Sea Lion Caves
This privately owned sea cave complex on the Oregon Coast is one of the largest sea grottos in North America, home to a resident colony of Steller's sea lions that haul out on the rocky ledges year-round. You reach the main cave chamber via elevator, dropping you into a dramatic vaulted cavern where sea lions bark, lounge, and jostle for position on the rocks below. The low, ambient light inside the cave is dim and mixed, so bring a fast lens, something in the f/1.8 to f/2.8 range, and push your ISO to keep shutter speeds fast enough to freeze animal movement. Winter months bring the largest concentrations of sea lions inside the cave, while summer often finds them on the outdoor rocks. The outdoor viewing platforms also offer wide compositions of the rugged coastline looking north and south. An admission fee is required, and the elevator makes it accessible for most visitors. (Florence, Oregon, United States)
