Port of Port Orford

Rich with History and Tradition

When you set foot on the dock at the Port of Port Orford you'll actually be in two places at once. First, you'll be standing on a modern, upgraded dock facility, and secondly. Second, you'll be on a piece of real estate with an historic and exciting past. Truly, one of the most unique docks in the world.

Captain William Tichenor explored the harbor area the dock sits on as early as 1850. A wooden dock was built prior to 1900 and the Port was formally incorporated in 1919. Ship captains liked the location because there was no bar to cross and they could pull 400-foot vessels right up to the modest wood slabs that were the original dock.

In 1935, the practice of putting small fishing boats into the water and then lifting them out again with a hoist was initiated. Instead of parking the vessels in the water, something the rough seas won't permit, they are hoisted up and set gently down on a trailer and parked on the surface of the dock. There are less than a half-dozen of these type of docks left in the world. The only other 'dolly' dock' in the USA is in southern California.

Thanks to the taxpayers, and a few grants and loans, the old wooden dock and the tripod hoist are gone. In their place, at a cost of $5.5 million, are shiny scalloped steel pilings supporting an asphalt and concrete paved dock surface. Towering over the facility, like landmarks visible from miles away, are two bright yellow vertical pole hoists, capable of lifting 30,000 and 50,000 pounds. Instead of wooden planks with huge gaps are smooth concrete boat parking pads complete with water and electrical hook ups. An additional 18,000 square feet of rental area has been created, mostly for fish buyers and other interested parties. Contact the Port directly for leasing information.

In addition, there is a 'floating dock' for sports boats that just want to pull up and tie up. A stairway leads from the floating dock platform to the main dock area. The dock and stairway are retractable and are lifted up in bad weather.

The current restrictions on vessels are a maximum length of 44 feet, maximum width of 15 feet and no more than 44,000 pounds. Gasoline and Diesel fuel are available. For specific information as to hours and weather conditions call the hoist shack at: (541) 332-1306.

To capture the full essence of the fishing industry, late afternoon visits on good weather days are recommended. This is a time when many vessels return to port to unload their catch. Two small product hoists lift the fish out of the boats in huge metal containers. They are then iced down and moved quickly to processing and the marketplace. You might also see divers bringing in a catch of urchins or watch dock personnel and sport fishermen fillet their freshly caught Tuna on special tables.

The rock jetty or breakwater was built in 1968 by the Army Corps of Engineers providing much gentler conditions for the boats to dock and a build up of sand or 'shoaling' on the side of the dock under the hoists. The ACOE come in with the dredging barge 'Sandwick' and periodically remove the sand. At times, the shoaling causes the water depth to be less than adequate for docking. Check with the hoist shack for daily conditions.

Griff's is a tackle and gift shop, a restaurant, and a Nautical Museum. They are open daily during regular business hours.

The Fishermen's Memorial

A Permanent Memory for Brave Souls
The Fishermen's Memorial is a permanent tribute and remembering of those who perished at sea from this port. The lighted memorial area contains a monument with the names of those who we will not forget. Also in this area is a ship's wheel and comfortable benches. The entire memorial area is framed with bricks donated by members of the community and friends of the port. The bricks are engraved with the names of the donors.

The reality of this beautiful memorial is due to the diligent work of the Port Orford Women's Fishery Network, or the 'fishermen's wives' as they are known, who initiated this project in 1996. With a combination of volunteer help from the Fishermen's Association, funds from Tuna Bar-B-Q's, sales of Donor Bricks and a grant from the city in 1999, the Fishermen's Memorial was opened to the public in 2000. A shining accompaniment to the newly upgraded dock.