Port of Port Orford Tour
February 28, 10am-1pm, Port of Port Orford
Join us for an immersive tour of the Port of Port Orford, one of the most unique and inspiring working ports on the West Coast. This experience offers a rare opportunity to step inside a small, resilient fishing community and learn directly from the people who make this port function day in and day out.
First stop: the Port of Port Orford - Port Orford is unlike any other port in Oregon. As one of the few south facing ports on the coast, it operates directly in the open ocean without a protective harbor or breakwater. With no river bar to cross, vessels launched here are immediately in the Pacific, with productive fishing grounds just offshore. During the tour, you will learn how this geography shapes fishing practices, safety, and daily life on the dock.
A highlight of the visit is seeing Port Orford’s historic dolly dock system in action. Rather than tying up in a marina, boats are lifted in and out of the water by crane and placed onto wheeled dollies, then parked above the shoreline. This rare system limits vessel size, supporting a fleet of small, owner operated day boats that fish close to shore and return the same day. Fishermen and port operators will share firsthand insights into how this model supports high quality seafood, careful stewardship of local resources, and a year round hook and line fishery.
Guests will enjoy a guided walk along the dock with Faith Townsend, the Port's communications intern. Faith will also discuss the recreational fishing opportunities and the ongoing research initiatives based out of the Port, highlighting its role in supporting sustainable practices and marine science. You'll also meet local commercial fishermen to hear firsthand about the challenges and rewards of working in this vibrant fishing community!
The tour will then head to The Galley, a pop up shop right up the road by Port Orford Sustainable Seafood (POSS), for a lunch of locally caught seafare. Choose between a Miso Black Cod Rice Bowl or Spicy Mayo Lingcod Katsu Rice Bowl. Kean Fleming of POSS will fill us in on all things south coast sustainable seafood like their boat to table pop up, making direct seafood sales, and their community supported fishery that connect consumers directly to fishermen.
In addition to fishing, you will hear from the Oregon Kelp Alliance about ongoing kelp restoration efforts in the area. Learn how their work in places like Nellies Cove is helping rebuild vital nearshore habitats and support a healthier coastal ecosystem.
Tickets include a tour of all facilities as well as a choice of 2 menu items for lunch at POSS. Attendees must drive themselves to various locations, though they are very close!
