Oregon Coast Port Orford Oregon Guide

Port Orford is located about 50 miles north of the California border, on the southern end of the Oregon coast. Port Orford is known for it's mild climate, fishing, whale watching and more. Port Orford sets on coastal benchlands above a beautiful, semi-protected cove. The first settlers were drawn to this natural harbor. They came to log the virgin forests that included Port Orford cedar (the aromatic white cedar). A skirmish between the Indians and the intruding settlers forced the settlers onto a small offshore island that became known as Battle Rock.

This region of Oregon has very dynamic sandy beaches with headlands of sandstone or metamorphic rock. Many distinct communities of life live in the sand and rock beaches here. The animals living on the sandy beach usually burrow down, while the rocks provide homes for other life including plant life. You will see a lot of shorebirds in this area. Scuba diving is also a pastime here, especially when the whales are about.

The harbor remains unprotected by breakwaters or jetties, so the local fishing fleet uses a unique system in which the boats are hoisted up from the water and onto trailers parked on a large fishing dock.
Horseneck Clams are found about three or four feet in the mud and sand in the bay. They have a shell that measures 6 to 8 inches. "Gaper" is the true name for Horseneck clam. the best place to go claming is Carleton Bay.

A large array of driftwood is deposited on the shore during storms and high winds. This makes beachcombing plentiful. Agates and other semi-precious stones can be found in the gravel at low and high tides. The waves move the beach gravel which exposes them. Go at low tide.

The 4th of July celebration and fireworks display is the town’s main event. People from all over come to see this spectacular yearly event.