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Port Orford was founded
in 1851 and is the oldest town site on the Oregon Coast. For over 100
years, the population has remained around 1,000 citizens. The coastline is
one of the most rugged with a beach access.
Port Orford occupies the northern section of Oregon's Wild Rivers Coast,
located just 70 miles north of the Oregon-California border. Battle Rock
and the Port of Port Orford occupy the southern part of town, while Port
Orford Head juts west into the sea from the center. Garrison Lake, an
83-acre freshwater lake, occupies the northwest section of town, separated
from the ocean by a sand dune.
The natural effect of the Pacific Ocean produces a very
mild year round climate, with an average temperature of 52.4 degrees.
Cloudiness and frequent rains occur during the late fall, winter and early
spring months, accounting for 72% of the 73 inch annual precipitation.
January brings winter storms occurring out of the
south. Spring rain decreases sharply in May, as prevailing winds switch to
the northwest. June, July, August and September are usually sunny, clear
and blue-skied with northwest winds averaging up to 14-16 mph and
persisting 40-65% of the time. During the summer months the temperatures
are rarely more than 65-75 degrees and not usually less than 45-55
degrees.
 Visiting
Port Orford is not complete without visits to: Cape Blanco Lighthouse,
Historic Hughes House, Port Orford Lifeboat Station and the Port of Port
Orford, a unique open water Port.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse:
Was constructed in 1870 on Oregon's most westerly cape, it is
open for visitation April 1st through October 31st each year. (Hours: 10
AM to 3:30 PM - Closed Monday's.) From Port Orford's northern edge, drive
approximately 4 miles north to Cape Blanco Road and turn left. The seven
mile drive passes by pastoral ranches including the historic Hughes Ranch,
now Cape Blanco State Park. Tour fees apply. Web site:
http://www.hugheshouse.org/
Book a sunset or
night tour from Lighthouse keeper a private tour company providing unique
lighthouse experiences. Looking to get married in a lighthouse, or maybe
celebrate and anniversary or birthday? Call Lighthouse keeper to schedule
your special event today. 541 332 2750 or visit our website at
www.lighthousekeeper.com .
Port Orford Lifeboat Station:
Restored as an interpretive center
dedicated to those who served from 1934 to 1970. The headland, an Oregon
State Park has some of the best trails and panoramic views of the coast.
Trails also lead to Nellie's Cove, the location of the lifeboats. Port
Orford Heritage Society continues to work hard at restoration of this
historic property.
The station is open April 1 through October 31 - 10 AM to 3:30 PM -
Thursday - Monday.
Port of Port Orford:
A unique, natural open water port, home to a
fishing fleet launched by crane from a rolling dry berth for each fishing
expedition. Crab, cod, rock fish, salmon, sea urchin are just some of the
catch crossing the docks during the open seasons. The waters of
the coves offer divers excellent opportunities. The port offers spectacular ocean views and storm watching as waves
crash against the jetty. (Please use caution when visiting the port during
working hours and storms!)
Battle Rock City Park:
Located on the south end of Port Orford on
Highway 101, Battle Rock is the site of Captain Tichenor's landing in
1851. After an ensuing battle, a town site was platted and the rest is
history. Battle Rock is also the site of the annual
firework display each 4th of July.
Floras Lake/Langlois:
Windsurfing, antiques, books and famous hot
dogs can all be found in Langlois. Floras Lake is a fresh water lake,
separated from the ocean by low sand dunes.
The lake was once the site of Lakeport, and ill-fated town built by
dreamers who thought a channel could be cut from the lake to the ocean
potentially building a busy ocean port. One small problem: the lake
elevation is higher than that of the ocean. Had the canal actually been
built, it would have drained the lake.
Cranberries:
Between Bandon and Port Orford. Oregon has over 100 cranberry growers
accounting for less than 6% of the national crop annually. Changes in the
industry now account for a harvest that lasts from September through
November, and for some into December. Most berries go into juice, but new
products are being developed that are shelf stable.
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