OK, brief post trip wrap-up...
Yep, my D300 doesn't like salt air. By the end of the trip I had obvious sensor spots. Not sure what to do to solve that, maybe take sensor swabs along next time and clean it nightly?
Shooting the coast can be frustrating at times. In the morning, at least this time of year, there's often thick fog and clouds, blocking what would be good light. Afternoons can be clearer, but now you're often shooting west, into the sun, if you're shooting the beach etc.
On to the specific suggestions offered:
>
Heceta Head an easy visit, but best at sunset.
I totally agree with that one. Heceta was a goal for me, and I did enjoy it.
> farther north,
Yaquina Head is worth a stop
Yes, very scenic location. Explore the trails around the lighthouse, including the one that climbs the hill behind the parking lot. Classic lighthouse, scenic views. I really liked this one.
Consider passing on the line to go up inside the lighthouse if it's long, as you only get a few moments at the top, and it's a challenge to get good photos there unless you've got a really wide angle lens.
> the
Devil's Punchbowl.
That one was a total dud for me. Check the tides before you go, low tide is underwhelming. However, it's not far off the road and you can drive right to the edge, so it's an easy visit. Given more water, it would have been nice I suspect, and a good subject for hazy days.
>
Depoe Bay is a neat little town with a bridge
> where 101 passes over the harbor entrance.
Yes, that was a nice town, and lots of photo opps there.
The
sand dune area of Florence did look quite interesting, but I ran out of time and didn't get there except passing through. On a related note, Florence to Seattle is a long drive. Regretted doing that after a long day waiting for the clouds to clear.
Cape Perpetua was a wonderful view, though hazy the day I visited.
>
Pacific City/Cape Kiwanda
Excellent location, lots of good stuff, though I didn't spend much time there.
> Be sure and check out
Ecola Park if it's not already on
> your list. Breath taking panaramic view from up there...
That was on a my list, though I didn't know the name at the time (Had looked at it on Google earth, so I knew the location, but not the name.)
This was my one of my favorite spots from the trip. Good weather that day helped, but what an incredible view, and an easily recognizable location. Since you're out on a point, you can shoot east and get good light, instead of fighting the sun. I spent a couple hours there, and loved it. No elk, but it was mid-afternoon and too hot for them to be out and about.
Spouting Horn and Thor's Well.
Saw photos of this that looked incredible. As with the Devil's punchbowl, the tides are the key. Neither one of them was "working" when I visited due to low water levels. (Apparently there was a lower than normal tide that morning, lucky me...
)
Unexpected bonus find of the trip, Newport Harbor after dark. Found it by chance since the moon was full and I was looking for a shot. I was lucky, and the water was very calm, and the results were quite nice. Went back the next morning and the harbor was OK but not nearly as pretty as at night.
