Oregon features some of the world’s most diverse terrain. There are sand dunes, enchanted forests, 12,000 foot peaks, and incredible beaches that offer both photogenic scenery and an epic surf.

With so much to offer, it can be hard to know where you should go to spend your valuable time. So, here are my top five things to do when visiting the the Beaver State.

Once you’ve landed in Portland, locate your desired mode of transportation and quickly head to the beach. Oregon, without a doubt, features my favorite stretch of coast. Once you arrive, start at Cape Kiwanda and work your way down. Along the way, you’ll want to make a pit stop at Cape Perpetua to check out Thor’s Well. Make sure you time it right in order to get some sick shots. Don’t forget to maintain a safe distance from the high tide. Be sure to stop in a small (sneeze and you’ll miss it) town called Yachats for a quick brewski. This area provides a small town that is absent of the crowds. Your coastline adventure will end with my favorite piece of Oregon: Samuel H. Boardman State Park.

Though Samuel H. Boardman is technically a part of the coast, it deserves its own section in this blog. Put your boots on and hike down to the Natural Bridges at either sunrise or sunset for one of the best photography moments of your life. There are multiple spots you can hit within the park, but Natural Bridges will likely be the least crowded, the most beautiful, and, if you’re as lucky as I was, there will be a couple seals hanging out just below. Make sure you wear the proper shoes, as the trail can be super steep and wet at times. Head just ten minutes south to one of the coolest Lord of the Rings themed breweries, The Mist Mountains Brewery. That’s right, I said Lord of the Rings themed.

Begin heading west, and up through the Umpqua National Forest until you reach what is one of the most unique waterfalls I’ve ever shot; Toketee Falls. Toketee lookout point is a super easy .8 mile hike in and out. Once you reach the lookout point, slow down and enjoy the view. Make sure you arrive before noon to avoid any harsh lighting on the falls and take your time here. There is so much to see, so don’t rush yourself. Drive a tad farther down the road to catch another neat waterfall: Falls Creek Falls.

Forget Portland and Salem; the best city in Oregon is Bend. Surrounded by mountain and desert terrain, Bend is an extremely diverse, and affluent town. You get that local, Portlandia feel without the constant stress of an urban city vibe. Climbers and mountain-lovers alike need to travel to the outskirts of town to places like Smith Rock State Park, filled with endless climbing routes, and the Three Sisters mountain range, for some alpine climbing and skiing. These two places alone will keep you busy for a week if you choose to explore further. For photographers, I recommend hitting Sparks Lake for an alpinglow you won’t soon forget.

Finally, finish off your trip exploring the Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge areas. Spend one night camping at Trillium Lake and experience a superb sunset/sunrise. Go hiking in the gorge to find some of the country’s most diverse and alluring waterfalls, such as Bridal Veil Falls, Whachella Falls, and Multnomah Falls. While you’re here, make sure to hit up the Multnomah Falls breakfast joint. (You’re welcome.) Finish your day with a scenic flight tour over the area. I recommend using Envi Adventures. The flight lasts about an hour and they take off just before sunset to make sure you get the best experience possible.

Oregon will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ve spent time traveling and photographing in a wide array of places, but this state has always been the one place that makes me want to put down roots. Weather permitting, you’re in for the time of your life while visiting… hell, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, go anyway!

Cheers,

Tyler

Oregon features some of the world’s most diverse terrain. There are sand dunes, enchanted forests, 12,000 foot peaks, and incredible beaches that offer both photogenic scenery and an epic surf.

With so much to offer, it can be hard to know where you should go to spend your valuable time. So, here are my top five things to do when visiting the the Beaver State.

Once you’ve landed in Portland, locate your desired mode of transportation and quickly head to the beach. Oregon, without a doubt, features my favorite stretch of coast. Once you arrive, start at Cape Kiwanda and work your way down. Along the way, you’ll want to make a pit stop at Cape Perpetua to check out Thor’s Well. Make sure you time it right in order to get some sick shots. Don’t forget to maintain a safe distance from the high tide. Be sure to stop in a small (sneeze and you’ll miss it) town called Yachats for a quick brewski. This area provides a small town that is absent of the crowds. Your coastline adventure will end with my favorite piece of Oregon: Samuel H. Boardman State Park.

Though Samuel H. Boardman is technically a part of the coast, it deserves its own section in this blog. Put your boots on and hike down to the Natural Bridges at either sunrise or sunset for one of the best photography moments of your life. There are multiple spots you can hit within the park, but Natural Bridges will likely be the least crowded, the most beautiful, and, if you’re as lucky as I was, there will be a couple seals hanging out just below. Make sure you wear the proper shoes, as the trail can be super steep and wet at times. Head just ten minutes south to one of the coolest Lord of the Rings themed breweries, The Mist Mountains Brewery. That’s right, I said Lord of the Rings themed.

Begin heading west, and up through the Umpqua National Forest until you reach what is one of the most unique waterfalls I’ve ever shot; Toketee Falls. Toketee lookout point is a super easy .8 mile hike in and out. Once you reach the lookout point, slow down and enjoy the view. Make sure you arrive before noon to avoid any harsh lighting on the falls and take your time here. There is so much to see, so don’t rush yourself. Drive a tad farther down the road to catch another neat waterfall: Falls Creek Falls.

Forget Portland and Salem; the best city in Oregon is Bend. Surrounded by mountain and desert terrain, Bend is an extremely diverse, and affluent town. You get that local, Portlandia feel without the constant stress of an urban city vibe. Climbers and mountain-lovers alike need to travel to the outskirts of town to places like Smith Rock State Park, filled with endless climbing routes, and the Three Sisters mountain range, for some alpine climbing and skiing. These two places alone will keep you busy for a week if you choose to explore further. For photographers, I recommend hitting Sparks Lake for an alpinglow you won’t soon forget.

Finally, finish off your trip exploring the Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge areas. Spend one night camping at Trillium Lake and experience a superb sunset/sunrise. Go hiking in the gorge to find some of the country’s most diverse and alluring waterfalls, such as Bridal Veil Falls, Whachella Falls, and Multnomah Falls. While you’re here, make sure to hit up the Multnomah Falls breakfast joint. (You’re welcome.) Finish your day with a scenic flight tour over the area. I recommend using Envi Adventures. The flight lasts about an hour and they take off just before sunset to make sure you get the best experience possible.

Oregon will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ve spent time traveling and photographing in a wide array of places, but this state has always been the one place that makes me want to put down roots. Weather permitting, you’re in for the time of your life while visiting… hell, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, go anyway!

Cheers,

Tyler