Need Oregon Coast Suggestions: First extended vacation in years with no work related activities! I'm almost giddy about it. :D We are headed for the beautiful Oregon coast in 2 weeks...

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

First extended vacation in years with no work related activities! I'm almost giddy about it. :D

We are headed for the beautiful Oregon coast in 2 weeks (driving from Portland to Cannon Beach and down to California Redwoods and then back through Crater Lake, Eugene, Sun River, then up through Columbia Gorge, Mt Hood and back into Portland.)

We are seeking suggestions for great photo opportunities along the way, especially specific locations and best time of day. We have never been on the coast before.
We have three weeks and no fixed schedule.

Any and all ideas and suggestions are most appreciated.
Thanks!

PS: So far I've been told to:
expect rain and fog the entire month of September.
to buy a bear bell to wear when hiking in the mountains.
to expect snow at Crater Lake.
But no photography suggestions like vistas, sunsets, rock formations, wildlife, etc.

Allen Hirsch Loc: Oakland, CA

Festina Lente wrote:

First extended vacation in years with no work rela... (show quote)

These might be helpful:

Oregon coastal landscapes:

http://allenh.zenfolio.com/f29887789

Oregon beaches, towns & ports, and Crater Lake:

http://allenh.zenfolio.com/f817324909

Oregon Coastal bridges:

http://allenh.zenfolio.com/f246259418

Lighthouses:

http://allenh.zenfolio.com/f920822593

Last month I spent 10 days on an Oregon Coast trip, starting from Ashland and Crater Lake.

There are two pretty good books, The Photographer's Guide to the Oregon Coast and Oregon Coastal Access Guide, that I used in preparation for my trip.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Allen,
Great reference links! They sure are an inspiration. But I fear I will spend days just trying to find some of the locations you have used. Most impressive portfolio.
Thanks!!
I'll also buy the book as it is still available from Amazon.

BTW, I DO NOT sell or post or distribute any of my vacation photos. Period.
I work on specific business assignments for Fortune 500 companies, no freelance.

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

I know it's a little out of your way but if you get a chance after you leave the redwoods, head over to Lassen Volcanic Nat'l Park. It will be nearly deserted in Sept, the weather should be great, lots of opportunities for stunning photos, and just a beautiful location in general. If you go, you will not be disappointed.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

shutterbob wrote:

I know it's a little out of your way but if you get a chance after you leave the redwoods, head over to Lassen Volcanic Nat'l Park. It will be nearly deserted in Sept, the weather should be great, lots of opportunities for stunning photos, and just a beautiful location in general. If you go, you will not be disappointed.

Thanks ShutterBob. Exactly what I was looking for. Never even heard of it.
While it may be a few hours further south than I'd planned, the photos online look like it is well worth the journey. Thanks again.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

Festina Lente wrote:

First extended vacation in years with no work rela... (show quote)

Your planned route is perfect! It sounds like you did some homework already. If you are willing to park your car and throw a backpack on for a few hours, I have some spectacular suggestions:

Along the coast (just south of Cannon Beach), hike the North Neahkahnie trail (approx. 4mi. moderate hike round trip). You'll see the coastline from the top of the mountain. Just Google "Neahkahnie Mountain".

The next hike is on the way through the Mt. Hood Wilderness. It's called the Tom, Dick and Harry mountain. On a clear day you'll have a magnificent view of Mt. Hood and a few other mountains including St. Helens and Mt. Jefferson. The hike is a moderate 6mi. hike round trip starting from the Mirror Lake trail head off Hwy 26.

In Cannon Beach, make sure you visit Mo's Seafood Restaurant (world famous for it's fresh clam chowder).

If you don't want or can't do any hiking, then you'll still find beautiful views from the roadside of Hwy 101 & 26. Stop at any of the several turn-outs (some parking lot size) to snap a few shots.

Have a great trip, and enjoy our beautiful state. -Mark

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

Festina Lente wrote:

First extended vacation in years with no work rela... (show quote)

I lived in Newport for 10 years,{1990 to 2000} I would suggest the" Newport aquarium", it is actually in south beach, just at the south end of the bridge, south of Newport, OR
they have a walk under tunnel thru the aquarium, really cool!!{ it is where they had keiko the whale if you remember that!!} and the only restaurant I would suggest is a lunch place called "big guys" north end of town on west side of highway 101! maybe "the embarcadero" for dinner and drinks , it is on the bay front at the north end!
that's all I got!
have fun!

Allen Hirsch Loc: Oakland, CA

The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is worth a stop - it's a folder in the links I gave above.

The aquarium part is very cool, as is the glass tunnel filled with sharks. I also liked the aviary, which lets you get close to tufted puffins, black oystercatchers, and pigeon guillemots.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

redhogbill wrote:

I lived in Newport for 10 years,{1990 to 2000} I ... (show quote)

Thanks! I'm staying near Newport for 2 nights so will definitely take in the aquarium. Big Guys is on my list for lunch. Can't get enough seafood when you live in the Midwest!

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Allen Hirsch wrote:

The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is worth a stop - it's a folder in the links I gave above.

The aquarium part is very cool, as is the glass tunnel filled with sharks. I also liked the aviary, which lets you get close to tufted puffins, black oystercatchers, and pigeon guillemots.

Thanks Allen. Sounds like a worthwhile stop, especially if I can't get any bird photos along the beach due to weather. I'm staying near Newport for 2 nights so will definitely take in the aquarium.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

mdorn wrote:

Your planned route is perfect! It sounds like you ... (show quote)

Thanks MDorn!
We do plan on doing a fair amount of easy to moderate hiking with camera gear in tow, so your suggestions above have already been added to our list of hikes to take.

And we will certainly be eating at Mo's Seafood!!!
Can't than you enough for that suggestion. I've been living in the Midwest too long where the seafood is terrible.

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Hi

You've already gotten some great suggestions. The only one I can add would be a water fall in the Columbia Gorge. It's called Mulnotmah Falls (wrong spelling but similar). It's an incredible spot with "many" photography opportunities. Take care & ...

ejrmaine Loc: South Carolina

Cannon Beach at Sundown.

DEBJENROB Loc: DELRAY BEACH FL

Festina Lente wrote:

First extended vacation in years with no work rela... (show quote)

check Amazon .... The Photographer's Guide to the Oregon Coast by Middleton and Barbee ..... Helpful ... I used it last year ... also again for Oregon and Washington .... Northwest Mileposts ....tells you what is at various mileposts on major highways ... they also have one for Alaska ....great guide.....

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

ejrmaine wrote:

Cannon Beach at Sundown.

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