I recently visited the Oregon coast and Portland, Oregon with my husband and dog. Oregon is a beautiful state south of Washington and north of California. It has great, windswept beaches, gorgeous mountain ranges, fantastic forests, a hot desert region, and cool cities. It’s prime wine country too.
We started in Cannon Beach, a tiny town and beach along the Pacific Ocean in the northwest corner of Oregon. The first recorded visit to Cannon beach was by William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Of course, the Tilamook Indians already lived here.
Terrence and Frankie walked ahead of me on the wide, sandy beach. I like how instead of shadows, they are reflected in the wet sand. We stayed in a quaint cottage right next to the beach. The “tsunami zone” signs worried me a bit but the location was prime.
Portland is an hour inland. We drove along a twisty, two-lane highway through a forest, back to the interstate, and on to the city. Hats off to this town of half a million and their dedication to public art.
The architecture in downtown Portland is wonderful. If you visit, you’re in for a treat. You’ll find plenty of shopping, restaurants, parks, and a live music scene that will keep you busy any night of the week.
Hey Harriet has a wonderful weekly photo challenge so people can submit their shadowy shots—pictures that show the play of light and dark. Check out her site for lots of inspiring photography.
jeanofalltrades 
Beautiful photos, makes me want to visit there, perhaps next time we’re in Seattle.
I’ve never been to Portland, but your photos are enticing enough to give me the kick in the pants I need to go!
SHADOW BOLD
Shadow bold and shadow bright,
Shadow with me day and night,
Shadow taller than a tree,
Tell me what you think of me!
© 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Desert shadows here and here
Marvelous captures for the day and such lovely shadows! I do love the beaches in Oregon! I lived in Portland for 15 years and went to Cannon Beach at every opportunity. We’re fortunate here in Seattle to be close to some beautiful beaches, too! I love them. Enjoy your weekend!
Sylvia
you have painted a wonderful picture of oregon with your words and the photos are lovely!!
Stunning shots!
My shadow post,your comment will be highly appreciated.
Thank you all for your wonderful comments. I hope to post more photos of Portland and Oregon soon. It’s a fantastic place!
a great sequence of shots – I love the sequence on the beach…
Very nice shadow shots.
Regards and best wishes
Wonderful photos.
I live in CA and have never been up the Oregon coast. I would love to do this!
Thanks everyone!
@Joan – The California coast is so beautiful there’s hardly a reason to go north 🙂 But if you ever get a chance, you can take the coastal highway right up through Oregon. I recommend it!
@Sylvia – I’m also in Seattle and I agree: The Washington beaches are fantastic too. We’re lucky, really.