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This page contains information on:

• Geography
• Weather
• History
• Recreation
• Other Attractions
• Where to Stay
• Utilities and Services
  

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Geography

Port Orford is the westernmost town in the contiguous United States, and sits in some of the most beautiful country in the world. It is in the northern part of Curry County, Oregon, bordered by rich coniferous forests and hills to the east, a fertile coastal plain to the north, and to the south and west by the incredible Pacific Ocean. Port Orford boasts three beaches one of which stretches for over 4 miles from the Port Orford Heads to the mouth of the Elk River then continues to Cape Blanco which is one of the farthest points west in the lower 48. The city overlooks a partially sheltered ocean bay at its south limit and is partially separated from the ocean on it’s west side by an 81 acre recreational lake called Garrison Lake. (Photo of Garrison Lake by Frank Cali)

Port Orford’s unusual physical location makes its weather worth noting. The natural air-conditioning effect of the Pacific Ocean produces a very mild year round climate with a long growing season. Cape Blanco, just a few miles north, pushes the fog belt offshore, producing sunnier days and starrier nights than are common at the coast. Port Orford gets it’s fair share of rain in the late fall, winter and early spring, and the winter storms are a beautiful and awe inspiring sight. Summer winds tend to blow from the north, while winter storms blow in from the south.

History

Capt. George Vancouver, who named the area for England’s Earl of Orford, first sighted the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean here in 1792. Captain William Tichenor founded Port Orford in 1851. In June of that year he landed a crew of nine men at Battle Rock (see photo). The local Native Americans, a Qua-to-mah tribe, took exception to the white settlers and this became the site of an historic battle between the two groups. The town became settled during the 1850's, and grew into a shipping center for cedar. The natural deep harbor, timber, salmon fisheries and mineral mining provided a viable economy. The fine white Port Orford cedar was much used in the rebuilding of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake.

Today, there are several historical points of interest in and around the area, including Cape Blanco Lighthouse, the oldest, most westerly and highest above sea level in Oregon; Hughes House, a fine example of late Victorian architecture; and the Port Orford Heads Coast Guard Station, now decommissioned and a museum and State Park. All are open to the public at certain times of the year. See more info in the "Other Attractions" section, below.

Recreation

Here on the southern Oregon coast you will find a natural playground. Surfers delight in the uncrowded beaches with some of the best waves on the coast. Floras Lake, just 12 minutes north, is a mecca for windsurfers. Kaykers find their choice of lakes, wild rivers, ocean bays and estuaries; golfers enjoy fun and friendly Cedar Bend Golf Course just 15 miles south or the world class links just up the road at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, judged one of the countries 10 best courses. Fishermen delight in trophy catches of salmon, steelhead and lake trout. Divers come from around the world for the superb diving. Boating on Garrison Lake is easy with a public boat launch right in town. Beachcombers vie for the biggest agate or the prettiest glass float. Hiking trails abound at the Port Orford Headlands,and nearby Humbug Mountain State Park. And that's just for starters. Biking, clamming, hunting, ATVing, whalewatching, swimming in a crystal river you can do all these here and more.
(Photo courtesy of Bob Hergert)

Other Attractions

Visit Cape Blanco Lighthouse just north of town,and climb the steps to the top to see the beautiful fresnel lens, then visit nearby Hughes House and learn what life was like in the late 1800's. Wind your way to the top of Port Orford headlands and see the old Coast Guard station, now a museum, and hike the paths to stunning views of sea and rocks. See the great collection of classic and antique motorcycles at the Antique Motorcycle and Auto Museum right in downtown Port Orford. Visit historic Battle Rock Beach and wayfinding point on the south end of town,and while you are there don't miss the Shell Shack, an old fashioned souvenir shop overlooking the beach. Visit one of the many studios and galleries where local artisans produce beautiful glass art, pottery and paintings. Walk the primordial forest with the dinosaurs at the Prehistoric Gardens,or check out the West Coast Game Park with a petting zoo, either is a sure hit with the kids! Shore Acres, an hour north is one of the loveliest historical spots on the coast, with gardens and lookouts. From Thanksgiving 'til New Years come to see it decked out with hundreds of thousands of lights. From Gold Beach, take a guided Mail Boat trip up the fabulous Rogue River. Shop in quaint Old Town Bandon, and try one of the many fine restaurants. A leisurely drive along the coast provides stops at local jam stands, summertime pick your own fruit farms, myrtlewood shops, chain saw artisans, glass blowers, and stunning lookout spots. You can visit the famous redwoods and so much more and all are a short day trip away. And when the day is almost done, don't forget to take a little time to watch to sunset turn sky and sea into bands of blazing color.
(Photo courtesy of Prehistoric Gardens.)