“View South from Arch Rock”

On By Mike U.In Photography
View South from Arch Rock, Arch Rock State Park, Oregon (c) Mike Utley

Arch Rock State Park is located along the southern Oregon Coast between Gold Beach and Brookings. It features a natural arch just off the shore (not included in this image) where incoming waves burst into whitewater explosions as they shoot through the arch. This image was made in October 1995 on a windy late-afternoon as the light turned golden. This is the view south along the coast, taken minutes before this image which shows the view north from the same immediate area. This scene displays the rugged nature of the Oregon Coast: sheer cliffs which drop into the ocean, sea stacks, forests and cobalt-blue waters. My 24mm wide-angle lens allowed me to include a couple of foreground objects while capturing the infinite horizon beyond. I like the varying shades of blue and green in this image and the way the setting sun seems to gild the cliff faces in a golden sheen. This shot was made just before the rainy season began, which would cloak the coast in overcast skies, fog and rain for much of the next six months or so, but regardless of the weather, the Oregon Coast retains its magical allure and continues to call to me all these years later. (Canon gear, Fuji Velvia ISO 50)

27 thoughts on ““View South from Arch Rock””

  4. The blues are so beautiful. Give me blue and I’m completely smitten. Love how the sunlight is playing on the water and the rocks. It’s like the sky and water wish to blend into each other. A lovely description and gorgeous scenery. The wind must be crazy there. 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Terveen. That water’s hue is such an unusual shade of blue. So deep… I’m always surprised and delighted by the color of the sea. There’s such a wide range of shades of blue and green (and frothy white). So glad you enjoyed this one. These blues are the happy kind. 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much, Peggy. The sea has the most amazing color palette, even under stormy skies. I could stand on the cliffs and watch it forever. I appreciate your kind remarks so much. Thanks for your support! 🙂

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    1. It’s such a strange thing, indeed. I’m so accustomed to the mountains and desert around here that they sometimes feel like old friends rather than magical locales. I also know what you mean about viewing these places in the form of photographic images and how suddenly we learn to “see” them in a different way. and it’s likely because we’re seeing them through someone else’s eyes. It’s a big reason I enjoy looking back through my portfolio of images. It’s not just the photos, it’s the memories associated with them that make them so meaningful to me, and that sort of renews their beauty and magic in my mind and heart. I do envy you for being so close to the coast. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to see the ocean again, but if I do, I want it to be in Oregon. Thanks as always for your kind words. I appreciate it. 🙂

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    1. Thank you, Saima. The sea is such a special place for me. The rugged Oregon Coast is heaven on earth, the most beautiful example of untamed power and quiet contemplation I’ve ever seen. I’m happy to share these images that have brought so much joy to me. 🙂

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