For this one I decided to make the journey to Cape Perpetua on the Oregon coast. I really wanted to capture the stunning coastal feature, otherwise known as Thor’s Well, with a fiery sunset. To keep travel costs to a minimum I opted to camp out in the woods as opposed to getting a hotel. I think looking back, being outside really added to the whole experience. I got to spend a lot of time hiking around and really taking in the breathtaking landscape.
I skipped the reservations and had my fingers crossed for an open first-come-first-serve site. Boy was I lucky! I was able to find an open spot at my first choice spot… Cape Perpetua Campground. It’s nestled between the woods and next to the ocean. My site was in dense brush, so it provided great privacy from all the other campers. There was also a burbling creek included in my spot! The campsite is half a mile from the ocean with its own trail system taking you directly there. Common areas such as Thor’s Well and Devil’s churn are a 15 minute walk away.
The first night didn’t go my way. As I took off from camp, the golden hour hit and the sky started developing a warm color. Just as I walked up to the beach fog started rolling in. A thick marine layer started developing and it ruined any chance of a good shot. I went out to the water, but ultimately I couldn’t get the shot I wanted.
The next day I decided to get a better look of the area by climbing Cape Perpetua. By the time I made it to the top, the fog had almost completely dissipated. The day was looking more promising than the previous. The air was clearer and something special was about to happen.
By evening I found myself balancing on the top of some jagged lava rock. With it being close to high tide, wave after wave would crash near my (dry) feet. Then, out of nowhere, a rogue wave came crashing on the rocky ledge. Bracing myself with just a camera tripod, the sea showed me who’s boss. After being hit knee deep with a wall of water I struggled to hold my ground and my gear. I hear salt water isn’t the greatest for cameras.
Reflecting on my experience, I can say that this was one of the more adrenaline inducing shoots I’ve done. The ocean never really did settle down. Once every 15 minutes or so a sneaker wave would come crashing in, sending some (smart) photographers running away. For the few of us that remained, there was feeling of kinship. People who had such a passion for what they did, that not even the thought of injury, or losing gear, would deter them from capturing that special scene.
After spending 3 days on the coast, and driving hundreds of miles, I can say all the effort was worth it. It was rewarding to see my hard work and persistence pay off, and there were a lot of memorable moments as well. After having a successful trip, there’s not much time until I have to start planning the next one. This one is in the rear view mirror and I’ve got my foot on the accelerator. I’m already excited about the next adventure!