Port Orford is the oldest town on the Oregon Coast. It is a working fishing port with a vibrant art community. It has a terrific small town vibe accented by awe inspiring scenic views.
If you visit the area, you won’t want to miss out on a chance to explore its many hiking and walking trails. Here are a few to check out.
This 1.2-mile loop trail offers an elevation of 170 feet. It is ranked as easy and family friendly for children with older kids. It begins at the Port Orford Lifeboat Station Trailhead and ends at the Port Orford Lookout Tower Site.
The land was formally the site of a lifeboat operation. The lifeboats were housed in Nellie’s Cove which was reached by a long, narrow staircase. The staircase is still there but it is not safe for use.
In addition to seeing the remains of the station, hikers can also set out on the small network of paths to stroll through the Sitka spruce forest which offers magnificent views. You will also find a Barracks Building which now serves as a museum.
This trail will take you up the highest mountain on the Oregon Coast. Most of the trip spans through a Douglas Fir Forest which is filled with flora and fauna. You will see plenty of lovely wildflowers along the way.
The loop is 5.6 miles in total and has a 1,784-elevation gain. Although it may seem quite taxing to climb such a high mountain, it offers regular and consistent footing and is therefore rated as moderate. It is also dog friendly.
Sisters Rock is so called because it will take you through the landscapes of two similar looking rock formations that sit on the Oregon coast. It is an out and back trail that is .9 miles in length and offers an elevation gain of 180 feet. It is rated as easy.
Along the trail, you can hop into a private cave, and stroll along beaches and mountainous areas. It’s relatively unpopulated and great for dog watching. It provides fantastic ocean views.
Battle Rock Wayfinding Point Beach
This trail makes for a terrific walk on the beach. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of arches and rock formations. There are stunning views of Humbug Mountain and Red Rocks in the distance.
Battle Rock Wayfinding Point Beach Trail spans two miles out and back and offers an elevation gain of 91 feet. It is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. It is best used from April to October.
Oregon Coastal Trail: Humbug Section
This paved trail is a part of old Highway 101. It is 4.4 miles out and back and has an elevation gain of 702 feet. It is rated as moderate, and it is lightly trafficked.
The trail has pleasant sections that follow a creek and a nice lookout with a bench at the turnaround point. It is accessible from a paved parking lot off Oregon Coast Highway. Many hikers stumble upon it by accident.
Humbug Mountain State Park Beach Access
This beach trail spans .9 miles and has a 55-foot elevation gain. It is connected to the park campground and has a freshwater stream that runs into it with rock cliffs on the north and south edges of the beach. It is lightly trafficked making for a peaceful time with nature.
The trail is accessible year-round. It is dog friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash.
Hubbards Creek Trail spans one mile and leads out to the beach. It is one mile in length and offers an elevation gain of 39 feet. It is rated and moderate and is an out and back route type.
The trail offers stunning views of the Red Rocks to the south and Port Orford to the North. It is best used from April to September. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
As the name suggests, this trail is perfect for those collecting agate stones. The .6-mile route is out and back and has a 13-foot elevation gain. It is a beach hike that offers terrific views and several opportunities to see wildlife. It is rated as easy and suitable for all skill levels.
Fern Trail is an unusual trail as it starts out on a single track and runs into the asphalt Or Coastal Trail. The road is dotted with raised planter boxes that are labeled and contain different types of ferns. It’s ideal for bird watchers.
The trail is a loop that runs 2.2 miles and has a 239-foot elevation gain. It is best used between April and September.
The Amphitheater Trail runs through Humbug Mountain State Park. To gain access, you will have to camp there, but visitors can also get to the trailhead by walking under the road through a tunnel and through the campgrounds.
The out and back trail is .9 miles and has an elevation of 196 feet. It is dotted by vibrant wildflowers and offers scenic views and wildlife sightings. It is good for all hiking skill levels and is best to visit in the spring and summer.
The Oregon Coast Trail spans 362 miles and takes you through sandy beaches, shady forests, scenic headlands and other terrains. Section 8 takes you from Bandon to Port Orford while Section 9 runs from Port Orford to Cape Sebastian.
Section 8 is a coastal trail that spans through lake areas and campgrounds. It ends at Port Orford Heads State Park. Section 9 runs through beach lands and several recreational and heritage sites before ending at Cape Sebastian Scenic Corridor.
Port Orford is a stunning area that is best seen via its many hiking and walking trails. Now that you know the ones to check out, you are ready for your trip. Which will you be including in your itinerary?
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