Oregon Coast Pet Photography: Favorite Dog-Friendly Beaches in Oregon
Even though I’m based in Washington, the Oregon coast has my HEART. If I ever win the lottery I wouldn’t tell anyone, but there would be very clear signs when you see me immediately move myself to a beach-front property and never look back. I LOVE traveling to Oregon to do pet portraits on the beach and will never say no to the opportunity! If you’re looking for an Oregon coast pet photographer to capture your PNW beach day, please reach out! I would be honored to capture your memories, whether you’re visiting with your pup, an Oregon local, or a Washington resident like me looking to visit the most perfect place in the US.
The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Oregon Coast
One of my favorite things about the Oregon coast is how pet-friendly it is!! The entire coastline of Oregon is public land, and almost every single beach allows dogs. Most of them are off-leash legal as long as your dog is solidly under voice control and isn’t harassing the wildlife, other visitors, or other dogs. Some beaches require leashes during certain times of year to protect seals, nesting birds, and other wildlife, and some beaches require leashes year round.
The good news about working with me for your Oregon coast pet portraits is that off-leash is NOT required! I include collar, harness, and leash removal in all of my sessions so we can keep your baby safely on leash and/or a long line and still let them run wild and live out their PNW beach dreams.
My Favorite Dog Beaches in Oregon…and Why
You could spend a month in Oregon and not even scratch the surface of the gorgeous beaches to explore, but here are some of my favorites that are fun to explore, have beautiful sea stacks (the big rocks on the beach and in the water) and fantastic tide pooling if you’re a nature nerd like me!
Cannon Beach: Cannon Beach is one of Oregon's most iconic beaches, best known for the towering Haystack Rock (GOONIES NEVER SAY DIE!) that rises 235 feet from the shoreline. During low tide you can tidepool and see all sorts of fun creatures around Haystack. This is incredible spot for birdwatching as well, with hundreds of birds living on the rock, huge flocks of Pelicans surfing the breeze above the waves, Eagles soaring, and Puffins (YES, PUFFINS) in the spring. If you’re lucky you might even see their resident elk herd on the beach, too!! The town of Cannon Beach is also adorable AF, with great restaurants, shopping, galleries, and too many great coffee shops to name. This spot is POPULAR, so be prepared for crowds during the summer.
Arcadia Beach: Cannon’s little cousin to the south. You can see the iconic Haystack from Arcadia but at a distance, and get up close and personal with other sea stacks in a way you can’t at Cannon. It’s quieter but just as spectacular. You’re very close to town as well, so you can enjoy a quite beach evening and then pop over to Cannon for a pint and a delicious meal.
Pacific City: Pacific City is a fun one nestled up against Cape Kiwanda, a massive sandstone headland with towering cliffs, sweeping dunes, and colorful layered rock formations shaped by wind and waves. The beach is also one of the few places on the Oregon coast where fishing boats launch directly from the sand, with its own Haystack Rock off the coastline. There is also a fantastic sand dune you can climb and explore. One note about this beach is that you CAN drive on it, so please keep a very close eye on your pup if you are visiting and only take them off-leash if they have 100% recall.
Bandon: I visited Bandon for the first time this year and it is spectacular. The sea stacks here are striking and sharp, creating one of the most unique landscapes I’ve been privileged to witness with my own eyes. The town of Bandon is adorable, with a cute strip of shops, galleries, and restaurants. You can even ride horses at Bandon! The portraits at the top of this blog post are from my most recent trip to Bandon. As you can see, even on a moody foggy morning (common on the Oregon coast, even in the summer!) the views, landscape, and vibe are unmatched.
Ready to Commemorate Your Oregon Beach Trip?
If you're planning a visit to the Oregon coast and looking for an Oregon coast pet photographer to perfectly capture portraits of your pet and you in a stunning place, I’m your gal! I am based in Western Washington but LOVE traveling to the Oregon Coast for portrait sessions! A small travel fee may apply. Please reach out using the form below to inquire.
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Hi! I’m Bee, a PNW pet photographer, specializing in outdoor adventure pet portraits in Seattle, Tacoma, the Kitsap Peninsula, and beyond. With my pet photography I capture your best friend as their truest selves—whether they’re goofy, playful, stoic, sleepy, or pure chaos! If you're searching for pet photographer near Tacoma who combines the spirit of your furry bestie with the breathtaking scenery of the PNW, look no further. Whether it's a playful romp in the park or a serene lakeside portrait, no adventure is too small for outdoor adventure pet photography!
