Photolady2014 Loc: Southwest Colorado

Hello, looking for some help on where to go on the Oregon Coast for photography of course. Just wondering where you might suggest for a motorhome trip. Town names would be great along with what you would go photograph while there. Anyone who has done a west coast from California up to Washington, what is on your don't miss list. I'm trying to put together camp sites and how long to stay at each place.
Thanks I have just never been out west and not sure where to start!
Beth

EdR Loc: Gig Harbor, WA

Cannon Beach Oregon, and areas near them. In California you should try to see the redwoods.

EdR Loc: Gig Harbor, WA

Sorry double post.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

Cape Perpetua SP south if Yachats. There's camping by the Visitor Center side. If you can do stairs you can go to the tidal pools during low tide - starfish, sea anemones, crabs, sea urchins, etc. Devil's Churn is there, and you can also see it from the overlooks if you don't want to go to the tidal pools. Just south of the cape is a small park with a great scenic view. South end of Oregon is Brookings for more photos. Then there's Florence and the sea lion caves. Newport has fresh crab at the docks, with sea lions waiting for a handout. Then there's Depoe Bay bridge. And that's just the first half of the drive up the coast. Lots of state parks and campgrounds. Have fun. We used to live in Oregon and try to get back to the coast every 5 years or so.

Dalbon

Hello and if I were going again I would go to Canon Beach but don't miss the Columbia River Gorge because it's probably one of the best areas to go but be sure to have on your walking shoes. It is a climb straight up the mountain but it's worth it. There are many other places but these two are my favorites.
Good Shooting, David

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

Having grown up and getting married and adding kids in Bandon, OR I will first admit some prejudice. That being said the beach and bluffs around town are spectacular and very popular with photogs. Pay attention to the tide table and watch the wave action. Every year there’s a tourist or three that gets in trouble and or drowns. I am not kidding. North of there make sure you go to Shore Acres state park near Charleston. Heading north find Cape Perpetua headlands and lighthouse. The reef scene at Shore Acres is violent and enthralling at high tide. Pay attention to the warning signs about. They are not kidding. The Florence harbor is worth a visit. Work your way north to Canon Beach, another area with great sea stacks. Really almost all of the Oregon coast is a photog’s dream. Bring rain gear and windproof clothing regardless of time of year. It’s fickle.

For samples of what you’ll see search Susan Dimock Photography. She’s a pro that lives in Bandon and is highly talented. She a friend of mine. Her work will leave an impression.

Can’t advise as to California beaches. Never spent much time there. Have a great trip.

jwohlhueter

Google "Randall J. Hodges Photographer" lessons. He has an Oregon Coast Class and it's description will give you the most common and best locations. I took his class a year ago. We spent 10 days and shot from Cannon Beach to the Redwood forests in Northern California. My favorite place was sunset on the beach at Bandon, OR. The sea stacks and Face Rock are amazing at sunset. I took this photo last week.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

That rock is called the Wizard, locally. Played right there as a kid.

Photolady2014 Loc: Southwest Colorado

Any thoughts as to the best time of year?

Also, does anyone know how to change the title of a post?

Photolady2014 Loc: Southwest Colorado

Oh and thanks so far for all the excellent information!!

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

If seeking to avoid, as much as possible, the nasty weather September and early October are good bets. But only that, bets. July and August the northerly gales are often in full force. All other months you could encounter driving rain any time. Hence my earlier comment on clothing. If I recall correctly you’re stuck with the title. Perhaps that’s changed. Don’t know.

Photolady2014 Loc: Southwest Colorado

Thanks again for the info!

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

FYI, off Coquille Point at the end of 11th St in Bandon the offshore rock is named Elephant Rock. There’s a cave all the way through it. As a kid we used to go in the cave on very low tides to see the starfish, anemones and the like. That’s now prohibited as it’s a federal wildlife reserve.

The reason I mention this is you have a puffin by your name as an avatar. The preserve is there to protect the puffins that use it, although there’s many more gulls than those. Worth some time at low tide.

Seabastes

One thing about Pacific Northwest weather.if you don't like it, wait five minutes and it can change. These conditions can happen in five minutes or take five days to change depending on time of year. September and October offer the safest opportunity. You don't mention your starting point, but if you can afford the time, start in the Redwoods in Northern California near Crescent City and work your way up the Oregon Coast to Washington State. Highway access to the Coast is better in Oregon than Washington, but it is an adventure that shouldn't be missed, Whatever time you are allowing, triple it,

I say this as a professional photographer with about 1000 assignments for Sunset Magazine in the Pacific Northwest over a 30 year period and resident of the Seattle area since 1964.

Come and enjoy, That should be, in my opinion the biggest reward.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Bend and all area's around it, + coast road.