Samuel H. Boardman State Park
18 ocean-hugging miles of Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor, located between Brookings and Gold Beach along Highway 101
Park information: (800) 551-6949
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Many consider this park and trail system to be the gem on Curry's coastline, so here are some highlights to help plan your trip: Whether you hike all 18 miles or just 1/4 of a mile, take a moment to consider the multitudes who have walked the same worn path for millennia: Native Americans, explorers, gold seekers and settlers.
Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint: A mile-long hike leads to breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and photo-worthy Oregon sunsets. The Cape is also an excellent spot for whale watching in fall and spring.
House Rock Viewpoint: A memorial commemorates Samuel H. Boardman, the first Oregon State Parks superintendent and the park's namesake. The 4-mile trail between Cape Ferrelo and House Rock offers many side trails to secluded beaches.
Whaleshead Beach: This oceanfront picnic area has gorgeous views and an easy, flat path to the beach.
Natural Bridge: Follow a short trail to one of the best viewpoints in the park — the seven iconic arch rocks and blowholes known as Natural Bridges. Here you'll find a memorial to Dr. Samuel Dicken, who first envisioned the Oregon Coast Trail.
Arch Rock: From the paved parking lot, a short path leads to an overlook featuring a series of offshore sea stacks and islands.
Battle Rock Park
520 Jefferson St, Port Orford
(541) 332-4106
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The historical site of the 1851 battle between settlers and the Qua-to-mah tribe. Information about this battle and the history of the area can be found at the Visitor Center.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse
Five miles north of Port Orford on Hwy 101
(541) 332-2973
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Cape Blanco is the most southern of Oregon's lighthouses, and the westernmost point in the mainland United States. You can tour the lighthouse from April 1st-Oct. 31st, Wednesday - Monday, 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Hughes Ranch
91816 Cape Blanco Rd, Port Orford
(541) 332-0248
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The Hughes farmhouse was constructed in 1898 and is on the National Register of Historical Places. Free tours are provided April through October. Nearby are hiking trails with proximity to Cape Blanco State Park and the Pioneer Cemetery.
Japanese Bomb Site at Wheeler Ridge
Mt. Emily Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest,
Website | Map
In 1942, Japanese incendiary bombs were dropped at Wheeler ridge with the intent to start a forest fire. Though unsuccessful, the bombing was the first on the continental United States by an enemy aircraft. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and passes through the Wheeler Creek Research Area and some of the only protected coastal redwoods in southwest Oregon.
Jerry's Rogue Museum
29980 Harbor Way, Gold Beach
(800) 451-3645
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The museum offers historical information about the Rogue River; of particular note is how mail was delivered from the river prior to vehicular access.
Port Orford Lifeboat Station
92331 Coast Guard Hill Rd, Port Orford
(541) 332-0521
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From 1934 into the 1960s U.S. Coast Guard surf men lived here, ever alert for ships in distress. When a call came they risked their lives to save others. Here you can see the 36-foot self-righting motor lifeboat on the grounds. Visit the museum in the former barracks building.
Prehistoric Gardens
36848 Hwy 101, Port Orford
(541) 332-4463
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A roadside attraction since 1955, Ernie Nelson created 23 life size dinosaurs in this rain forest park. Combining nature, science and adventure, this is a must see attraction on the Oregon Coast.
Art Galleries
Hawthorne Gallery
517 Jefferson St, Port Orford
(541) 366-2266
Website | Map
The Hawthorne Gallery represents the artwork of the multi-talented Hawthorne family and work of selected outstanding artists across the country. The gallery overlooks Battle Rock Park and the Pacific Ocean.
Johnson Gallery
530 Eighth St, Port Orford
(541) 332-0599
Website | Map
The gallery features a variety of fine art such as hand-crafted work by many talented local artists and one of a kind stone sculptures.