Going to Portland, OR -- any favorite photo ops?

It won't be my first time there, but definitely the longest stay (one week), and the most photo-centric (landscape photography being my main interest). I'm planning the following excursions:

Columbia River Gorge

Mt Hood

Forest Park

Washington Park

Oregon Coast (Cannon Beach?)

and of course, Downtown Portland

I've been to all these places before (briefly), with the exception of Forest Park, so I have some idea what's in store. So I'm looking for particular information, like best viewpoints, or best times of day, etc. Are there other sites I should have on my list, either in addition, or in place of the above? How about sites for good city-scapes? Waterfront shots? Blue hour, night-time photography?

Thanks!

It's been a while since I was in Portland, but it is the city of roses. There are supposed to be some great rose gardens and I believe a Japanese one as well.

Looking at your gear list I would consider adding/renting a telephoto, particularly one that can double as a closeup lens. Telephoto compression can be a great tool when shooting the various sea stacks off the beach. If you are hiking into some of the waterfall gorges along the Columbia there are plenty of opportunities for detail shots of ferns and such on the walls. Obviously a tripod is an absolute requirement. And don't forget a pair of tall boots as those gorge waterfall hikes can be largely in the water.

Hi Tj61 Lucky you

I’m certainly not a local and I’m sure they will suggest a lot more, but at this time of year Portland Japanese Garden near Arlington Heights in town. Search Roman Johnson on this forum.

Ecola State park (near Cannon Beach)

I don’t know which way you’re coming from but if from south certainly call into Otter Rock (inn at otter crest) great beach and waterfalls falling onto the beach, Devils Punch Bowl. Whale watching at Depoe Bay

Regards

Paul Donaldson

TJ61 said:

It won't be my first time there, but definitely the longest stay (one week), and the most photo-centric (landscape photography being my main interest). I'm planning the following excursions:

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Certainly a good list, plenty for a week and then some - a few thoughts:

TJ61 said:

Columbia River Gorge

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Taking the old highway for Gorge views beginning with the classic of Vista House, then shoot the waterfalls every few miles.

TJ61 said:

Mt Hood

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Lots of options, particularly if you hike a bit. Lolo pass to the west accesses nice angles, Trillium Lake SE provides a classic view, Mirror Lake trail for views from the south begins just below Gov't Camp, the rough road up to the Cloud Cap Inn gets you to 6,000' on the NE side (about opposite of Timberline).

TJ61 said:

Forest Park

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Lots of trees and ferns . . .

TJ61 said:

Washington Park

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Rose Garden and views of Hood across the city, Japanese Garden

TJ61 said:

Oregon Coast (Cannon Beach?)

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Ecola State park is just north of Cannon Beach, nice views & decent ocean access

TJ61 said:

and of course, Downtown Portland

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Night-time shots or panos from the East Side Esplanade

TJ61 said:

I've been to all these places before (briefly), with the exception of Forest Park, so I have some idea what's in store. So I'm looking for particular information, like best viewpoints, or best times of day, etc. Are there other sites I should have on my list, either in addition, or in place of the above? How about sites for good city-scapes? Waterfront shots? Blue hour, night-time photography?

Thanks!

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Have fun!

Add one: Silver Falls State Park, southeast of Portland. It has waterfalls. And waterfalls. And waterfalls. In fact, with all of the waterfalls in the gorge and in Silver Falls park, I suspect there must be a lot of gravity in that part of the country.

Thanks to all for some great ideas!

The Japanese Gardens and Rose Gardens at Washington Park are definitely on the list.

I'd never heard of the waterfall hikes along the Columbia River that actually require walking in the streams, but that looks pretty cool. We'll see how adventurous I'm feeling.

Ecola SP near Cannon Beach is now on the list. I'm not sure if I'll make it down as far as the Devil's Punch Bowl -- can't believe I passed by unaware the last time we were on the coast for a few days! But now that I know about it....

Trillium Lake at Mt. Hood is also on the list, as is the Timberline Lodge (big fan of The Shining). I'll definitely check out evening/nite shots from the Eastbank Esplanade -- that looks like it could be a really cool place to shoot from.

Silver Falls SP looks great, too, and is now on my list filling in my last open day. Thanks for that. (Will watch for signs of excessive gravity!)

Thanks again!

Don't miss the Portland sign at night and lots of great shots of downtown Portland at night across the Willamette River. Try the area around the OMSI.

Take the scenic Highway 30 (I think that's it) east into the Gorge. And don't miss Multnomah Falls. It's crowded but spectacular.

Astoria Bridge especially if it's foggy.

Here is some of mine.


Good luck!