Are you an avid drone enthusiast searching for the best places to fly a drone in Oregon? Look no further! Oregon is blessed with some most of the stunning and beautiful places in the United States, which include rocky coastlines, dense green forests, tall rocky mountains, and beautiful lakes. But before flying a drone anywhere in Oregon you must follow drone rules for the safety of people and nature.
In this blog post, Im going to teach you where to fly your drone in Oregon to get the most beautiful aerial photos. I’ll also give you an overview of the drone laws in Portland, Oregon. So grab your drone, pack your bags, and let’s discover the top spots to fly your drone in Oregon!
Overview of Drone Laws in Oregon:
Before flying a drone in Oregon you must know the drone rules in that state. Like all states of the US, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs Oregon’s drone laws. In addition, there are state drone laws and local drone laws in Oregon.
Federal Drone Laws in Oregon:
FAA is responsible for regulating drone laws for commercial drone pilots, recreational drone pilots, and also government drone pilots. Let’s explore Federal drone laws:
Federal Drone Laws for Commercial Pilots:
For commercial use of drones for surveying, spraying, or photography you must register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration and have to pass the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test. After passing this test you will get a remote pilot license and will become eligible to operate a drone for commercial flights.
Federal Drone Laws for Recreational Pilots:
Drone pilots who use drones for recreational purposes have to register if the drone weight is between 0.55 pounds to 55 pounds according to FAA’s part 107. To get your drone registered with FAA pay a $5 fee on their official website.
Further, you have to follow FAA’s rules for both commercial and recreational drone pilots under part 107, that drone pilots have to fly drones below a maximum altitude of 400 feet or 120 meters, drones must be in Visual Line of Sight, don’t fly a drone in controlled airspace like near 5 miles of an airport and also respect people’s privacy by not flying a drone over private property without a permit.
If violation of any rules can cause penalties and legal consequences. You can check airspace information on your smartphone including temporary flight restrictions by installing B4UFLY app.
State and Local Drone Laws in Oregon:
Orgon State has several state and local drone laws for the safety and privacy of people and nature. State laws in Oregon are as you cannot harass someone using a drone or flying over private property without the owner’s permission. Further drones cannot be used for hunting and also cannot fly over State parks in Oregon.
Local laws in Oregon include the City of Portland—Municipal Law (2007) and Oregon Metro Parks—Park Rules (2018), you can read more in detail about drone laws in Oregon.
Best Places to Fly a Drone in Oregon:
According to my deepest research, I would recommend the top 8 best places to fly a drone in Oregon, which are selected on the basis of legal drone flying, airspace constraints, scenic views, and tourist attraction. Now let’s explore these awesome places!
1. Milwaukie Bay Park:
11211 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Milwaukie, OR 97222, United States.
Milwaukie Bsy Park is a scenic park property of around 7 sections of land close to downtown Milwaukie along the Willamette River. Between Johnson Creek to the north and Kellogg Creek to the south, it is situated just off McLoughlin Boulevard.
This park has playgrounds, fishing opportunities, picnic points, and a boat ramp all in one place. With its expansive views of the Willamette River and the surrounding hills and forests, Milwaukie Bay Park is a stunning location for drone flying.
The park’s location along the river provides ample opportunities for capturing unique aerial footage of boats, wildlife, and the surrounding natural beauty.
2. Pittock Mansion:
3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210, United States.
Pittock Mansion is a historic home located in the West Hills of Portland. The mansion was built in 1914 for Henry and Georgiana Pittock, who were prominent figures in Portland’s business and social scene. The mansion was built on 46 acres and is now a museum that showcases the history of Portland and the Pittock family.
Pittock Mansion is a picturesque location for drone flying, with its stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The mansion’s architecture is also impressive, featuring a blend of French Renaissance and Arts and Crafts styles.
Aerial photography is made possible by the mansion’s hilltop location, beautiful gardens, and perfect lawns, which overlook downtown Portland.
3. MOLALLA RIVER STATE PARK:
Canby, OR 97013.
- Airspace Class: Class D
- Google Earth Satelite view
- Airspace Map
Molalla River State Park in Canby, Oregon is a natural wonderland that offers a variety of activities for visitors. With over 900 acres of lush forests, fields, and riverfront, the park is an ideal spot for scenic drives, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The Molalla River runs through the park, providing excellent opportunities for fishing and boating.
