Port Orford is a southern Oregon city located in the county of Curry. At the 2010 census, the population was 1,133. The city has many attractions for visitors to enjoy, including the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway, Port Orford Heads State Park, and Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve. The city is a popular place for outdoor activities, including kayaking, sailing, and hiking.
Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway
The Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bike way offers beautiful views and a chance to experience the beauty of the Oregon coast by bike. The 60-mile route winds through the countryside of north Curry County. Along the way, you’ll see lush cranberry bogs, towering basalt sea stacks, and historical coastal lighthouses.
The trail starts in downtown Port Orford at Battle Rock Park. Here, you’ll find beautiful views of the ocean and a visitor’s information center. You can also ride to the nearby beach. The rest areas are well-maintained and the trail is easy to navigate. If you get tired during the ride, you can always turn back at any point. If you get hungry, you can eat at Agates Food and Bar. The restaurant uses locally-caught seafood and supports sustainable fishing practices.
The Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bike way in Port Orford is a great way to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of the Oregon coast. The bike path winds through backroads and past beaches. It is also close to the state park’s museum.
The Oregon coast route can be completed in a day, or divided into several out-and-back rides. You’ll want to start at Battle Rock Park for views of Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve, which is a protected habitat for nesting shorebirds and marine mammals. From there, you’ll also want to visit the Elk River Fish Hatchery and Cape Blanco State Park, where you’ll find the oldest working lighthouse in Oregon.
You can also visit Humbug Mountain, which is located 6 miles south of Port Orford. It rises 1,756 feet above sea level and is a beautiful place to see wildlife. The rocky slopes of the mountain are covered with redfish rocks and Oregon myrtle, alder, and Western red cedar. Unfortunately, there’s no view of the Pacific from the summit.
Port Orford Heads State Park
If you love the coast, you’ll want to visit Port Orford Heads State Park in northwest Curry County, Oregon. This coastal state park was established in 1976 and is administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. This park is located near the town of Port Orford.
This day-use state park is located on the peninsula and is easily accessible from US 101. Drive up Coast Guard Road to the park’s parking lot. It is a scenic, undulating road that passes homes and eventually reaches the forested summit of the promontory. From there, hikers can access the Headland Trail, a looped trail that circles the perimeter of the peninsula. The trail offers views of the ocean, an isolated beach called Agate Beach, and the distant Cape Blanco.
The park has a variety of hiking trails, including full-day hikes. Depending on your skill level, you can backpack or hike along the trails, enjoying the pristine coastal views. You can also climb the rocks and explore tidal pools. This state park is also a bird-watching paradise.
Another area of the state park that visitors should visit is the Port Orford lifeboat station. It is located adjacent to the grassy picnic area and has a picturesque harbor. The lifeboat station was in operation from 1934 until 1970, and it is still a National Register of Historic Places. There are also four other historic buildings on the property.
For art lovers, there are several galleries and museums in the area. The Hawthorne Gallery features local and regional artists. The gallery has a variety of handmade items and other pieces of art.
Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve
Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve is a unique area that has a variety of aquatic life. Situated south of Port Orford, on the Wild Rivers Coast, it features five unique rock formations. While the area is not particularly large, it does support a wide variety of fish and other marine life.
Several community groups came together to create a management plan for the site. In February 2010, the team was formally recognized by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. It comprises a diverse group of individuals from the community, local business, and conservation organizations. Since its creation in 2009, the team has worked with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop a site-specific monitoring plan. This plan outlines the conservation priorities and goals for the area.
The team behind the reserve is making the reserve more accessible to the general public. An audio tour and an interactive video experience are available to visitors. Guests may even be able to use a mobile app to explore the reserve and see the natural beauty of the area. The program will allow users to see the reserve through a range of lenses, including the sea life, marine mammals, and other wildlife.
The team is also working to collect baseline data on the marine environment. This is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to only marine and seabird species. Volunteers can lead citizen science surveys to help protect the area. If you have a passion for science, you may consider volunteering for the Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition.
Myrtlewood gifts shop
The Rogue River Myrtlewood Shop is a unique place to buy Oregon wood gifts. It features handmade objects created by local artisans from myrtlewood trees. The shop has been open for 38 years and is a great place to visit for unique gifts. It also works with other woods, including maple, redwood, and Port Orford cedar. The gifts are made to order and feature a variety of different finishes.
Another unique and fun place to visit while visiting Port Orford is the Prehistoric Gardens. It features life-sized replicas of prehistoric animals. It is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, and it also features a gift shop. You can also visit the Geisel Monument, which is seven miles north of the town. Its macabre history is well worth a visit.
Another place to visit is the Cape Blanco Lighthouse. This Victorian-era lighthouse is the oldest continuously-standing lighthouse on the Oregon coast. Tours are free, but you can enjoy the gift shop in the meantime. In addition, you can explore the nearby Historic Hughes House, a Victorian-style farmhouse. It has a lot of Victorian charm and is open for free tours. It is also a great place to get a feel for early 20th-century farm life.
In addition to Oregon wood gifts, visitors can also visit the Seagull Myrtlewood gift shop. You can browse through a variety of handcrafted wood products, including handcrafted pieces of art. There are even several Oregon Artists on display who showcase their beautiful works of art.
Port Orford Lifeboat Station
The Port Orford Lifeboat Station is a historic structure that was built in 1934. It has been a lifesaving center on the South Oregon Coast for nearly three decades. The station consists of two-bay boathouses, crew quarters, a lookout tower, and a garage/storage building. Its crew is comprised of thirteen men and carries two lifeboats and two motors.
The museum houses a 36-foot motor lifeboat and a Lyle rescue gun. The museum is free to visit, and the grounds offer great hiking trails. While you’re there, take the time to see the nearby blacktail deer. Afterward, head out to the beautiful coastline, where you can take in some of the best views of the Pacific Coast.
Port Orford is also home to the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, which is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Oregon Coast. Tours are available daily, except on Tuesdays. You can also visit the nearby Hughes House, which is a Victorian-style house full of Victorian charm. Tours are free and open to the public, and you’ll get a great look at early 20th-century farm life.
There’s a small fishing fleet based in Port Orford. The Port’s headland protects the harbor and is home to a few small fishing boats. The boats aren’t moored in the water, but rather are lifted out of the water by a crane.
