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Finding Port Orford

Discover the not-so-sleepy charms of one of Oregon’s most idyllic seaside towns

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John Clark

48 HOURS IN PORT ORFORD

FRIDAY

Check into WildSpring Guest Habitat (from $226, including breakfast; on Cemetery Loop off U.S. 101; wildspring.com). Dine at Paula’s Bistro ($$$; closed Sun; 236 Sixth St./U.S. 101; 541/332-9378).

SATURDAY

Then walk on the beach at Battle Rock City Park (portorfordoregon.com/battlerock.html) before hitting the town’s galleries. Pick up a local brochure of them from Triangle Square Gallery (343 Sixth St./U.S. 101; 541/253-6198). From the elevated dock at Port of Port Orford (300 Dock Rd.; 541/332-7121), watch fishermen bring in their catch. Finally, try the namesake dish at the Crazy Norwegian’s Fish and Chips ($; 259 Sixth St./U.S. 101; 541/332-8601).

SUNDAY

Try the made-from-scratch fruit scones at Hard Rain Café ($; 1634 Oregon St.; 541/332-6030). Nine miles northwest of town, at Cape Blanco State Park (91814 Cape Blanco Rd.; oregonstateparks.org), visit the Cape Blanco Lighthouse ($2, families $5). Or explore the Port Orford Lifeboat Station Museum in Port Orford Heads State Park (free; 92331 Coast Guard Rd.; portorfordlifeboatstation.org).