From Seattle writer and consultant Matt Rosenberg...: Making The Most Of The Oregon Coast: Port Orford Heads & Pistol River Parks

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Making The Most Of The Oregon Coast: Port Orford Heads & Pistol River Parks

September 18, 2006

Catching up a bit, as reality rudely intruded on my fond recollections of this summer's adventures. Our family's July expedition to the Oregon Coast also included a day trip from our Bandon base that took us as far as Brookings, just north of the California border. The highlights were some great, easy hiking and views at Port Orford Heads State Park; and one of the southern Oregon coast's best beaches, at Pistol River State Park. Port Orford Heads State Park is easy to miss. Coming from the north on Route 101, turn right at 9th St. in the small town of Port Orford, left shortly at Coast Guard Road, and the rest is easy. (Directions and a descriptive overview of the park here).

From the parking lot, you'll espy the modest trail network quickly. Keep bearing right, all the way out to the viewpoint. This picture I took is looking north back up the coast, toward Cape Blanco.

A zoom-in on the coastline, from the same spot.

Up atop a steep rocky cliff, wind blowing, looking out at the ocean and coastline, you'll imagine you're in Scotland. Or something. We then wandered over to the former location of the old lookout tower, and then along The Cove Trail, past the cove where the famed Port Orford Lifeboat Station rescue vessels were launched by the Coast Guard from 1934 until the station's closure 1970. One look at the churning Pacific Ocean beyond the cove and you'll see why these guys were busy. The historic station is now a museum; and one of the old, unsinkable rescue boats is on display.

Back on Route 101, just a few blocks south of 9th St., the road makes a big bend to the left. Continue straight (onto Oregon Street), and you'll see a small-ish house on the right. That's the Rick Cook Gallery. Don't miss it: the personable Cook makes beautiful, yet highly functional handcrafted furniture from cherrywood, maple, and Port Orford Cedar. You may be tempted to buy something; he'll make the shipping arrangements.

Heading further south from Port Orford on 101, past Humbug Mountain State Park, and the town of Gold Beach with its wondrous bookstore; we came to Pistol River State Park. It's a large of expanse of beach, with imposing sea stacks where surf meets sand. Easily accessible, wide open and beautiful.