The Oregon Coast is one of our favorite places to be. Its natural beauty is unparalleled, and its people are friendly. While it’s easy for visitors to think of the coast as a tourist spot, many hard-working folks spend their days in their coastal towns making a living. Port Orford is home to around 30 commercial fishing vessels, and you can see their boats being lifted in and out of the water by gigantic hoists.
The small community of Port Orford is home to just over a thousand people. It’s the westernmost community in Oregon, and you’ll find it about halfway between Bandon and Gold Beach.
This beautiful town is well-known as a haven for artists…
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…and it also has a rich history of commercial fishing. The port was first established in 1856.
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The port is an open-water port that doesn’t offer any protection from the massive storms that pummel the coast during winter months. It’s also very shallow.
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Because the fishing vessels can’t stay docked here safely unless the weather is calm, they’re pulled up from the water with massive cranes and dry-docked. Port Orford is the only dry-dock port on the entire west coast!
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Boats are lowered into the water by the two massive hoists…
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…then they’re placed on custom dollies that can be pulled by pickup trucks to move the boats into their parking spots.
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The dock is known as a “dolly dock,” and it’s one of only two such docks in the country. There are only six dolly docks in the world.
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The public is welcome to visit the dolly dock, but should remember that it’s a bustling, working dock. If you stop by, watch where you’re walking, and stay clear of heavy equipment.
Claudia_Kuenkel/iStock/Getty Images The area is also a great place for fishing, diving, and kayaking.
While you’re there, stop in for some fish and chips at Griff’s On The Dock. It’s open from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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The Cape Blanco lighthouse is just a 10 miles north of the port, and well worth a visit during your trip.
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Have you visited Port Orford recently? Tell our readers about your trip there!
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The area is also a great place for fishing, diving, and kayaking.
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Learn more about this pretty town and plan your visit here.
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Address: Port Orford, OR 97465, USA
