If you’ve ever looked at photos of the Oregon Coast and thought, “Wow, that place looks moody enough to write poetry in,” you were probably looking at Cannon Beach. This was my first trip down the coast and I told Emily as we were leaving that it would definitely not be my last. Cannon Beach quickly made it onto my Top 5 locations to photograph in just a couple of days.
Cannon Beach is one of the most photogenic places in the Pacific Northwest. Between dramatic sea stacks, misty mornings, glowing sunsets, and weather that changes faster than my cats mood when I move my legs, it’s basically a photography playground. The good news? You don’t need to be a technical wizard with the newest and most expensive gear to capture beautiful images.
You just need a camera, a little patience, and possibly a rain jacket that is actually waterproof and not just resistant!
The star of the show is, of course, Haystack Rock. This massive sea stack rises dramatically from the shoreline like nature accidentally left a mountain in the middle of the beach.
But Cannon Beach isn’t just about Haystack Rock. The area offers wide sandy beaches, moody coastal forests, tide pools, fog that makes every photo look cinematic, and sunsets that occasionally look like the sky caught fire.
In other words: you and your camera is going to have a great time.
This is the classic shot everyone comes for and honestly, it deserves the hype. Our first day the weather was perfect and the sunset was stunning! At sunset, the wet sand reflects the sky, creating mirror-like reflections that can make your photos look so incredible people can’t believe it’s real!
Best Tips
Beginner Sunset Settings
If you’re shooting with a DSLR or mirrorless camera try these settings as a starting point:
For silky water use a tripod and slow your shutter speed to 1–5 seconds compared to using 1/250 shutter speed or faster for sharper wave action.
Smartphone users:
2. Ecola State Park
I was so bummed when Ecola State Park and Hug Point were closed due to a run off. These two will definitely be on my list the next trip down. So these tips are what I had planned and will use next time.
Ecola State Park offers elevated viewpoints overlooking the coastline and Haystack Rock from above. This is where you get those sweeping “Oregon Coast postcard” shots.
Best Conditions
Why It’s Great
If the beach is crowded, Ecola gives you cleaner compositions with dramatic cliffs and coastline curves. You may also see elk but remember they apparently do not like dogs so be careful if traveling with your adventure dog.
3. Hug Point
Hug Point State Recreation Site is a hidden gem just south of town. You’ll find waterfalls on the beach, sea caves, tide pools, and dramatic rock textures.
Photography Tip
Bring a wide-angle lens if possible. The caves and cliffs create incredible leading lines.
And yes, you will probably get your shoes wet so wear waterproof or bring a pair to change into with some dry socks.
How to Shoot Cannon Beach Sunsets
Sunsets on the Oregon Coast can be spectacular but they can also disappear behind clouds five minutes before peak color.
Welcome to coastal photography.
1. Stay After Sunset
Many people leave too early. In reality, the best colors often happen 10–20 minutes after the sun drops below the horizon. As a result, photographers who stay a little longer are usually rewarded with richer tones and softer light.”
2. Use Foreground Interest
Don’t just point your camera at the sky. Instead use driftwood, tide pools, rocks, or reflections to make photos feel more immersive.
3. Shoot Low
Get closer to the ground for reflections and dramatic perspective. You will undoubtedly kneel in wet sand. And not surprisingly people may question your choices.
But the photo will look amazing.
Here’s a quick reference sheet:
| Situation | Aperture | ISO | Shutter Speed |
| General Sunset | f/8 | 100 | 1/60 |
| Silky Water | f/11 | 100 | 1–5 sec |
| Windy Waves | f/5.6 | 200 | 1/500 |
| Low Light Handheld | f/4 | 800 | 1/125 |
If you’re unsure:
Just remember if you are happy with your photo then it’s a good photo!
If you’ve read our other posts you know that I will emphatically say that moody weather often creates the BEST photos. (If you haven’t ready about Emily’s dislike of fog and why I am no longer allowed to mention it on any trip check out our Norway adventure here)
Storm clouds add drama while mist softens light. Wet sand reflects beautifully and fewer tourists’ means you’re not wishing you had one photo that isn’t overcrowded.
Rain Photography Tips
Protect Your Gear
You do not need fancy waterproof equipment. A simple rain cover or even a gallon zip-top bag with a hole for the lens works surprisingly well. I have even used my jacket sleeve from time to time to keep my gear dry. Trust me you can get wet your gear does not do so well.
Increase Your ISO
Obviously, cloudy conditions reduce light fast.
Don’t be afraid to raise ISO up to 1600 if needed. A slightly grainy image is better than a blurry one.
Watch Your Shutter Speed
Windy coastal conditions create camera shake easily.
Try to stay above 1/125 handheld or faster if it’s really windy.
Embrace Moody Photos
Even though they are beautiful, not every image needs orange sunsets and perfect skies.
One of my most memorable Oregon Coast images is foggy, dark, stormy, and minimal.
Our second day in Cannon Beach was overcast and Emily called me and told me to get down to the beach because the weather was perfect for me. She was not wrong! Despite the sunset being completely overcast, a couple with an umbrella framed in front of haystack which led to an unquestionably amazing picture!
Summer
Fall
Winter
Spring
Bring:
Do NOT bring:
Cannon Beach is one of those rare places where everyone can walk away with incredible images. It does not matter if you are using your first DSLR or a smartphone, what matters is paying attention to light, weather, texture, and timing.
Some days you’ll get glowing sunsets. Some days you’ll get sideways rain and wind strong enough to rearrange your hairstyle permanently. Both can produce unforgettable photos.
So grab your camera, embrace the unpredictable Oregon Coast weather, and remember:
If your lens gets salty, you’re probably doing it right.
** Written by Kira **
