Port Orford's Secret

Port Orford, Oregon is a small, unassuming town located on the southern Oregon coast.  Most people quickly pass through as they travel Highway 101 missing one of the most impressive views on the Oregon coast.  Starting at the Coast Guard Museum, the Port Orford Heads State Park has trails leading out to several high viewpoints.  The weather on the Oregon coast has been unpredictable, but today the wind was relatively calm and the coastal fog lifted--allowing you to see for miles in all directions.  Along the trails are strategically placed benches donated by others who also enjoyed this view.

It is obvious not many people know about the views at the headlands.  We were the only hikers allowing us to leisurely sit and soak up the sun.  You can tell from my picture on the right that trails are carved right into the side of the steep hills. 

Today's weather put a smile on Mike's face.

Beautiful Bandon By the Sea

Old Town Bandon is charming with turn of the century buildings housing lots of restaurants, art galleries, and typical beach trinket shops.  The old buildings have the wide wood planking on the floor and high ceilings--lots of character.  And I love the occasional walkway through the middle of a block styled with cobblestone, flowers everywhere in pots and window boxes, and the little shops displaying their inventory in the window.  We liked one shop in particular, C'est Vert (meaning "it's green")--we bought their wild rice (grown and packed in Oregon).  The owner, Clyde, told us about a scenic drive back to Highway 101 and a little history of the town.  After a downturn of the lumber and fishing in the area, Bandon re-invented the town.  From the looks of it, they've done a good job.

We took the drive recommended by Clyde and confirmed that Bandon has a gorgeous beach with rock "sea stacks".  You can walk to the rocks at low tide (picture upper left). 

Back at our home base in Port Orford, we discovered the view here is breathtaking.  Looking forward to our hike at Port Orford Headland State Park later this week.  It'll include more Port Orford ocean views like this one.  (picture right)

Tomorrow is a long day--the 104-mile trip up the Rogue River.