Cape kiwanda Photography



Haystack Rock Sunset

All I can say is wow! What a photographers dream. I’m talking about The Oregon coastal hot spot of Cape Kiwanda. I have seen so many wonderful dramatic images from this area but personally have never explored the cape before yesterday. Laurie and I drove up to catch the sunset and get the dog out for some exercise. As I started climbing the cape I instantly knew I was in for a real treat photographically speaking.

The compositions are endless the weather is ever changing and the wave action can’t be beat. The reddish sandstone cliffs are beautiful as well.

To top things off the Pelican Brewery is only a stones throw from the parking area. Great food and even better selection local Micro Brew. They serve breakfast lunch and dinner. I highly recommend the restaurant.

Now back to the cape and the photography. If you’re coming from out of town you can stay at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda . This will allow you to chase the sweet light morning and evening. One day is not enough in my opinion to truly capitalize on the possibilities here.

Unique Formations

There are restricted areas that are somewhat cordoned off but most people disregard the warnings and proceed anyway. Be careful near the cliffs but especially watch out for sneaker waves if you’re shooting near the ocean on the north side of the cape.

Very near to the cape is Bob Straub State Park where you will have distant views of Haystack Rock and lots of grasses that always make a great foreground element.


Getting there: From Lincoln City, follow U.S. 101 North through the town of Neskowin and follow the signs to Cape kiwanda. From the Portland area take Hwy 22 through Salem then tie into Hwy #18 west. Take a right turn in the town of valley junction onto Hwy #22 Tillamook/ Hebo and follow this winding narrow road until you see a left turn off for Pacific City, you will now be on Hwy #130. Follow this straight into Pacific City..

Just a quick side note about Haystack Rock; yes it’s true there is more than one Monolith off of the Oregon coast with that name, in fact there are three. You will find one haystack rock in the town of Cannon Beach another in Pacific City and the final one is located outside of Bandon on the Southern Oregon Coast.