THE PORT WITH NO BAR TO CROSS
A unique aspect of the Port of Port Orford is the fact that there is no ocean bar to cross. This results in more fishable days per year. Ocean access is gained by use of one of the Port’s hoists, which can lift boats weighing up to 25,000 pounds. Since the Port is situated on the open ocean, moorage in the water is only possible for short periods during calmer weather. Thus all commercial boats from Port Orford have trailers on which they are kept upon the dock. The Port has two hoists available.
SPORTS, FISHING, DIVING AND KAYAKING
The Port has improved parking facilities to include boat and trailer parking spaces and additional automobile parking.
Many ocean sport fishermen favor Port Orford as there is no dangerous bar to cross, and good fishing just a few minutes from the dock. The Orford and Blanco reefs offer excellent bottom fishing in an uncrowned area.
Port Orford is rapidly becoming the dive-site of choice for many Oregon divers. Long noted for its spectacular under-sea beauty, ease of access, diveable shipwrecks, and exceptional visibility, in addition to the close proximity to Nellies and Tichenor’s Coves. Dive classes have been conducted by places such as Eugene, Roseburg, and the Medford-Grants Pass area. The Port has restrooms & shower facilities to further accommodate divers. There are outside showers available to clean your gear and inside showers for the use of the public. Kayaking is becoming more and more popular at the Port with the large and beautiful headland protected by Oregon State Parks full of secret coves, a cultural site, kelp beds, you can paddle through Arch Rock, access to and views of Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve and Humbug Mountain to the south. You can fish from your kayak for Ling Cod, Kelp Greenling, Black Rockfish, and other species of rockfish. You will also see colonies of Cormorants, Black Oyster Catchers, and common Murre’s. It is not uncommon to see Gray Whales and Orcas. The Port is always trying to improve accessibility for all the different users of the Port facilities.