Cape Kiwanda
Cape Kiwanda is a landscape photographer’s candy store, with the ocean, hard hitting waves, sunsets, seas stacks, and unique sandstone/rock formations that provide at least 4 great shots all within 500yds. or so. For this Trail Notes, I will only provide information on one photographic location, as the other opportunities are far too dangerous for me to recommend.
Coupled the great photographic opportunities is the relaxing nature of the town of Pacific City, OR. It is a great place to visit even if you are not shooting. The only downside of this location from a photography standpoint - is an occasional marine layer (dense fog) that can move in and block out the sun.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - MODERATE TO RISKY
I would rate the range of difficulty of this trail as a 2.5-5 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). To get to the location of the shot, you have to hike about ½ mile from the parking lot to the beach and then up a steep sandy hill.
You then hike up another sandy incline and walk through some shrubs to get to the location of the shoot. Once you get to the location, you are close to a ledge with a 50 ft. drop-off. It is very important to be cautious when hiking around Cape Kiwanda.
The waves at Cape Kiwanda are wild and often unpredictable and at time can reach over 75ft. If you are not cautious and aware of the waves they can be dangerous and even deadly.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
73 ft Elevation
Photography Tips
You can shoot this location year around. However, if you are looking for the soft red glow off of the Cape in the evening/sunset, the best time of year would be from March – September. In the winter months the sunset sun is blocked. However, winter months can produce some extreme weather/waves, which can add drama to the shot.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to the Cape Kiwanda parking lot.
Cape Kiwanda is located in Pacific City on the Oregon Coast about 55 miles west of Salem, Oregon. From Salem, drive 50 miles west on OR-22 (which turns into OR-130) until you reach US-101. Drive 1 mile north on US-101 until you reach Brooten Rd where you turn left. Continue on Brooten Rd until you get to Pacific City. Take a left over the bridge and turn right on Cape Kiwanda Drive and continue until you reach the The Pelican Pub and Brewery. Park in the parking lot and walk down to the beach.
Once on the beach, take a right to the sandy hill about 1/4 away. Follow the path from the beach up the sandy hill and you will be at Cape Kiwanda.
View In Google earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – mm
Exposure – th sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – xxx
Time – xxx
Best Time of Day to Shoot
The best time to shoot is late afternoon/evening to sunset. An overcast day could also work.
Best Time of Year
You can shoot this location year around. However, if you are looking for the soft red glow off of the Cape in the evening/sunset, the best time of year would be from March – September. In the winter months the sunset sun on the sandy wall is blocked. However, winter months can produce some extreme weather/waves, which can add drama to the shot.
Lens(es) Needed
The above shot was taken with a 24mm lens.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
There are no permits required.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is north at 22°.
Equipment Needed
You will need a tripod, a polarizer, and a neutral density (ND) filter to reduce your shutter speed to ½ second or longer to create the silky water flow. You may also want to use a tilt/shift lens to compensate for the slight keystone effect on the dunes and horizon while pointing down toward the ocean.
It gets windy and cold at this location, especially at sunset, so make sure you bring the appropriate gear. Also, sometime the sea breeze will mist your lens, so you may want to bring a towel or microfiber to dry you lens.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
Cape Kiwanda can be moderately to very busy at times, with several hikers and other photographers on the cape. I would suggest scouting out the area prior to late afternoon.
Weather
The weather on the Oregon coast is mild in the spring, summer, and fall, and it rains about 75 inches a year. Winter can be cold, wet, and produce strong storms/waves.
The Oregon coastline can often be totally “socked in” from the marine layer (dense fog). Be sure to bring rain gear.
Cell Service
I use Verizon, and the cell service available, but not strong.
Area Guides and Workshops
None