After reading this article, you will book a journey to Portland straight away. So get ready to take your camera or smartphone to these spots to get the best pictures for your social media or photo collection!
Cathedral Park And St. Johns Bridge
The city of Portland, Oregon, is located along the Willamette River, making it one of the most scenic cities in America. Located just north of downtown, Cathedral Park offers stunning views of the river and the iconic St. John’s Bridge.
The park is home to many different species of birds, including the bald eagle, osprey, heron and eagles.
This park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. In fact, the park is often referred to as the “Northwest’s answer to Central Park.”
This picturesque park features a playground, picnic areas, walking paths, tennis courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts and a skateboard park.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenical Area is located in Oregon and Washington state. This stunning landscape is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll find anywhere.
From towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls to sprawling forests and deep gorges, it’s hard to imagine a better spot for a hike, bike ride, picnic, romantic stroll or to take pictures.
There are over 90 major water falls within the region, making it one of the best places for waterfall photography. There are even multiple spots where you can shoot both the sun setting behind the gorge and the sun rising above it.
The Pearl District
Located in downtown Portland, the historic Pearl District is home to some of the city’s most famous attractions, like the Portland sign and the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry.
The district is filled with unique shops, restaurants and bars — just what you’d expect from a true urban neighborhood.
You might even spot a white stag sign while exploring the area. These signs were once common around Portland, and you can still see several today. They are remnants of the days when the Pearl District was known as the Industrial District.
During this period, there were numerous factories that lined the streets. Today, it’s become a trendy urban destination.
For the full Portland experience, travel along W Burnside Avenue, starting at the base of Burnide Bridge. Here, you can snap a picture with the Portland sign.
Then continue onward to Voodoo Doughnuts, the perfect spot to grab a sweet treat!
Latourell Falls
Located about 30 minutes east of downtown Portland, Latourell falls is the most accessible waterfall within the city limits. This beautiful cascade features crystal clear water cascading over a mossy rock face.
The park offers several trails for hiking and biking, making it a great spot for families looking for some nature exploration. You can even rent bikes here, perfect for exploring the surrounding area.
There are three viewing areas where visitors can enjoy the stunning sight of the falls. Depending on the season, there are different colors displayed throughout the fall.
If you’re lucky enough to catch one of those magical moments, make sure to capture it!
Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion is one of Portland’s most popular attractions. Located just outside the heart of Downtown Portland, it offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
And while there are plenty of great viewpoints in the area, none come close to matching the beauty of Pittock Mansion.
The mansion is located atop the West Hills overlooking the Willamette River. Built for William Pittock in 1914, the home features 46 exquisite rooms and is open to tours throughout the year.
The home was designed by architect Charles Laddiello and is considered one of the finest examples of French Renaissance architecture in Oregon.
When visitors arrive, they’ll find themselves standing on a small deck overlooking the Willamette Valley.
From here, they can see Mount Hood towering over the city, and beyond that, the lush green forests of the Columbia Gorge. A short walk away lies the mansion itself, where guests can enjoy and snap the sweeping views and beautiful gardens.
Cape Kiwanda
This sandstone headlands offers one of the best vistas along the entire Oregon coast, including breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge.
The area is popular among hikers because of the many trails that wind throughout the dunes. One of those trails leads to the top of the sand dunes, where you can walk around the perimeter of the headland and catch some amazing views.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a few migrating birds flying overhead.
If you want to make sure you get the most out of your trip to Cape Kiwanda, consider booking a couple’s photo shoot with Flytographer.
They offer a variety of packages that include everything from professional photography tips to editing software to help you edit your images later.
Photography isn’t something you learn overnight, though; you need to put in the time to perfect your craft. With Flytographer, you won’t have to worry about learning how to use Photoshop or Lightroom. Instead, you can focus on enjoying your vacation.
Hug Point
Hug Point is one of the most popular spots along the coast because it offers visitors a chance to experience the ocean without having to brave the waves. When the tide rolls in, this place becomes a magical wonderland.
The water level rises up to form a natural arch where people can walk across the beach safely. At low tide, the shoreline disappears into the Pacific Ocean.
The area is known for its beautiful scenery, including large spruce trees and rugged rock formations. There are even many sea caves hidden throughout the area.
This small stretch of land is home to some unique wildlife like harbor seals and eagles. If you’re lucky enough to spot a bald eagle soaring above, make sure you nab that all important picture!
Pacific City Beach
Just south of Cape Kiwanda lies Pacific City, a quaint beach town tucked away within the scenic beauty of Oregon Coast National Recreation Area.
With miles of white sand beaches, rugged cliffs, emerald green forests, and ocean views of every hue imaginable, it’s no wonder why this place is known as “The Ocean’s End.”
Pacific City offers visitors a variety of activities, including hiking trails, fishing, kayaking, surfing, and even whale watching. If you’re looking for a relaxing day trip, head down to the nearby town of Depoe Bay, where there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and breweries to explore.
Mount Tabour Park
Portland is home to four extinct volcanic features: Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount Saint Helens, and now Mount Tabor.
While Mount Hood and Mount Adams are both active, Mount Saint Helens and Mount Tabor are considered dormant. However, Mount Tabor does provide a unique perspective of the cityscape.
Mount Tabor sits just north of downtown Portland, Oregon. Its name originates from the Native Americans, who called it “Tabor”, meaning “big mountain”.
In 1883, the United States Geological Survey named the peak Mount Tabor because of its resemblance to a large tabor drum.
The peak offers some of the best views of the city, including the Willamette River, Mount Hood, Downtown Portland, and the surrounding areas. A popular hiking destination, visitors can climb up the mountain to see the views and enjoy the scenery.
Washington Park
Washington Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Portland, Oregon. With over 600 acres of land, there are many great places to explore.
The view from the top of the stairs near the tennis court is incredible. You can see Mount Hood, Mt. Scott, the Willamette River, and Downtown Portland. This is probably the most popular viewpoint in the entire park.
Another great place to take photos is along the path around the lagoon. There are lots of different types of trees, flowers, and plants here, making it a very photogenic area.
If you want to go somewhere unique, head down towards the river. This part of the park is home to the Portland Japanese Garden, the Portland Children’s Museum, and the Oregon Zoo. If you visit during springtime, you’ll even find cherry blossoms blooming.
And finally, don’t forget about the Portland Rose Garden. Located inside the park, this is one of the biggest and most famous rose gardens in the world.
Final Thoughts
Portland, Oregon has so much to offer when it comes to photography. From the breathtaking landscapes to the charming towns, there’s something for everyone and probably too much to capture in one trip.
You have to be lucky to capture some of the natural elements of Portland, Oregon such as the bald eagle, but go again and visit it all and maybe even get a snap of the bald eagle!
HI! I’m Claudia Torres and I am a self-proclaimed digital nomad, traveling the world and documenting it digitally as I go. Three years down, forever to go!
My travel bug itch began when I began a 9-5 job in college that I was absolutely miserable at. I saved up my tips and got the first flight to Thailand.
Originally born in Cuba, I moved to the USA when I was only 4 years old. My parents didn’t have much, but that didn’t stop them from taking us on trips every year to places like Key West, Disney World, Mexico, and more.
My family is a big part of my love for travel, and I also thank them for teaching me that experiences should always be a priority, no matter what your budget.
I began a number of travel blogs as I went, learning more about digital marketing and SEO every step of the way.
It’s never a dull moment trying to travel on a four-hour workweek, but it’s not something I’d change for the world.
So, come with me on my adventures and help me find the best cafe shop to work from in every city I pass through!
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