Best photography Spots in Portland Oregon

As human beings, we all love adventure and excitement. We want to be there and experience what it is like to do the extraordinary things on earth. Seeing the tallest mountain, walking at the beach, or hiking at the highest waterfall can be memorable experiences indeed. We should not stop here but learn and explore more. Here in this article, We are going to share with you some of the best photography spots in Portland Oregon. 

There are so many Famous Portland Oregon photography spots, that it’s hard to keep track! One thing is clear – this city is bursting with photographic opportunities. The city’s many micro-neighborhoods provide a wealth of opportunities to take unexpected images away from the crowds. 

Portland Oregon is a great place to visit for people who are looking for an adventure. The city has a lot of things to do, many of which are outdoor activities. This includes hiking in Forest Park, mountain biking up to the ski lifts at Mt. Hood, and motorcycle riding along the miles of scenic Pacific Coast Highway. We have listed the 21 Best Photography Spots in Portland Oregon. Take time to visit them and have fun shooting! It will be worth your time! 

Best gear to photograph Portland, Oregon

The gear we recommend is a good camera and the holy trinity.  A wide-angle lens.  14-24mm or something similar.  A 24-70mm or something similar and, of course, a 70-200mm or something similar.

If you do not have these particular lenses, do not worry; something similar will be just fine. A tripod is also highly recommended to capture those epic sunsets and night shots.

Best photography spots in Portland Oregon

1. Willamette River

Beautiful photographic view of the Willamette River in Portland. If you love taking pictures, you can’t beat this spot just outside of downtown Portland. This one-of-a-kind sunset overlooking the Willamette River is one of the best photography spots in Portland Oregon. The view is a gold mine for photographers looking to capture Portland’s perfect light and a great passion point in the city.  Located on the west side of the Willamette River, this one-of-a-kind photography spot is perfect for those who enjoy getting their feet wet. With views overlooking the Willamette River, the Cathedral Park Lighthouse, and even Portland’s iconic bridges, you will enjoy the scenery.

2. Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is one of the most famous sites in the world and is a must-see experience if you are visiting Portland, Oregon. The trail from the parking lot to the falls is well maintained and provides plenty of access for photography as well as safe walking for all ages. The hike alone is worth the visit but there are also two places near the bottom where you can get close enough to safely look into the falls, one on either side of it.

3. Moon Bridge

The Moon Bridge is one of the best photography spots in Portland Oregon. The tranquility of this bridge at night creates an ethereal but beautiful backdrop for photographers and videographers. 

The Bridge of the Gods is one of the best photography spots in Portland, Oregon. It’s a bridge that connects Oregon and Washington as it crosses the Columbia River. This beautiful photography spot offers breathtaking views from every direction. It’s also a great place to spend a day with your family during a road trip.

4. Lan Su Chinese Garden

Lan Su Chinese Garden is an outdoor garden in southeast Portland, Oregon, United States. It was built by the city of Portland and is the oldest traditional Chinese garden in the United States. The garden features man-made ponds and a pavilion, with areas devoted to various styles of rock and water art. This urban oasis offers tranquil paths, flowing water, creative landscaping, and colorful structural details full of symbolism.

Best photography spots in Portland Oregon

5. Japanese Garden

The Portland Japanese Garden at the base of Washington Park is known as one of the best photography spots in Portland Oregon. Here you’ll find a garden that blends traditional Japanese design elements with the historic surroundings of Portland’s oldest park. This garden was created in the early 1900s and makes for an amazing outdoor photography spot during all seasons. There are many hidden gems inside such as mini waterfalls, Koi fish ponds, and Japanese lanterns that will capture your heart.

6. Japanese Maple Tree

This is one of the Best photography spots in Portland Oregon. It is a beautiful area with tall trees, water, and a great view overlooking Portland. The Japanese Maple tree is a common fixture in parks and along city streets in Portland. Their brilliant reds and oranges burst with color each fall, making them one of the best photography spots in the city.

7. Oaks amusement park

Oaks Amusement Park, Oregon’s first amusement park and still the most exciting are tucked in the heart of Portland. Nestled on the banks of the Willamette River and shadowed by towering skyscrapers, Oaks is a year-round destination for locals and visitors alike.

8. Crystal Springs Lake in Rhododendron Garden 

Crystal Springs Lake is one of the best photography spots in Portland Oregon. It’s a hidden gem out in the backside of the Rhododendron Garden that not too many people know about.  There’s a huge grassy knoll to sit on and enjoy some of nature’s perfect beauty. The Rhododendron Garden at Crystal Springs Lake is one of my favorite places to visit in Portland, Oregon. Not only does it have beautiful views of the city, but also plenty of wildlife to photograph.

