Trip Planner: USA / Oregon / Oregon Coast / Port Orford / Cape Blanco Lighthouse

Cape Blanco Lighthouse, Port Orford

4.5

#1 of 9 in Things to do in Port Orford

Cape Blanco is a prominent headland on the Pacific Ocean coast of southwestern Oregon in the United States, forming the westernmost point in the state. Cape Blanco extends further west than any point of land in the contiguous United States (lower 48 states) except Cape Alava, in Washington. The cape is part of Cape Blanco State Park and is the location of the Cape Blanco Light, first lit in 1870.The cape may have been named by explorer Martín de Aguilar in 1603 for its appearance, as blanco means "white" in Spanish. In 1775, Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra named the point Cabo Diligensias. It was later renamed Cape Orford by Captain George Vancouver in 1792 but this name fell into disuse and Cape Blanco became the common usage.GeologyThe cape, a relatively level landform with cliffs facing the sea, is about 200ft higher than the ocean. It consists of layers of uplifted marine sediments, ranging in age from 80 million years at the bottom to less than 500,000 years at the top. The uplift is continuing; Cape Blanco is rising by several millimeters each year. Generally, landforms on the north and south end of the Oregon Coast are rising as the ocean floor slides under the continent, while the central part of the coast "seems to be folding down."

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Cape Blanco Lighthouse Reviews

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217 reviews

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4.6

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4.7

393 likes

By ChitchatCanada On February 7, 2018

We made a stop here along our drive exploring the beautiful Oregon Coast and it was so worthwhile. Note that this lighthouse is located a fair distance from the highway so if you have the time and are... more »
By imaginelove On December 31, 2017

Stopped to check for whales migrating south. The weather was undesirable but we were able to spot a couple of spouts. The standout though was the lighthouse, spectacular! Highly recommend the side tri... more »
By cgs3377 On October 29, 2017

ok to be fair, other lighthouses advertised to be open in october, but none were. this one was and we had a super tour guide, who let us stay for quite a while since not a lot of folks were around. it... more »

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By Pat InBandon On April 9, 2018

It was just beautiful. Also we saw a small herd of deer! Awesome!

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By Bernardo Viscarra On February 9, 2018

Situated in a state park. It's off the beaten path, but worth the trip. The lighthouse is open to the public

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By Benjamin Vandeman On July 27, 2017

Wasn't well run, disorganized tours, not good for kids, oldest, but not most interesting. Nice views, in good condition. No rv parking close, one lane inbound road can be congested. Bring lots of patience for a bottle rocket experience. Good that it was cheap.

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By Gerald Foley On August 23, 2017

You must be interested in the inner workings of a lighthouse. One lane paved road with areas of gravel. Share the road with idiot bicyclists who ride 2mph in the exact center of the road making it impossible to go around them. There is a $2.00 tour charge and they take groups of five up at a time so they can bore you to death with how to keep the lenses clean without touching them etc.

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By Pam Boling On February 22, 2017

This is a beautiful place to photograph! The staff is also quite helpful and friendly. The thing I didn't like is that they close very early (3:15pm, as I recall), and they shut the gate so no one can even get to the lighthouse by car. We had to go back on a subsequent day because we arrived too late. It was worth the return trip though.

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