beautiful places in Oregon
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Beautiful Places in Oregon for Photography Lovers (And Adventurers!)

We are all about the adventures over here but we can’t help it, we’re lovers of photography too!

So if someone is looking for some epic Oregon photography or really, just some stunningly beautiful places in Oregon, this is the guide for you.

Tons of these spots can be accessed with your car or a quick hike but as you get further down the list, you’ll have to work damn hard for some of those shots (we all love a good challenge, right?)!

Adventure and photography mix well, my friends, so we hope you enjoy these photo locations in Oregon!

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Most Beautiful Places in Oregon for Photography Lovers


While we don’t let Instagram dictate where we go, we aren’t oblivious to the fact that some people do. When people travel now, they want a great shot, and can ya blame them? As photography fanatics, we get it.

Here are some beautiful places in Oregon to get that shot (even if it’s just for the ‘gram).

Bandon Beach

Incredible sea stacks dotting the ocean, what else do you want? A simple walk down to Bandon Beach at low tide and you’re standing amongst these towering boulders with starfish hanging off the bottom and the sea crashing in the distance.

Crater Lake

While there are trails around Crater Lake to roam, if you’re looking for capturing an iconic but quick photo in Oregon, Crater Lake is your spot. You can drive around the lake and find tons of angles for your shot.

If you come in winter only partial road access may be open so plan accordingly.

Nina looking out over Crater Lake in Winter
Crater Lake in Oregon

RELATED: Things to Do at Crater Lake National Park: Hikes, Camping & When to Visit


Lost Lake

Hike or kayak Lost Lost and you’ll be watched over by Mount Hood, which turns out to make an epic Instagram shot in Oregon. I think we can all agree Mount Hood is very photogenic which brings me to…

View through the trees of Lost Lake
Peaceful Lost Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Oregon for photography (when Mount Hood isn’t hiding!)

Trillium Lake

You can’t mention Mount Hood and a lake without mentioning Trillium Lake. If you’re lucky and happen to get a calm morning, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning reflection shot of Mount Hood.

If you’re up for camping, you can get some sunset and sunrise photos from the Trillium Lake Campgrounds.

Best Lakes in Oregon
Trillium Lake

READ MORE: Checking Out Trillium Lake: Paddling, Hiking, and Camping


Painted Hills

This alien landscape has a few trails to choose from, most of which are pretty darn easy. Check out this beautiful place in Oregon if you dream of visiting Mars, it may be as close as you’ll get!

Nina looking out over Painted Hills, one of the most beautiful places in Oregon
Looking out over the beautiful Painted Hills in Eastern Oregon

RELATED: Your Guide to Exploring the Painted Hills—Oregon’s Most Alien Landscape


Toketee Falls

You’ll barely have to walk a mile to get to this popular Instagrammable location in Oregon’s Umpqua National Forest, however, if you want to get to the base you’ll need to traverse a sketchy rope down some rocks.

Toketee Falls near Umpqua Hot Springs
Toketee Falls

Umpqua Hot Springs

In case you’re tired of chasing waterfalls, just down the road from Toketee Falls is Umpqua Hot Springs. You could give the camera a rest… or not.

View looking down on Umpqua Hot Springs, one of the most beautiful places in Oregon
Soak in the peaceful and beautiful Umpqua Hot Springs

RELATED: 11 Things to Know Before Going to Umpqua Hot Springs


Cannon Beach

There are trails around Cannon Beach but for those epic shots, you’ll probably just want to frolic around the beach. And unlike most of the world, it’s almost better when this beach is in a mood. This is certainly one of the most photographed spots in Oregon!

Haystack Rock and reflection at Cannon Beach, one of the most beautiful places in Oregon
Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach is a gorgeous sight

READ MORE: 14 Adventurous Things To Do in Cannon Beach


The Wallowas

Head to Wallowa Lake and take it all in, or get high up in the mountains… No matter which way you explore the Wallowas, you’ll be tapping into some of Oregon’s best photography locations because it’s still pretty under the radar.

View of Wallowa Lake in Oregon with mountains from above
Gorgeous Wallowa Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Oregon

Alvord Desert

Another camping location that seems to be on another planet! Alvord Desert is pretty out there but the location couldn’t be more worth it. You can camp on the salt flat and wake up to the Steen Mountains as your backdrop.

Here’s everything you need to know about camping in Alvord Desert.

Nina running in the Alvord Desert in Oregon
The Alvord Desert is one of the most different and most beautiful places in Oregon

Tumalo Falls

Take the easy route and view this beaut ten steps from the parking lot or take the side trail about 15 minutes towards the falls to get right up to it.

View over forest to Tumalo Falls, one of the most beautiful places in Oregon
Tumalo Falls is a gorgeous waterfall in Oregon

Skylight Caves

Although it’s just off a country road, the road to get there takes a while and it’s a bit hard to find but once you find it…

Finding The Best Caves and Lava in Oregon
Skylight Cave is another beautiful spot in Oregon

RELATED: How to Get to Skylight Cave in Oregon


Silver Falls State Park

The Trail of 10 Falls is aptly named, do we need to say much more? You’ll have some fun with photography in Oregon here and if you want to take your time, there are a few campgrounds in the area.

→ Join this fun day trip from Portland for a hike through Silver Falls State Park followed by a tasting at a local winery.