Incredible panoramas of the park’s various landscapes, including historic trees, wildflowers and grass, and wildlife, can be enjoyed from the paths for hiking. Picnics, fishing, and boating are available for tourists along the river.
Whether you want to go for a scenic drive, explore the climbing routes, or go fishing and boating adventures, Molalla River State Park is a fantastic place to visit in Oregon. And for drone enthusiasts, the park offers ample opportunities for capturing stunning aerial footage of the surrounding landscape.
4. Elk Rock Island:
45.4359698, -122.650701
Elk Rock Island is a fascinating and unique location situated in the Willamette River in Oregon, United States. This 13-acre island was generously donated to Portland by Peter Kerr in 1940 and was created over 40 million years ago by a volcanic eruption. The park was taken over by Milwaukie in April 2016, and Spring Park provides access to the island.
This island also has different species of rare plants and organisms. Elk Rock Island is a truly special location for drone flying in Oregon. It is a destination that must be visited by anyone looking to get breathtaking aerial footage of the Pacific Northwest because of the area’s natural beauty and unique animal life.
5. Steel Bridge:
N Steel Bridge, Portland, OR 97212, United States.
The Steel Bridge is a well-known bridge that is located in Willamette River Portland, Oregon. It is a double-deck, vertical-lift bridge that was originally built in 1912 to replace an earlier bridge that had collapsed. The lower deck handles train and bicycle/pedestrian traffic, while the top deck carries road traffic.
The bridge’s unique design and historic significance make it a popular spot for drone flying. From a drone’s perspective, the Steel Bridge offers stunning views of the city skyline and the river below.
The bridge’s metal structure and intricate details make for interesting and dynamic shots, while the surrounding area provides a diverse mix of urban and natural scenery.
6. Fly-A-Way RC Field:
10770 NW Dersham Rd, Cornelius, OR 97113, USA.
Fly-A-Way RC Field is a designated area for flying remote-controlled aircraft, including drones, located in Cornelius, Oregon. The Fly-A-Way RC Club, a neighborhood group devoted to advancing and assisting the hobby of remote-controlled aircraft, is in charge of managing the field.
The Fly-A-Way RC Field is an ideal location for drone flying because it offers a safe and controlled environment for practicing and experimenting with aerial photography and videography. Both newbies and expert drone pilots can get information about aircraft and drone flying from the Club’s knowledgeable members.
In addition to its practical benefits, the Fly-A-Way RC Field is also a beautiful location for drone flights. Beautiful scenery for aerial footage includes mountains, dense green forests, and an open field. The beauty of the area is further enhanced by the nearby lake.
7. Little Crater Lake:
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In the Mount Hood National Forest, about 90 minutes southeast of Portland, is a hidden treasure called Little Crater Lake. This small, crystal-clear lake is fed by underground springs and is surrounded by dense forests and mountain scenery, making it a perfect spot for drone flying and capturing stunning aerial footage.
Aside from its natural beauty, Little Crater Lake also has an interesting geological history. A volcanic eruption produced a large hole in the ground about thousands of years ago and as a result, the lake was produced.
Little Crater Lake’s surroundings are open and undeveloped, making them the perfect place to fly drones. You can capture aerial footage of the surrounding forests, mountains, and the crystal-clear water of the lake itself.
8. Lost Lake:
Lakeshore Trail #656, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, United States.
Lost Lake is a stunning location in the Mount Hood National Forest of Oregon, and one of the best places to fly a drone in the state. This natural wonder is surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains, providing an idyllic backdrop for aerial footage.
One of the best places for all the adventures like camping, hiking, and fishing. The lake itself is crystal clear and the water is fed by snowmelt from nearby mountains. Visitors can easily explore the area’s natural beauty on foot because the area has full of hiking routes. Additionally, this is the best location for campers looking for a beautiful place.
Conclusion: Where To Fly A Drone In Oregon?
Flying a drone is always fun and full of excitement but for aerial photography, we need to find beautiful places to do the job. So, in this blog post, I have provided detailed information about the Eight best places to fly a drone in Oregon legally. You should choose the best place for your photography need which is easy to reach and full of excitement and adventure.
But before taking your drone to the skies make sure to follow the Federal laws as well as the state and local laws to prevent yourself from any legal actions.
Drop down a comment below and share it with other drone enthusiasts if you discovered this blog post to be useful.