. The 12 miles of coast is full of beautiful trees, coastline, and beaches.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor on Google Maps14. Abiqua Falls
90 minutes south of Portland you’ll find Abiqua Falls. I loved the unique geological formation next to the waterfall and capturing the foreground around the falls.
Just keep in mind the road to the trail head is a 2.5 rocky road so AWD/4WD is recommended. After which there is a 1.3 mile hike down a steep grade to get to the falls.
Abiqua Falls on Google MapsI hope you enjoyed my list of Oregon Instagram locations, if I missed any spots let me know in the comments below!
Lovely collection sir !
Would suggest using PicnPlace app for creating and maintaining your own bucket list of places. Many photographers have started using it and have found it very useful, especially the feature that the list does not be one public at all. It’s your personal list as opposed to other social media sites.