View to waterfall in Silver Falls State Park, one of the most beautiful places in Oregon
One of many beautiful waterfalls to see in Silver Falls State Park

RELATED: Your Guide to Silver Falls State Park—the Trail of 10 Falls & More


Samuel H Boardman

There are various points of interest here. Samuel H. Boardman is one of the most Instagrammable spots on Oregon’s coast. You can literally spend an entire day exploring and taking photos on this stretch of coastline.

Nina looking out over ocean from trail in Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
Views from Lone Ranch Trail

RELATED: Hiking the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor


Smith Rock

Another photogenic spot in Oregon and the best part about it is its ease. You get spectacular views simply by rolling up to the parking lot at Smith Rock! We do highly suggest you try the scenic hikes and epic rock climbing though! 🙂

→ To ensure you get the best pics from your visit, why not try this sunset photo workshop at Smith Rock, with tips on the best vantage points in the park.

View over Smith Rock State Park from top of Misery Ridge
Incredible views from the top of Misery Ridge in Smith Rock State Park

RELATED: A Guide to Smith Rock State Park’s Hikes, Misery Ridge Trail & More


Columbia River Gorge

Where to begin? I decided to loop in this area but honestly, you can spend days shooting the Columbia River Gorge. The easiest views are Multhomah Falls and Rowena Crest Viewpoint, Dry Creek Falls doesn’t get busy, and then there’s Horsetail and Wakeena Falls… You should probably just read about these waterfalls near Portland.

And, of course, the Gorge itself is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Oregon…

→ There are a lot of fun waterfall tours from Portland to the Columbia River Gorge you can take too, like this half-day waterfall hiking tour, or this Hike and Bike Waterfall tour.


RELATED: 25 Columbia River Gorge Hikes + Other Adventures


Triangulation Peak

An epic cave framing Mount Jefferson? Sign us up! There are some switchbacks and a trample through a burned forest to get to Boca Cave to get that shot.

Triangulation peak view through cave entrance
Triangulation Peak is one of the most beautiful places in Oregon that is also off the beaten path (Mount Jefferson was hiding today)

Proxy Falls

The epitome of a great photography location in Oregon—Proxy Falls. It’s an easy hike in, but to get the good shots there will be some rock and tree scrambling which can get slippery and dangerous pretty quick. But you’ll manage just fine and the experience is worth it.

Proxy Falls is one of Oregon's best hikes
Proxy Falls—Arguably the most beautiful place in Oregon to chase waterfalls.

READ MORE: Proxy Falls Hike—Central Oregon’s Most Epic Waterfall!


Tamanawas Falls

An easy path with a bit of a rock scramble at the end and bam, you’re chilling at Tamanawas Falls. Take the rock scramble further to get behind the falls. This is one of our fav spots to hike to in Mount Hood.


READ MORE: Hiking the Gorgeous Tamanawas Falls Trail


Cascade Lakes

Elk Lake? Sparks Lake? Maybe Todd Lake or Devils Lake? Take your pick… I’m grouping together another nugget of Instagrammable spots in Oregon and yes, you will have a field day here! Bonus points if you bring out your kayak or SUP board (or just rent them at Elk Lake!)

Each lake has a trail that goes around it, some of them leading into the epic Cascade Mountains you see before you.

Nina looking over lake in Cascade Lake region of Oregon
The Cascade Lakes are one of the most beautiful places in Oregon

RELATED: Exploring the Cascade Lakes in Oregon—Hiking, Camping, & Water Sports


You’ll Have to WORK For These Beautiful Places in Oregon!


Paulina Peak

Yes, you can visit Paulina Falls first for a snap but for some real views, the 6-mile hike round trip to Paulina Peak is worth it.

Nina looks out over Newberry National Volcanic Monument from Paulina Peak
Enjoy incredible views over Newberry National Volcanic Monument from Paulina Peak

READ MORE: Your Guide to Newberry National Volcanic Monument


South Sister Summit

You’ll have to earn this view by walking 12 miles round trip to the summit and back down. Along the way, you’ll get views of Moraine Lake, Teardrop Pool, and the ultimate view at South Sister is the summit overlooking Middle and North Sister, Broken Top, and beyond…

Nina looks out over snowy mountains from South Sisters hikes
Epic views from the South Sister summit

READ MORE: Your Guide to Hiking South Sister in Bend, Oregon


Mount Thielsen

The pointy tip can be seen from miles away. You’ll have to tackle 15 miles round trip to the summit, luckily the refreshing and beautiful Diamond Lake is waiting for you below! Here’s more info on hiking Mount Thielsen.

View of Mount Thielsen from the hike
Mount Thielsen is one of the most beautiful places in Oregon and worth the hike

Broken Top

No Name Lake, Bend Glacier, and Broken Top summit, are best tackled over a few days. You’ll have to sweat and grind to get to these photo locations in Oregon.

The Broken Top trail to No Name Lake and Bend Glacier is a good start at just 15 miles round trip!

View of lake surrounded by snowy mountains on the Broken Top Hike in Bend
Enjoy the scenery of the Broken Top Hike in Bend

Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain

After taking a peek at Mount Hood’s reflection at Mirror Lake down below, climb up Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain for a more upfront and personal view of Mount Hood. Adorable chipmunks included.

Nina looking out to Tom, Dick and Harry mountain from viewpoint
Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain is one of the most beautiful places in Oregon and definitely worth the hike

There are probably 49489 more beautiful places in Oregon we could have added but I think we’ve given you enough for now! 🙂 Check out these other adventures around Oregon.

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