Two more special Oregon coastal towns

Port Orford and Gold Beach are really worth a thorough exploration

Our next favorite spot to camp in, visit, and house hunt on the Oregon coast was a little village called Port Orford. Other than not exactly rolling off the tongue (try saying “Port Orford” three times in a row and you’ll know what I mean) this little gem was our top choice to move to (even more than Bandon.)

Me and Koa enjoying the view from Port Orford’s headlands

Here’s what the town’s website says: “Welcome to Port Orford… the oldest town on the Oregon Coast, and the most westerly in the 48 states. We are a working fishing port, with an active – and talented – art community, and a great place for visitors who want to enjoy spectacular natural beauty without the crowds.”

With a population of only 824 people, it Port Orford is quite small, uniquely positioned around a point in one of the few “banana belt” warmer coastal zones.