People flock to Oregon for a myriad of reasons. Destination weddings, elopements, and adventurous engagement sessions are common and coveted. Oregon is just so pretty, it’s really hard to beat! Choosing your location within Oregon is super overwhelming. There are so many epic locations to choose between. I wanted to make a guide with pros and cons to different iconic Oregon spots, to help you find the right location for you!

1) The Oregon Coast

When you think of the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach comes to mind immediately. While it is a beautiful spot, it is extremely busy. There are other spots along the coast that are more private and even more beautiful, in my opinion. Three noteworthy Oregon coast locations:

Hug Point

Pros: Close to Portland, amazing beach, caves, rocks… just incredible.

Cons: Are there any?

Pacific City/Cape Kiwanda

Pros: Views. That is all. The freaking views

Cons: Further from Portland, busier than the other spots.

Elk Flats Trail

Pros: Private, pretty close to Portland, rarely busy, amazing at sunset, views

Cons: Bit of a hike, no cell signal

Fishing Rock

Pros: So incredibly beautiful and unique

Cons: Quite a trek from Portland

Really whatever spot along the Oregon Coast you choose will be a winner. The unique foliage, crazy rock structures, and quiet corners make it a destination that can’t go wrong, rain or shine.

2) The Columbia Gorge

The Columbia Gorge is one of those places you have to see in your life. The river winds between tree covered cliffs, and as you make your way along the shore, you can see waterfalls, forests, and pretty glens. And can I just say during fall??? HELLO COLOR, I love you.

Government Cove

Pros: Quiet, amazing sunsets, diverse landscape, views

Cons: A little harder to find if you don’t have good directions!

Rowena Crest

Pros: Close to Hood River (lots to do), wildflowers in the spring, good views always

Cons: A little further from Portland, windy

3) Waterfalls

There are SO many spots in Oregon for epic waterfalls.

Latourell Falls

Pros: Close to Portland, gorgeous

Cons: WET, haha!

Bridal Veil Falls

Pros: Close to Portland, pretty hike, gorge views too

Cons: hike, muddy in wet weather

Silver Falls State Park

Pros: ALL the waterfalls

Cons: Farther from Portland

4) The Forest

Oregon has the most beautiful forests. Trees, quiet lakes, mountain views, and narrow trails are abundant. It can be hard to narrow down what Oregon-green forest you want for photos!

Cold Water Cove

This is a really special spot to me. I grew up camping on the lake, exploring on rowboats and hiking the trails.

Pros: Lake, rowboats, lava field, forest

Cons: Further from Portland

Washington Park

Pros: Close to Portland

Cons: Busy

5) Central Oregon

Bend

Pros: Good place to visit! Breweries, great downtown, lots to do.

Cons: Too far to be a day trip from Portland

Other notable Central Oregon locations: Smith Rock, the painted hills, Alvord Desert

As you can see, there are so many epic spots in Oregon. I know it can seem overwhelming to narrow down your search, so reach out if you need any help deciding which is the best for you! When all else fails, maybe just choose 2 or 3 instead. If you have a favorite place I didn’t include, add it in the comments! For more photos, visit the blog.