Trip Notes - Port Orford, Oregon
Don't pass it up!
Sept 2010
The tip was to stay on the bluff overlooking the port, and watch the ships pass in and out.
When we arrived, it was even better than that! Port Orford is a dolly dock- one of only a handful in the world, and the crane operator was not on the dock when we arrived. He is the man you need to see, to pay your - $10 - to dry camp overnight right on the dock.
We pulled in around 7, and since we couldn't find him, we asked at the restaurant about the parking deal. We'd heard that shipyard/port/fishermen were tough as nails and didn't take any grief, so we didn't want to risk our well-being and had to ask someone about parking BEFORE we parked.
The crane man came around to the bus around 9pm and asked how everything was going, and almost as an afterthought mentioned the $10. He said we could park anywhere we wanted, and gave us some insight as to where the action would be.
We awoke just 50' from the waters edge, to the whine of the crane lifting 20 ton boats into the water- which is the only way in and out- by crane.
Be sure to get to bed early- these fishermen start first thing! It's OK to watch the action from anywhere out of the way- we found the best location between the fueling shed and the side of the pier. You get a good view of the crane and boats moving around on the pier on their trailers. When they return later in the day, position yourself behind the crane, and don't be shy about engaging the men that are hoisting the catch before the ships are lifted out. They are a lively lot full of stories- although they may ignore you while counting and weighing fish. When we visited, we had the chance to see a dozen varieties of sea life, including sea urchins and sharks.
This little stop may be one of the best secret locations we have found. It is not well advertised since the Port Authority is a public entity, and and may be perceived as competing with the local private campgrounds by offering this great opportunity for RVs.
There's a dump and fresh water fill in town at a gas station (search sanidumps) that accepts donations for the fee.
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