PORT ORFORD CEDAR STATE PARK
The Port Orford Lifeboat Station was constructed in 1934 by the Coast Guard to provide lifesaving service to the southern portion of the Oregon Coast until 1970. A museum, operated by the Point Orford Heritage Society, is now housed in the station. The museum is free (donations accepted, of course), and is open April-October, Thursday-Monday, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. A 36-foot motor lifeboat used at this station is on the premises and waiting to be restored.
The park has excellent hiking trails on the headlands affording spectacular views up and down the Pacific Coast.
There's a large resident blacktail deer population; please treat them as the wild animals they are.
Located in the southwestern region of Oregon, this natural reserve is renowned for its abundance of Port Orford Cedar trees. The park's history dates back to 1958 when it was officially established by the state government with an aim to protect and preserve these unique species.
The area where the park now stands has a rich cultural heritage as well. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes who used cedar wood extensively for their daily needs such as building homes, canoes and crafting tools.
In later years during European settlement period, logging became a major industry due to high demand for timber products which led to extensive deforestation across many parts of Oregon including areas around present-day Park boundaries. However, recognizing importance of preserving native flora & fauna along with increasing public interest towards conservation efforts prompted establishment decision from authorities.
Since then various measures have been taken up over decades like reforestation programs or restricting certain activities within premises ensuring that ecosystem remains intact while providing visitors opportunity enjoy scenic beauty surrounding landscape offers.