5 Incredible Photography Spots at Cannon Beach

Get Ready to Snap Some Incredible Photos at these Scenic Spots Around Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach, OR is a stunning destination that offers some of the most scenic and picturesque views in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're a professional photographer or just love taking photos as a hobby, there are several must-visit spots that will leave you in awe.

Here are some of the best places to take photos around Cannon Beach.

Haystack Rock and the Needles

Haystack Rock is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Oregon coast, standing at 235 feet tall. Located just off the shore, this giant rock formation provides an excellent backdrop for landscape shots, particularly during the golden hour when the sun casts a warm, glowing light across the beach. Don't forget to capture the Needles, a cluster of smaller rock formations that add even more interest to your photos.

Hug Point State Recreation Site

Hug Point State Recreation Site is a small, but beautiful beach that offers plenty of photo opportunities. The beach's unique terrain, including sea caves and tide pools, makes for great landscape shots. If you're interested in portrait photography, Hug Point is a great spot to capture candid shots of people exploring the beach or climbing on the rocks.

Ecola Point Viewpoint of Sea Lion Rock

Ecola Point Viewpoint provides a stunning view of Sea Lion Rock, a massive rock formation that juts out of the ocean. This viewpoint is especially impressive during the golden hour, when the light casts a warm, golden glow across the ocean and the rock. Be sure to capture the contrast between the vibrant blue of the ocean and the warm orange of the setting sun.

Ecola State Park at Crescent Beach

Ecola State Park at Crescent Beach is a great location for landscape photography. The beach's wide expanse and the surrounding cliffs offer endless possibilities for panoramic shots. If you're lucky, you may even be able to capture a photo of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse in the distance on clear days.

Ecola State Park Clatsop Loop Trail

If you're looking for a bit of adventure, the Clatsop Loop Trail in Ecola State Park is a great option. This trail offers stunning views of the coastline and surrounding forest, and there are plenty of opportunities to take landscape shots along the way. You may even spot some wildlife, including elk and bald eagles. If you have a long telephoto lens, then be sure to point it out towards Tillamook Rock Lightlighthouse from this trails many vantage points.


For photography lovers, these five spots are the ones you need at the top of your list when visiting Cannon Beach. However, there are plenty more great outdoor spaces where you can keep on snapping awesome pics. Head over to our Outdoor Activities page to find more phenomenal photography spots around Cannon Beach!

Finally, for your Northern Oregon Coast vacation, be sure to book your stay with Beachcomber Vacation Homes for the best accommodations in Cannon Beach.