14 Best Places to Photograph in Oregon (Travel Guide)

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

Rowena Crest viewpoint long exposure at night
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 Maps

2. Wahclella Falls

Wahclella Falls in Oregon
Wahclella Falls by Zachary Keimig

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 Maps

3. Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls in Oregon
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 Maps

4. 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 Maps

5. Airplane Home

Airplane Home in Oregon
Airplane Home Aerial taken on a DJI Mavic Pro

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 Maps

6. Trillium Lake

Trillium Lake sunset in Oregon
Trillium Lake by Conner Bowe

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 Maps

7. Portland Japanese Garden

Bonsai tree in Portland Japanese Garden
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 Maps

8. 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 Maps

9. Silver Falls State Park

South Falls in 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 Maps

10. Haystack Rock

Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach in Oregon
Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach

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 Maps

11. 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 Maps

12. Falls Creek Falls

Falls Creek Falls by by Greg Eickmeyer

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 Maps

13. 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 Maps

14. 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 Maps

I hope you enjoyed my list of Oregon Instagram locations, if I missed any spots let me know in the comments below!

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1 comment on “14 Best Places to Photograph in Oregon (Travel Guide)”

  1. 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.

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