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Whale watching Near Gold Beach - Port Orford
Battle Rock is located in Port Orford at the southern end of town, while Cape Blanco is a short distance to the north. Cape Sebastian is located just south of Gold Beach. All three of these places are great for whale watching.
Cape Ferrelo is one of the best places in the state for whale watching. It is located
Cape Blanco Lighthouse and State Park
The Cape Blanco Lighthouse is a favorite location for whale watching and offers spectacular views. Built in 1898, the historic Hughes House is also located at the park with tours available while the lighthouse is open. There is fishing access to Sixes River from the State Park. The Cape Blanco State Park has over 8 miles of hiking trails, beach walks, and 7 miles of horse trails ... more
Port Orford Heads State Park and Museum
The Port Orford Lifeboat Station and Museum was constructed in 1934 and remained in service until 1970. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park has excellent hiking trails and beach access affording spectacular views up and down the Pacific Coast with opportunities for picnicking and marine wildlife and whale watching. There is a short (0.3 mile) trail from the museum out to the site of the former spotting tower. A slightly longer trail (0.4 mile) returns from the tower site to the museum and offers views of the former boathouse that is worthwhile if only because the challenges of launching a boat becomes readily apparent.
The Port Orford Lifeboat Station and Museum is free and is open April-October, Thursday-Monday, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Admission is free. A 36-foot motor lifeboat used at this station is on display outside of the museum.
The biggest challenge is finding the turn to drive to this hidden gem. From US 101, turn west on 9th street, then left on Port Orford Highway / Coast Guard Hill. The turn off of US 101 can be spotted from the "Tsunami Evacuation Route" sign - one of the few that points towards the ocean. The museum parking lot is at the end of the short up-hill, winding road.
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Port Orford, OR
Rocky Point
Rocky Point is a scenic pull off with views of Humbug Mountain to the south. It is also a favorite place of locals to dig up butter clams at low tide. The area is popular with whale watchers, windsurfing and scuba diving.
Rocky Point is located 2 miles south of Port Orford, Oregon, along US Route 101.
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Port Orford, OR
Cape Sebastian
Cape Sebastian offers stunning views to the north and south on a clear day. This is a "must" for anyone traveling the Pacific Coast Highway Route 101 through Oregon. From the south parking lot, there is a spectacular view of the Pistol River, 3 miles (5 km) to the south. The Point Saint George Lighthouse and Crescent City are 34 miles (55 km) due south. Don't stay in your car, but venture out a short distance on the trail on the west side of the parking lot for views ... more
