Seal Rock
SEAL ROCK
Central Oregon Coast
Sometimes great photographic opportunities are just off of the highway. Seal Rock is one of those. This location is an easy walk from the Seal Rock State Recreation parking lot and offers tons of great compositions using the many uniquely shaped sea stacks, ocean flow, sea gulls, and crashing waves.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - EASY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 2 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). To get to the Seal Rock beach, it is a moderately easy ½ mile walk from the Seal Rock State Park parking lot. The hike includes walking down a cement ramp to the beach. Once on the beach, you might have to walk through some water or mud on the beach.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
Sea Level
View In Google earth
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions the Seal Rock State Park parking lot.
Seal Rock is 5 miles north of Waldport, OR and 11 miles south of Newport, OR.
From Waldport, OR, drive approximately 5.1 miles north on US 101 and turn left (west) into Seal Rock State Recreation Site parking lot. From the parking lot, walk about 100yds. south on a well maintained trail through some trees/bushes. Once through the trees, you will see a concrete ramp that will lead you down to the beach.
Photography Tips
There are many ways to shoot the Seal Rocks. Most are pretty straightforward. I would suggest scouting the area before evening/sunset to find the composition that is best for you.
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 24 mm
Exposure – 8 sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Oct 22nd
Time – 8:43 am
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Seal Rocks is on the Oregon coast, which means most of the time you will be looking westward. Normally, this means the best time to shoot would be late afternoon, evening, or sunset. However, the coastline is often engulfed in a marine layer (dense fog). For this reason, I believe you can shoot this location in either the early morning or at evening/sunset.
Best Time of Year
The ocean/beach is not greatly affected by the time of year. The sunset is to the left in the fall /winter/spring and center right in the summer.
Lens(es) Needed
The above shot was taken with a 24mm lens. You can use anything from a 16mm to a 35 mm lens – depending on the composition you are looking for.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
There are no permits required.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is west at 250°.
Equipment Needed
You will need a tripod. If you wish lower your shutter speed to create movement in the ocean, you will need a neutral density (ND) filter. The above image was shot with a 15 second exposure. Another item to consider is waders/wet shoes, as you will most likely be walking/sitting in water.
Remember, you are on the coast and the spray from the ocean can create problems with your camera/lens. I would suggest bringing some kind of rain sleeve for your camera and lens cloth to wipe down your lens.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
Seal Rock beach is a moderately popular location for tourists and photographers. Unless you arrive early or stay late, you will have to share the location with many other people.
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 you to bring rain gear.
Cell Service
I use Verizon, and the cell service is spotty along the Oregon coast – and is hit or miss at Seal Rock.
Lodging & Camping
Seal Rock is a small community with limited lodging. I have stayed at the Seal Rocks RV Cove before, which is directly across from the Seal Rock Beach. The closest larger towns are Waldport (5 miles south) or Newport (11 miles north).
Nearby camping and lodging
Camping - click on the campground below for directions
Seal Rocks RV Cove - across from beach
Lodging - click on the lodging below for a TripAdvisor review
Terry-A-While
(541) 563-3377
190 SW Hwy 101, Waldport, OR
Starfish Point Motel
(541) 265-3751
1140 NW 48th St, Newport, OR
Nearby Restaurants
Restaurants in Seal Rock are limited. When I am in the area, I drive to Newport and eat at either Local Ocean or Café Stephanie. Both offer good seafood and reasonable prices.
Nearby Restaurants - click on the restaurant below for yelp review
Local Ocean Seafoods
(541) 574-7959
213 SE Bay Blvd, Newport, OR 97365
Cafe Stephanie
(541) 265-8082
411 NW Coast St, Newport, OR
Area Guides and Workshops
None