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The westernmost burg in the contiguous United States and also the oldest platted town site on the Oregon coast (circa 1859), Port Orford is one of those places that's only worth surfing when the northwesterlies are a-howlin'. A sweeping, south-facing cove surrounded by dense woods, rivers and lakes, it's a real niche surfing area, more renowned for its fishing and diving.
Coming from the south along Highway 101, the first of Port Orford's two surf spots is mellow, user-friendly Hubbard Creek, a small beach covered with sand dunes and pine trees with rocks to the south. Rather sheltered from large storm surf but dismally onshore during wintertime south winds, Hubbard is a good spot in the spring. With the creek running out through it and a couple of big rocks just outside of the lineup, it's a scenic spot which can see a crowd and offer up some punchy peaks when the winds are blowing.
Just up the road lies south-facing Battle Rock City Park, a funky, shorebreak-ish, not-so-good beachbreak setup basically ridden during bouts of giant winter swell and stiff north wind. For what it lacks in quality waves, Battle Rock offers a postcard view of the offshore sea stacks to the south and bulbous Humbug Mountain. It's also the site of the famous battle between Native Americans and the first whites attempting to settle at Port Orford.
-- Mike Kew
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medium for Hubbard Creek, high for Battle Rock
S, SW
waist-high to a foot or two overhead
N, NE
3
sand and pebbles (at Hubbard Creek only)
beginner and up
gloves, moccasins, small-wave board
between storms in winter, most of spring
Pull onto and park in the wide gravel shoulder on the east side of Highway 101, just before the Hubbard Creek bridge sign. Hop over the guardrail on the west side of the highway and on down you go. The surf is but a hop, skip and a jump from the road.
Since the two spots are easily accessible and generally soft in their demeanors, they are very popular with area waveriders of all craft and creed.
generally subdued
2 to 3
1
ghosts.
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Ain't much nightlife in Port Orford, but there are a couple of decent eating establishments. Try the Wheelhouse Restaurant (525 Jefferson St., 541-332-1605) or Battle Rock Deli and Coffee House in the Battle Rock Park Beach Complex. Gourmet Italian fare and western barbecue items are the specialties at the Spaghetti West Restaurant (236 6th St., 541-332-9378), which also features live entertainment on occasion. For seafood, you can't miss Crazy Norwegian's (541-332-8601) right there on the main road. The Port Orford nightlife can be experienced in depth at Pitch's Tavern (325 6th St., 541-332-9313). Decent south-of-the-border fare is available at Salsa Rita's Cafe Mexicana (812 Oregon St., 541-332-7482). The Paradise Cafe (518-19th St., 541-332-8104) is humble and homey, dishing up some cheaper foodstuffs, but we wouldn't exactly call it "paradise."
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There are a few comfortable lodging choices right near the surf spots: the Sea Crest Motel (44 Hwy 101, 541-332-3040, 888-332-3040) and the Shoreline Motel, which is across the street from Battle Rock (541-332-2903). There's also the aptly named Battle Rock Motel (541-332-7331). The Port Orford Inn (1035 Oregon St., 541-332-0212) is pretty cool and reasonably priced. A more expensive joint is Castaway by the Sea (545-5th St., 541-332-4502), perched high on a bluff and quite tranquil. Winnebago warriors can find a space inside of Cape Blanco RV Park (2011 Oregon St., 541-332-6175) or Evergreen RV Park (839 Coast Guard Rd., 541-332-5942). Good camping is available at either 64-site Cape Blanco State Park (541-332-6774 or 800-551-6949) or 108-site Humbug Mountain State Park (541-332-6774 or 800-551- 6949).
Or try
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Check out the lighthouse at Cape Blanco State Park (541-332-6774 or 800551-6949, the westernmost and windiest headland in Oregon, which is nine miles north of town. South of town lies Humbug Mountain State Park (541-332-6774 or 800-551- 6949, rife with cool hiking trails and pungent rain forest. Port Orford Heads State Park is a pleasant spot to stage a picnic or look for whales.
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Big Air Windsurf and Surf Shop (48435 Highway 101, 541-348-2213), located in nearby Langolis, caters more to boardsailers than to surfers, but there might be something in there for you.
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