Planning your engagement session? These scenic Oregon locations will give you some ideas of where to go!
1. HAYSTACK ROCK (CANNON BEACH)
You can never go wrong at the Oregon coast. Haystack Rock is an extremely popular spot for engagement photos. Not only does it provide the most beautiful sunset as it hits the horizon, but you have fun in the water for some really cute pictures. Then after the session you can grab a bowl of clam chowder for dinner! I highly advise going here during the spring/summer as it tends to rain a lot at the coast in other parts of the year.
2. COOPER MOUNTAIN NATURE PARK (BEAVERTON)
This cute little park is tucked away in Beaverton and has beautiful scenery that could totally be mistaken for a central Oregon natural aesthetic. Cooper Mountain has forests, golden fields, and a little bridge that make for great photo opportunities. This location is great any time of the year, but if you want really tall grass in the shots then I suggest going when it is warmer outside.
3. PORTLAND WATERFRONT
If you want cityscapes next to the river... then this is the spot for you! There is a big variety of locations along the waterfront. You can walk on the bridges, explore the marina and docks, or go into the city. Then after the shoot you can grab a bite or checkout some shops along the waterfront.
4. GOVERNMENT COVE (THE GORGE)
I consider this location to basically be like the "Iceland" of Oregon. You are completely surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Everything in this location is completely jaw dropping from the rocky cliffsides, mountain ranges, and meadow fields to it's elegant sunset. It can be rather difficult to find if you don't have the right directions, but once you get there it's an easy five minute hike to the top. This is one of my most recommended spots.
5. UMBRELLA FALLS (MT. HOOD MEADOWS)
If you want a session that's a little bit snowy... I highly recommend going to this area. Mt. Hood snows around the start of January until mid March and it's the perfect place to kick off the new year with a session. It's pretty easy to get to this hidden trail right next to the Mt. Hood Meadows ski resort. The hike is an effortless 10 minutes to get to and offers a cute little bridge next to the waterfall. I have also been here during the warmer months and the location is good for anytime of year.
6. TIMBERLINE (MT. HOOD)
Anything near Mt. Hood is bound to be beautiful. Right next to the parking lot of timberline lodge you will find yourself right at the mountain's base. You can get lost in the pine trees or rough it through the rugged terrain. Either way you will still catch a beautiful sunset at this peak.
7. ECOLA STATE PARK VIEWPOINT (CANNON BEACH)
This location is easy to find and is right next to the parking lot. It has fun trails through the tall grass and a small 5 minute hike to a lovely viewpoint of the ocean. It offers a great variety of backdrops. This is also one of the areas in which the movie Goonies was filmed.
8. SILVER FALLS (SUBLIMITY OR)
This spot has one of the biggest waterfalls that Oregon has to offer. It's an amazing location that offers bridges, mossy pine trees, and rocky cliffsides. It's usually best to go to this location in the spring time when all the snow melts. That's when the waterfall will be largest. It can be tricky to find but you just follow the signs in the park for the south falls.
9. CAPE KIWANDA (PACIFIC CITY)
This beach spot is a fan favorite. A lot of photographers come here so it can be a little crowded sometimes. If you have patience and good angles you can still get some amazing shots without the mass of people. Also just over the hill are amazing rocky cliffsides with unreal views of the ocean.
10. FITTON GREEN NATURAL AREA (CORVALLIS)
You wouldn't think a quiet little college town would have such a beautiful hidden gem like this. Fitton Green has vast golden fields and a nice view of the Willamette Valley. It's only a 10 minute walk from the car and has one of the most prime sunsets. I wouldn't advise going here during the winter. The road to get here is very steep and ice can make it difficult to get to. Not to mention this place can get a little windy sometimes.
I hope this list helped you choose a good location! If you are interested in having me as your photographer click the link below and shoot me a message :)
jmweddingsllc.com/contact