Cape Blanco Heritage Society
Port Orford Lifeboat Station Museum by Brian Holles
Photos: Brian Holles
2022 Lifeboat Cleaning by USCG
2022 Motor Lifeboat Cleaning — A photo from our recent Lifeboat Cleaning by Coast Guard Personnel that took place on April 5 2022. Thank you, USCG, for helping us keep Lifeboat No. 36498 in top shape.

Current Season Visitor Hours

10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday - Monday
Free Admission

TO GET THERE: From Highway 101 in Port Orford (at mile marker 301) turn onto 9th Street and proceed west up Coast Guard Hill (follow the yellow line) until you reach the park. As you approach, information may be available on radio station 88.30 MHz.

PLEASE NOTE: At present, the museum is not wheelchair accessible. Our lifeboat display exhibit at the front of the museum is wheelchair accessible.

Port Orford Lifeboat Station

From 1934 into the 1960s, U.S. Coast Guard surfmen lived here, ever alert for ships in distress. When a call came they risked their lives to save others. Four other historic buildings also remain at this 101.29-acre site. This is the only Forge River-type station left on the West Coast.

Visit the museum in the former barracks/office building. You can also have a picnic on the grounds or hike several short trails around this headland for fantastic views. Sometimes you can see whales or seals.

See the 36-foot self-righting motor Lifeboat No. 36498 on the grounds. It can be seen any time you visit Port Orford Heads State Park, even when the museum is closed for the season.

Port Orford Coast Guard (Lifeboat) Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 29, 1998.