Cape Arago: Risking It All for the Perfect Photo

Cape Arago is part of Sunset Bay State Park, located in Coos Bay, Oregon. The south trail features a jaw dropping view from the top. It descends about 140 feet to a cove surrounded by the Pacific with a small secluded beach full of tidepools and marine life.

During the three weeks I camped at the park, I explored nearby places like Simpson Reef to admire the music of the seals and sea lions. This area is usually cold and covered in fog with low visibility. One day, I explored further and discovered the Cape Arago South Cove Trail.

As I arrive, the sky opens up and I see an absolutely majestic view of the coastline. What grabs my attention is a long set of rocks that extend directly into the ocean. This is the spot I want to capture and a rare opportunity not to pass up.

Two people are coming up the trail so I ask about the difficulty level. They say it's moderate with exposed tree roots and cracks in the asphalt. Keep in mind I am doing this while still recovering from a broken ankle injury I got from skateboarding last year.

Zigzagging the Cape

Knowing this adventure is going to be intense I pack up my gear and strap on my hiking boots. Heading down to the shoreline there is a zigzagging path where you can stop and observe the ocean from different viewpoints. The trail is surrounded by old growth Douglas fir trees so the air is crisp and clean.

To reach the bottom I have to belay down a rope to get to my first challenge. The shoreline is covered in driftwood. There is just about every shape size and form that I need to cross with my injured ankle. One slip and I am either twisting my ankle or snapping it again like a twig. But I have made it this far so the risk is worth it. It’s time to keep going.

Finding My Path Among Giants

After passing the lasagna driftwood I am confronted with rocks. Lots of them. There are small ones to large boulders in every shape you can imagine. I map out the safest pathway to the ocean and this is a good reminder to take it slow, one step at a time. This is the same laser focus I use for skateboarding.

Remember, I am out here by myself and with one wrong move I am screwed. The fear and anxiety are what I channel to keep going further out to the sea. It takes almost an hour but I am progressing. I see a set of waves coming in at an angle in front of me. That is the destination where I will capture my ocean art.

Breaking One Of My Rules

The challenge about this photo is that I have to break one of my rules which is never turn your back on the ocean. It is one of the most important things you need to respect about the coast. I learned about this while living in Bandon, Oregon where a young woman was playing on a large piece of driftwood and was taken by the sea.

There is always a chance of a sneaker wave grabbing you when you are not paying attention. If you get pulled out into the ocean chances are you will not survive from the cold along with marine life that might make you a snack.

For this composition I find a spot where I can sit and capture a set of waves coming in at an angle. However, to my right is the entire ocean. To get the photo I have to turn my body to the left and focus on the waves that are breaking all the way into the cove.

On my right there are waves also coming toward me and breaking onto the rock I am sitting on called Drake Point. The rock provides a buffer between me and the waves but it is not exactly reassuring.

With the photo taken, I realize the adventure isn’t over. Now I have to turn around and do the entire climb in reverse. I have to navigate the rocks again, belay back up the rope, and tackle that zigzagging trail all the way to the top. But I endured and survived.

Why I Risk It All for the Perfect Photo

Because of my history as a skateboarder my tolerance for risk is very high. I am used to falling and getting hurt. You brush yourself off, get back up, and keep trying until you land the trick with style.

There’s an inherent danger to being a photographer and I accept that. Risk is part of the craft because every time you are in nature anything can happen. The thrill and adrenaline rush are why I do it. Life is about pushing your own physical and mental limitations, and when you can survive that, it’s amazing.

I grew up hanging at the beach with my family on weekends at Laguna, Malibu, and Santa Monica Pier, so that's my connection to it. The ocean is always calling me to come back and capture it. I'm always listening.