Cape Blanco is located about 9 mi. north of Port Orford along a mountainous stretch of Oregon coastline. Jutting out a mile and a half into the Pacific, it is a large and fairly level promontory about 200 ft. above sea level, with white, chalky cliffs that face the ocean (hence its name) and jagged, rocky formations extending from its northern end. The Sixes River flows into the Pacific Ocean at the northern border of Cape Blanco State Park, and a short 2-mi. hike along the Oregon Coast Trail leads south from the park to the mouth of the Wild and Scenic Elk River. The cape's two most notable landmarks are the Cape Blanco Lighthouse and Hughes House. The lighthouse went online in 1870 and is still in service today. It is open to the public from April through October, and the view of the coastline from the lens room is spectacular. The Hughes ranchhouse was built in 1898, and has been completely restored. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is now operated as a historic house museum. There is also a nearby pioneer cemetery. Visitors to the park can also enjoy hiking and biking, horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, beachcombing and camping. There is a great campground with enormous, shaded campsites and amenities including water spigots, vault toilets and showers. MORE INFO: 800-551-6949, 541-332-6774, OregonStateParks.org/park_62.php
