Cape Blanco Lighthouse
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.
Patrick Hughes House: A stately Victorian, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Sixes River,
was restored to it's original 1898 grandeur. Visitors tour the historic home, learning about the
family and life as dairy farmers on the isolated cape.
Christmas at Hughes House brings the scent of cookies and warm cider, as friends and families visit the
historic home as part of their holiday traditions.
Hughes House is open April 1 through October 31 - 10 AM to 3:30 PM - Closed Monday.
It is operated by: The Friends of Cape Blanco, a non-profit organization.
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.
Point 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 allotted seasons.
The pristine waters of the coves offer divers excellent opportunities to discover life under the sea.
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!) Check out: Port Dredging 2007
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 townsite was platted and the rest is history.
Port Orford Visitor Center is located on the east end of the parking lot.
Pick up brochures, ask questions or just chat with a volunteer about the interesting aspects of Port Orford and the surrounding area.
This beach is a great place for beach combing and searching for sea creatures on the rocks at low tide.
Don't foget a hot cup of java at Java John's on the west end of the parking lot.
Battle Rock is also the site of the annual firework display each 4th of July.
Elk River Fish Hatchery:
Located 8 miles east on Elk River Road, just short of entering the Elk River Wild and Scenic River area.
Elk River hatchery raises fall Chinook salmon, winter steelhead and rainbow trout.
Trout are raised and released into Floras Lake, Garrison Lake and Libby Pond after children have had the opportunity to fish the annual
Fishing Derby where children under 10 fish for free, trying to catch the largest trout.
The drive above the Elk River hatchery is spectacular during the spring and
fall. Don't forget to include at least 3-4 miles above the hatchery into
your visit!
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.
New to the Langlois area is Piercy Suites a vacation rental with Flair!
Visit their website to learn more about this new business located in one of the historic Langlois buildings.
Cranberries: Fields of red dot the roadside 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. Take a quick photo harvest tour that takes you from the field to a cleaning plant.
Cape Blanco Cranberries is a local example of growing, harvesting and
manufacturing a product. To more about Cape Blanco Cranberries visit their
website.
Their amazing new product "Cranberry Fruit Trio" is a new and delicious twist on cranberry sauce.
Serve it warmed with a dash each of cinnamon, ground cloves and ground ginger (to taste) and server over grilled chicken.
A taste you just can't beat! Look for or ask for this product in your
local store this fall.
