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Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

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Oregon
Oregon Coast Region
Cape Blanco State Park
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Cape Blanco State Park © Jack F. Peyton
Cape Blanco State Park © Jack F. Peyton
Cape Blanco State Park © Jack F. Peyton
Cape Blanco State Park © Dougtone / CC BY-SA 2.0
Cape Blanco State Park © BLM Oregon & Washington / CC BY-SA 2.0
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CAPE BLANCO STATE PARK
CAPE BLANCO STATE PARK
91814 Cape Blanco Road
Port Orford, Oregon   97465
(lat:42.8305 lon:-124.5482) map location

Phone: 800-551-6949
Toll Free: 800-551-6949
Reservations: 541-332-2973
Use our extra-large, private, sheltered campsites as your base of operations while you enjoy the lighthouse and historic Hughes House tours.

The lighthouse and historic home are open from April to October. The lighthouse tour, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Hughes House tour is conducted by knowledgeable volunteers and is free, but donations are gratefully accepted and help fund restoration and maintenance of the house.

The rest of the park, including the campground, is open year-round.

Cape Blanco is the most southern of Oregon's lights, and is the westernmost point in Oregon. Proposed in 1864, it was the first lighthouse in the state outfitted with a first-order Fresnel lens in 1870.

The first-order lens was replaced with a second-order lens in 1936.

Work off your picnic lunch by hiking over eight miles of trails with many spectacular ocean vistas, woodland and wetland settings. Bring your horse and enjoy 7 miles of horse trails and the facilities in our horse camp. The group camp holds a maximum of 50 people, and can accommodate up to 24 vehicles. This total may include five or more self-contained RVs. If you expect to have more than five RVs or 24 total vehicles, call the park. The group camp has four fire rings, four picnic tables, four water spigots and vault toilets. Showers are located in main campground 1/4 mi. away.

No matter how you camp with us, don't forget a sunset walk along the headland beaches to finish out your day.
History of the Area
Cape Blanco, located on the southern coast of Oregon, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes who relied on its abundant resources for survival. In 1603, Spanish explorer Martin d'Aguilar named it "Blanco" due to the white cliffs visible from sea.

During the mid-1800s, European settlers began arriving in Cape Blanco and established ranches along with a lighthouse to guide ships navigating through treacherous waters. This iconic lighthouse still stands today as one of Oregon's oldest continuously operating beacons.

In 1898, Patrick Hughes purchased land around Cape Blanco and developed an expansive dairy farm known as "Hughes Ranch." Over time, this property became renowned for its high-quality cheese production and remained operational until 1962 when it was acquired by the state government.

Recognizing both historical significance and natural beauty of Cape Blanco region; in 1971 State Parks Department designated this coastal stretch into what is now considered one of Oregon's most picturesque parks - preserving not only stunning landscapes but also showcasing remnants from past eras such as historic buildings like old barns or cabins which have been restored over years since then making them accessible visitors looking explore more about local heritage while enjoying recreational activities offered within park boundaries
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
Camping
1. RV Camping: The park has 52 electrical sites with water that can accommodate recreational vehicles.

2. Tent Camping: There are several tent campsites available, each equipped with picnic tables and fire pits/grills.

3. Yurts/Cabins: While Cape Blanco doesn't have yurt or cabin accommodations itself, nearby state parks such as Humbug Mountain do offer these facilities.

4. Horse Campsites: For those traveling with horses, the park also provides horse campgrounds complete with corrals and easy access to trails specifically designed for equestrian use.

5. Group Camps: These areas allow larger parties to stay together in one spot; however it's best to check availability beforehand due its high demand during peak season times

6. Reservable Picnic Areas - If you're not planning on staying overnight but still want a guaranteed space at this popular location then reserving your own private picnic area could be an ideal solution!
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the Pacific Ocean for species like salmon, halibut and rockfish. Sixes River offers steelhead and cutthroat trout.



Picnicking
Cape Blanco State Park offers picnic tables with stunning ocean views. No covered areas, so plan for Oregon's unpredictable weather.
Trails
1. Cape Blanco Lighthouse Trail: This trail leads to the historic lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and opportunities for whale watching.

2. South Beach Access Trail: A short walk from the campground that takes you directly to a secluded beach area where visitors can enjoy picnicking or exploring tide pools.

3. North Beach Access Trail: Another path leading towards an expansive sandy beach with stunning ocean vistas; perfect for long walks during low tides.

4. Hughes House Nature Loop: An easy 0.5-mile loop around historical Hughes House providing glimpses into Oregon's pioneer history along with beautiful coastal scenery.

5. Hughes Water Tower & Barn Trails: These trails offer insight into early farming practices in this region while also showcasing local flora and fauna on their paths through meadows and forests.

6. Cape Blanco Headland Hike: It is a moderate hike which offers breathtaking cliffside views over miles of untouched coastline as well as access to several viewpoints overlooking sea stacks offshore.

7. Port Orford Cedar Forest Walks: Several unmarked but easily navigable walking routes wind through dense groves of Port Orford cedars, some reaching heights up to 200 feet tall!

8. Sixes River Estuary Pathway: Follow alongside Sixes river estuary observing diverse bird species including herons, eagles etc., making it ideal spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

9. Bluff Top Viewpoint Paths: Shorter pathways branching off main hiking trails lead hikers onto bluff tops presenting dramatic seascapes especially at sunset times.

10. Elk Viewing Area Track: Located near park entrance,this track provides opportunity spotting resident herd grazing peacefully amidst lush greenery.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts should note that there are no designated biking trails within this coastal park. However, the campground loops and main roads can be used for leisurely rides but caution is advised due to vehicular traffic. The terrain might not suit all skill levels as it includes some steep sections and sharp turns. Also remember, helmets are required by law in Oregon for riders under 16 years of age; they're recommended for everyone else too.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting a variety of species, including shorebirds and raptors. The park's diverse habitats attract many birds year-round. It is also part of the Oregon Coast Birding Trail.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 4 One of the best kept secrets in Oregon! by Go Navy
park review stars; one to five If you love the Oregon Coast... blustry days, long walks on the beach, amazing scenery, and oh yeah, lighthouses, then this is the place for you. My family visited a couple years ago and we were stunned by the natural beauty. We drove (our four wheel drive) right down to the beach, and walked along the waters edge as the sun sank into the great Pacific Ocean... One of the best memories of camping I have. The weather is typical Oregon Coastal weather. If you can get past that, you will not second guess your visit to this beautiful park!
July 10 great camp sites
park review stars; one to five a haven for those that crave privacy in camp and lack of crowding and children. first come, first served. abundance of deer, fox, weasel, bunnies, chipmunks and the like. many sites have folliage on 3 sides providing privacy and wind barriers.
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Directions
Cape Blanco State Park is located in Port Orford, Oregon. To get there from the north, take US-101 South until you reach Port Orford. Once in town, turn left onto Cape Blanco Road and continue for about 4 miles until you see signs directing you to the park entrance.

If coming from the south on US-101 North, drive through Gold Beach and follow the highway as it curves inland towards Sixes River. After crossing over Sixes River Bridge, make a right onto Cape Blanco Road and proceed for approximately 3 miles until reaching your destination.

Once inside Cape Blanco State Park's boundaries, follow any posted signage or directions provided by park staff to access specific areas within the park such as camping sites or hiking trails.

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