5 Amazing Central Oregon Engagement or Elopement Spots
Central Oregon is an outdoor wonderland and a photographer’s dream to explore & photograph. There are so many fabulous spots from the mountains, forests and rivers. It is hard to choose just five but here are my current favorite spots to photograph in Central Oregon and around. The Locations are all with 30 mins-2 hours of Bend, Oregon.
The Central Oregon region sits at the convergence of the Basin and Range, Cascades, Blue Mountains, and Columbia River Plateau geologic regions. Because it is part of a historically volcanic region, volcanic rock formations are a common sight, including lava beds, volcanic buttes, crater lakes, volcanic plugs, and lava tubes.
1. Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is near Redmond and about 26 miles northeast of Bend. Its scenic views of deep river canyons and sheer cliffs make it a destination for adventurers of all kinds and perfect background for photos.
2. Sparks Lake
Sparks Lake is located about 25 miles west of Bend off the Cascade Lakes Highway. It is situated at the base of Mount Bachelor and just south of South Sister and Broken Top, Sparks Lake is an increasingly popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, camping and hiking…and photos!
4.Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Newberry National Volcanic National Monument is about 26 miles south of Bend, it includes 54,000+ acres of lakes, lava flows, and spectacular geologic features in central Oregon. The highest point within the Monument is the summit Paulina Peak (7,985 ft.), showcasing views of the Cascades.
4.Paulina Peak
Paulina Peak is part of the Newberry National Monument. At an elevation of 7,984 feet (2,434 m), it is the highest point on the volcano. The peak gives a panoramic view of the Newberry Caldera, the south and west flanks of the Newberry Volcano, the Cascades, the Fort Rock Basin, and central Oregon.
5. Painted Hills
The Painted Hills are about 80 miles northeast of Bend. The yellows, golds, blacks, and reds of the Painted Hills are beautiful at all times of the day, but are best lit for photography in the late afternoon.