Oregon Coast Photographer | Covering the Oregon Coast {Vol. 3} Devil's Punchbowl

On Memorial Day this year, our family headed west for another trip to the Oregon coast. In an effort to explore somewhere new, we drove further south than our most recent trips to the coast. Our original plans didn't work out but it didn't matter because we still went somewhere new and amazing.The first quick stop was at Depoe Bay on the central coast. We had visited this area last fall and it was a dream come true for me that day because we saw several whales close to the shore. There were no whales to be found on this trip, but the view is spectacular there regardless.After our quick Depoe Bay stop (we will go back there again to spend more time), we ventured a little further south to Otter Rock and Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area. We climbed down to the beach on the north side of the punchbowl first and our boys found a whole group of kids catching and releasing crabs from the rocky ledges. I am forever in awe of the creatures and the landscapes at the Oregon coast no matter how many times we see them.We refueled at the little Mo's West restaurant with family-style clam chowder, then walked above the punchbowl. Once again, this is a place we have been so near in the past but had never actually explored much until now. I love this quest to cover the coast so much! Devil's Punchbowl is a huge hollow rock formation that looks like a giant punchbowl as it fills with water. We were there during low tide so you can actually climb into the bowl then. It fills with water as the tide comes in.My husband and boys walked into the punchbowl while I stayed above to photograph them.There is a trail that leads down to the beach below that has incredible rock formations, hidden caves and crevices, and access to the punchbowl.Walking around inside the punchbowl is quite an experience. The tide was just starting to come in, so we were able to see crashing waves come in through the opening of the rock. The incoming tide also meant we didn't stay inside for long. I look forward to going back and seeing the area at high tide. That just may happen next month.I absolutely loved this area of the Oregon coast and look forward to exploring more of the central coast soon. My boys had to drag me away from the beach on yet another wonderful day.Stay tuned for many more of our Oregon coast adventures this year. Also, be sure to check out this article from Sixth Bloom about free summer photo activities to do with your kids. There may just be some familiar faces on the Oregon coast there!The Heaphys Cover the Coast {Vol. 1}The Heaphys Cover the Coast {Vol. 2}  Heidi Heaphy Photography is a Portland, Oregon based photographer specializing in weddings, seniors, and family sessions. Portrait sessions are available in the greater Portland area, the Oregon coast, and are also frequently available in western Montana. Contact me to schedule your own customized session.