When you’re celebrating a milestone, needing updated family photos, or simply capturing life’s special moments, Salem, Oregon has plenty of picture-perfect backdrops to choose from. Between lush parks, beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and natural landscapes, the options are endless for creative sessions. Here are just a few photogenic spots in and around Salem to ask your photographer about.
Note: Be sure to follow signage, respect wildlife and natural areas, and leave places better than you found them.
Bush’s Pasture Park
Bush’s Pasture Park is one of the most versatile places to take photos in Salem. The 90.5 acre park includes a beautiful grove of Oregon White Oaks, fields of Camas flowers, sprawling grass pastures, Rhododendron gardens, stunning rose garden and gazebo, and historic architecture. The open fields and winding pathways create timeless settings for portraits year-round. Plus, the historic Bush House Museum adds a vintage charm. (And, if you’re lucky, the greenhouse might be open!)
Deepwood Museum & Gardens
Just next door to Bush’s Pasture Park, the Deepwood Museum & Gardens literally feels like a storybook setting for portraits. This historic Queen Anne-style home is surrounded by beautifully maintained English gardens designed by Lord & Schryver, which feature seasonal flowers, manicured lawns, signature boxwood shrubs, charming gazebos, and more. Deepwood is a popular event venue in the area, so make sure you and your photographer don’t accidentally crash a wedding.
Minto-Brown Island Park
With wide-open meadows, forested trails, and river views, Minto-Brown Island Park is perfect for natural and relaxed photography sessions. The 1,200 acre park has endless landscapes for variety, including golden-hour glow in the fields and shaded woodland trails. Wildlife sightings and seasonal colors make every visit unique.
Willamette Mission State Park
Just north of Salem, Willamette Mission State Park is another stunning area with sprawling fields, old-growth trees, and natural charm. The iconic lone cottonwood tree stands tall as a dramatic focal point for portraits, and the adjacent field, nearby riverbank, and miles of trails add plenty of space to explore. These wide open spaces can be ideal for larger family sessions!
Willamette University
For a touch of academic charm and historic architecture, Willamette University’s campus boasts beautiful brick buildings, ivy-covered walls, and beautiful landscaping. In spring, cherry blossoms frame multiple walkways in delicate pink, while fall brings warm golden tones across campus.
Downtown Salem
Urban photo lovers will appreciate the charm of downtown Salem’s historic buildings, brick alleys, and colorful murals. From the architectural details on Court Street to artistic alleyway walls and murals, the area provides a variety of styles in one very walkable location.
Riverfront Park
Salem’s Riverfront Park features open green space, paved walkways, river views, and the iconic Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge. For playful or scenic elements, swing by the carousel building or walk down to the Willamette Queen on the river. If you walk to the north end of the park, you can also take photos on the Union Street railroad pedestrian bridge to West Salem. This versatile location works well for a variety of photo sessions!
Oregon State Capitol
The Oregon State Capitol grounds are filled with carefully maintained gardens, grand marble steps, and the recognizable gold pioneer statue (though, at the time of this publication, he is covered up due to construction). Springtime at the Capitol brings stunning pink cherry blossoms, and seasonal flower beds make the location pop in spring and summer. No matter the season, the building’s stately architecture provides a timeless backdrop.
Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge
Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge, just west of Salem, offers sweeping views of wetlands, grasslands, and distant hills. Sunset sessions here can be breathtaking with the warm golden light. For families, couples, and seniors who love the outdoors, the refuge’s natural beauty is perfect for those cinematic compositions. There are also several wooded trails that are beautiful for photos, but stay on the path to avoid poison oak. Just watch your step and the steps of your littles!
Whether you’re booking a local photographer for senior portraits, family photos, professional headshots, a couple’s session, or something entirely different, we hope these photogenic spots in Salem give you some ideas and inspiration.
