Oregon Coast Couple's Photography | Cape Kiwanda during Golden Hour | Adventure Couples Session

jerrilynnlatta1
Apr 30, 2024
3 min read

Updated: May 3, 2024

couple in fancy clothing stands atop an ocean cliff in Oregon with the pacific ocean in the background on Cape Kiwanda

About Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City, Oregon

If you're searching for places to have your golden hour session, this sandstone headland just north of Pacific City offers one of the best viewpoints on the coast for witnessing the ocean's power. The landmark is one of three along the Three Capes Scenic Route (along with Cape Meares and Cape Lookout). Your steep climb up the towering dune will be rewarded with scenes of waves pummeling rugged, twisting rocks and crevices. The fragile nature of sandstone means the ocean is constantly eroding and re-sculpting the entire scene, right before your eyes. Beyond the fence, the cliff edge can — and will — crumble without warning. It's dangerous, and people have died after climbing over the safety fences. Don’t do it. The views are spectacular from the established viewpoints, on the safe side of the fence.

Kylie is a longtime client that is down for ALL the adventures. She wanted to have a beautiful golden hour session with her partner, Jonathan. She came wearing the most BEAUTIFUL orange tulle dress! We took full advantage of her flowy dress and got ALL the angles. Of course, Kylie needed to have her own moments because the dress and her look was just too good not to document! She says that she will always trust me to bring her oregon coast couple's photography to life!

couple stands on oceanside cliff while embracing each other at cape kiwanda in oregon on the pacific coast

What kind of views are offered at Cape Kiwanda?

The variety of backdrops and textures are seemingly endless at Cape Kiwanda. From a sandy beach that stretches as far as the eye can see, to ocean cliffs that showcase the power of the Pacific Ocean, theres no shortage of beautiful and breathtaking views. If your heart dreams of cliffside views, be prepared for the short hike up the steep sandy hill. I promise, it's totally worth it!

woman in orange dress stands on ocean cliff at golden hour while golden light softly highlights her features

How to get Golden Hour photos at Cape Kiwanda?

Honestly, I don't think a bad time to go to the Oregon Coast even exists! Whether you're here in the rain or sunshine, Cape Kiwanda is beautiful year round. If you really have your heart set on a beautiful sunset or golden hour, you'll want to schedule your session for the 1.5 hour mark before sunset happens. This will ensure that you get those peak golden hour vibes. One should note that golden hour and beautiful sunsets that are insta-worthy are not guaranteed. They require specific conditions to occur. If it is 100% clouds, neither are happening. If it is 100% sun, the effects won't be as pretty and vibrant. For a truly stunning sunset or golden hour, you need some clouds! Clouds help soften the light, add drama and really project those stunning sunset colors. When trying to schedule your session, pay attention to the weather. The kicker of all of this - Oregon is unpredictable! I've seen it go from sunny and blue to 100% fog within an hour. My most important piece of advice for your session, choose a photographer that can capture you no matter what the atmosphere around you looks like. Your photos may have a different esthetic if it's foggy, but a great photographer can produce amazing photos no matter the circumstance. To help make your decision, you should always check out a photographers portfolio to see the range of their abilities.