Port Orford

Port Orford is located in Curry County, midway between Gold Beach and Bandon, along scenic US Highway 101.

The bluffs of Port Orford, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, were first sighted in 1792 by Captain George Vancouver, who named the area for England's Earl of Orford. In addition, Port Orford cedar, an aromatic, lightweight, durable wood, is often used in boat building. The tree, also known as Lawson's cypress, occupies a limited growing area, being found only in southwestern Oregon from Coos Bay down to Eureka, California, in a 30-mile wide strip.

The town, settled in the 1850s, became a shipping center for cedar of many varieties, and remains a primary industry. The area, featuring a natural deep-water harbor, also is a popular spot for scuba diving, whale watching, fishing and crabbing.

To the north of town is the Elk River. Chinook fishing, in the Elk and other coastal streams, begins in early November (when the heavier rains begin) and lasts through January. Steelhead fishing begins about the end of January and runs until the end of April.

The unique open-water port is famous for its huge yellow mechanical cranes that fishermen use daily to launch their boats from their dry dock berths.

Other attractions in the area include: Battle Rock Park, Humbug Mountain State Park, The Historic Hughes House, Port Orford Lifeboat Station (1939), camping and the Siskiyou National Forest.