9. Mt. Tabor water reservoirs

This Water Reservoir is one of the Best photography spots in Portland Oregon. The Mt Tabor reservoir, which is classified as a good-quality drinking water source, is also an ideal place for a late-summer hike. You can see the downtown Portland skyline as well as the west hills and mountains.  It offers an amazing view of the city and several water reservoirs that are great for photos, as well as trails along with several entrances to get to the hilltop. 

Best photography spots in Portland Oregon

10. St Johns Bridge

This is one of the best photography spots in Portland Oregon. You will find amazing views that can never be replicated. This bridge is always a popular spot for any occasion and is sure to be a hit as you take photos or videos. The St Johns Bridge is one of Portland’s iconic sights and provides wonderful photo opportunities from its walkways. The picturesque bridge spans the Willamette River and is a great place for families, couples, or anyone looking to capture beautiful photos during their visit to Portland.

11. Pittock Mansion

Pittock Mansion is one of the best photography spots in Portland Oregon. The view of Portland and Mount Hood is stunning, the architecture is beautiful, and it’s an interesting tour. Pittock Mansion, which has become one of the best photography spots in Portland, Oregon, was built in 1914 by Henry Pittock. The Pittsburgh millionaire bought the land from Marion Pittock and donated it to the City as a gift so this gorgeous house could be used as a museum for anyone to enjoy.

12. Portland Old Town Sign Light Trails

The Portland OLD TOWN Sign Light Trail offers the best photography spot in Portland Oregon. It’s an interesting and easy-to-find location that offers amazing views of the Portland City Skyline at night. One of the best photography spots in Portland, Oregon, this sign is a must-see for anyone traveling through the city. Follow CitySigns on social media to check out their Old Town Sign Light Trails and get in front of this view before it disappears!

13. Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Arguably one of the best photography spots in Portland, Oregon, and all along the Columbia River. With amazing views of downtown Portland and Mount Hood, this park is typically filled with people wanting to capture an unforgettable moment. Tom McCall Waterfront Park is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. The park features walking paths, smooth grassy lawns, and open spaces for gatherings. On a sunny day, you can find many people practicing yoga on the grass or using it as a vantage point for photography. There are plenty of photo ops here: you’ll find the Willamette River, Marquam Bridge, and Steel Bridge to the north. In the summer months, there will be people out on the rocks enjoying lunch, rock climbing, jet skiing or simply watching the boats go by.

14. Laurelhurst Park

Laurelhurst Park is one of the Best photography spots in Portland Oregon. The park has a great mixture of natural flora, various well-maintained gardens, and unique statues. The park also has a very well-done early 20th-century-style rose garden. A few popular spots are the waterfall area, the Japanese Gardens, and most of all the beautiful views overlooking the city skyline.

Best photography spots in Portland Oregon

15. Burnside Bridge

The Burnside Bridge is a bridge in Portland, Oregon, United States, and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s one of the most popular spots in Portland Oregon to take Instagram-worthy photos. It crosses over the Willamette River at its confluence with the Columbia Slough and links Southeast Portland and Milwaukie. The bridge is the northernmost of three parallel double-leaf bascule bridges on a straight line just south of downtown Portland.

16. Steel Bridge

The Steel Bridge is one of the best photography spots in Portland, Oregon. It’s a double-leaf bascule drawbridge – meaning it can be raised by sliding the lifting section backward until it sits above the water – and spans Willamette River at Southwest Moody Avenue between the Pearl and South Waterfront districts. This classic photo points downriver toward downtown Portland, home to many fabulous bridges and skyscrapers.

17. Small Shelter in Lewis and Clark College

The Small Shelter is tripod-friendly and a unique spot for any adventurous photographer who wants to capture the amazing architecture of Lewis and Clark College. Situated between the two buildings on campus, this location provides the opportunity to take some unique photos of students walking around and enjoying the sunshine in Portland.

19. Hawthorne Bridge

The Hawthorne Bridge is a historic steel suspension bridge, spanning the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. It is one of the oldest vehicular bridges in continuous use in the United States and was designated a National Historic Landmark for its architecture and engineering. Hawthorne Bridge is one of the Best photography spots in Portland Oregon, Located near downtown on the Willamette River, this historic bridge spans both inside and outside of Portland city limits. It first opened as a toll bridge in 1907, but has since been purchased by the city and made free access to both cars and pedestrians.

Best photography spots in Portland Oregon

20. Ira Keller fountain park

Ira Keller Fountain Park, Portland’s oldest park, is one of the best photography spots in Portland Oregon. See some of Portland’s best views from the water at Ira Keller Fountain Park, a picturesque park in the heart of downtown with beautiful views of the city. The fountain is surrounded by lush greenery and features a curved marble walkway leading to a taller tower.

21. Fremont Bridge

The Fremont Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks, and one of the best photography spots in Portland. The bridge provides excellent vantage points for all sorts of angles and views panoramic photos from underneath and on top as well as urban landscapes that can be best captured by walking along the bridge deck.

 

These are the Best Photography Spots in Portland, Oregon

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