Cape Blanco State Park


Nine miles north of Port Orford, this rugged promontory is the second-most-westerly point of the continental US and host to a fine state park with hiking trails spreading out over the headland. Sighted in 1603 by Spanish explorer Martín d'Aguilar, Cape Blanco juts far out into the Pacific, withstanding lashing winds that can pass 100mph. Visitors can tour the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, built in 1870, the oldest and highest operational lighthouse in Oregon.

A mile east is Hughes House, a restored Victorian home built in 1898 by Patrick Hughes, an Irish dairy rancher and gold miner.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Hughes House

0.67 MILES

This huge, elaborate, nicely restored Victorian home was built in 1898 by Patrick Hughes, an Irish dairy rancher and gold miner who settled the area.

2. Cape Blanco Lighthouse

0.69 MILES

This lighthouse, built in 1870, is the oldest and highest operational lighthouse in Oregon. There's an informative visitor center, plus tours that let you…

3. Port Orford Heads State Park

7.02 MILES

A short drive along Coast Guard Rd leads to this state park, which has the best location in town. A couple of 20-minute loop trails offer fine panoramic…

4. Lifeboat Station Museum

7.02 MILES

This 1934 building was home to members of the area's US Coast Guard 'surfmen,' who were in charge of search and rescue along this stretch of coastline – a…

5. Humbug Mountain State Park

12.21 MILES

Six miles south of Port Orford, mountains edge down to the ocean, and the heavily wooded Humbug Mountain rises 1750ft from the surf. When European…

6. Prehistoric Gardens

17.25 MILES

Twelve miles south of Port Orford, kids will scream at the sight of a Tyrannosaurus rex in front of this dinosaur park. Life-size replicas of the extinct…

7. Face Rock

19.38 MILES

A few blocks to the south of Table Rock is Face Rock, a huge monolith with a very real-looking, almost creepy human profile. Native American legends tell…

8. Table Rock

20.22 MILES

At Coquille Point, at the end of SW 11th St, steps lead down to a beach interspersed with rocky crags and monoliths. Table Rock lies just offshore and is…