Muriel O. Ponsler Memorial State Scenic Viewpoint
This scenic wayside on the central Oregon coast gives you a wide, undeveloped stretch of Pacific shoreline that feels genuinely remote despite being right off Highway 101. The combination of open sandy beach, the natural creek mouth where China Creek meets the ocean to the south, and the elevated viewpoint above the shore gives you several distinct compositions to work with. Shoot from the bluff looking down the beach for a sweeping wide angle view, or drop to the sand and use the creek outlet as a foreground element with the surf beyond. The creek mouth is especially useful for reflections during calm conditions. Early morning light is ideal here, with soft side lighting raking across the sand textures and minimal foot traffic. A wide lens in the 16 to 24mm range suits this location well, and during March or December, a longer focal length lets you scan offshore for migrating gray whales. (Florence, Oregon, United States)
