Port Orford Oregon
Port Orford, a quaint fishing village on Oregon’s southern coast, offers an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle. Its secluded location rewards visitors with stunning coastal views, untouched landscapes, and a chance to enjoy the great outdoors.
Where Is Port Orford?
Located in Curry County, Oregon, Port Orford is about a 5-hour drive from Portland and 3 hours from Eugene. To reach it, you can take Highway 126 from Eugene to Florence, then head south on Highway 101, a scenic route showcasing the rugged beauty of Oregon’s coastline.
Getting to Port Orford
The easiest way to reach Port Orford is by car. For information on car rentals and other transportation options, check out resources for Oregon coast travel.
About Port Orford
Port Orford is rooted in history, from the native Tututni people to its early days of gold mining and fishing. Established in 1856, it boasts the oldest dolly dock in the West, where fishing boats are hoisted in and out of the ocean daily. Today, it’s a small town with a population of just over 1,000, offering an authentic, small-town experience.
Top Things to Do in Port Orford
- Cape Blanco State Park and Lighthouse: Just north of Port Orford, Cape Blanco offers trails, ocean views, and Oregon’s oldest lighthouse, which opened in 1870.
- Explore Nearby Parks: Blacklock Point and Battle Rock Wayside Park showcase Oregon’s stunning cliffs, sea stacks, and historical markers from the area’s native history. Port Orford Heads State Park is ideal for hiking, while Agate Beach and Paradise Point are perfect for rockhounding and beachcombing.
- Humbug Mountain: This challenging hike leads to sweeping coastal views. The nearby campground offers an immersive forest experience with beach access.
Biking the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway
This 60-mile scenic bike route takes riders through captivating landscapes, from Cape Blanco to the Elk River, combining coastal beauty with forested paths.
Fishing in Port Orford
Port Orford’s unique open-water dock is a prime spot to watch fishing boats in action. Ocean fishing charters are available, and nearby rivers like the Elk, Sixes, and Rogue are known for their salmon runs.
Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve
Just offshore, the protected Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve is a hotspot for divers, with kelp forests and marine wildlife including puffins, seals, and seabirds.
Stroll Through Town
Explore Port Orford’s art galleries, local shops, and the Prehistoric Gardens—a whimsical roadside attraction featuring dinosaur sculptures amid lush forests.
Accommodations in Port Orford
From cozy cabins with ocean views to secluded A-frame rentals, there’s a variety of charming lodging options to suit any traveler.
Camping and RV Parks
Cape Blanco State Park, Humbug Mountain State Park, and Boice-Cope Park each offer campgrounds surrounded by Oregon’s pristine wilderness, complete with RV hookups and tent sites.
Dining in Port Orford
Port Orford offers a surprising range of dining options, from seafood at Redfish to casual eateries like Crazy Norwegian’s fish and chips and local spots like Portside Café for a hearty breakfast.
Weather
With mild temperatures year-round, Port Orford enjoys the warmth of Oregon’s “banana belt,” averaging highs in the 60s even during winter.
Tide Tables and Safety
Be mindful of the tides before beachcombing, clamming, or exploring tide pools, as tides change daily along the Oregon Coast.
