300 Dock Rd
Port Orford, OR 97465
PO Box 490
Port Orford, OR 97465
7:00 am – 3:00 pm M-F
Office Hours
Port Orford, OR 97465
Port Orford, OR 97465
Office Hours
Thursday, May 23, 2025 – The Port Commission unanimously passed Resolution 25-2, declaring a state of emergency following new OSHA regulations that restrict vessel lifting operations when occupants remain aboard. These changes directly impact the Port’s ability to conduct emergency response, commercial fishing, and scientific research operations—disrupting nearly 90% of current activity. The Port of Port Orford relies on specialized crane systems to safely haul vessels during hazardous conditions. The new restrictions create serious safety risks, economic disruption, and loss of emergency response capabilities. Estimated direct and indirect economic impacts could reach $12.7 million. The Port is actively working with OSHA officials and elected representatives to restore critical services. Read the full resolution here.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 – At its regular business meeting, the Port Commission unanimously passed Resolution 2024 – 03, declaring a state of emergency due to critical dredging needs. This action was taken in response to receiving the news that due to a challenge to the bidding process used by the US Army Corps of Engineers, a stop work order had been issued for dredging activities including those for the Port of Port Orford. This dredging was funded and planned to be carried out as it has been since 2012, when Port Orford successfully advocated for these services to continue. The Port is taking this action to facilitate emergency dredging activities and is working with the Army Corps of Engineers and elected officials to ensure the Port of Port Orford receives these essential dredging services this year before the winter storm season arrives and before the critical crab season opener. The Dungeness crab fishery is the most valuable fishery here in Port Orford and throughout the state. In 2023, the crab fishery in Port Orford alone landed nearly $5M. Read the resolution here: page 1, page 2
Tidal Advisory on Crane Access – Due to a lack of formal dredging by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last year—and the added impact of winter south swells—sand has filled in parts of the channel and harbor leading to the cranes at the Port. Visitors must carefully plan their lifts around the tides, as low water levels can make the channel impassable and pose safety risks. It is advised not to attempt crane access within one to two hours before or after extreme low tides. If you are unsure whether conditions are safe for your vessel, please contact the Port Office for current information. Find tidal predications for Port Orford here: tidal predictions
As you take in the breathtaking view, you’ll notice the two large yellow cranes used to launch and retrieve vessels. It is the only ‘dolly dock’ on the West Coast, where vessels are launched and retrieved using the cranes, and housed on homemade dollies, or trailers, when not fishing. Visitors are welcome, but please be careful! This is working Port, so keep an eye out for fork lifts and moving boats, and watch your step!
300 Dock Rd
Port Orford, OR 97465
Brett Webb
Darin Faris
Bill Ridgeway
Ron Lusk
Patrick Scepanski
