The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse is a National Historic Site managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM manages about one-tenth of America’s landmass, and Oregon is particularly rich in BLM land. BLM land is used for a variety of purposes, including recreation, wildlife and native habitat preservation, and harvesting natural resources. Camping on BLM land that is not part of developed campsites is called dispersed camping, and it is free. The BLM also manages primitive and developed campgrounds.
The Cape Blanco Lighthouse is located on the Oregon coast about 10 miles north of Port Orford. Crater Lake National Park is about four hours west. Built in 1870, Cape Blanco Lighthouse is Oregon’s oldest lighthouse. It’s open for tours from April through October. You can climb the spiral staircase and marvel at the Fresnel lens. Please note that you will need to walk a quarter-mile from the gate to the lighthouse. It is almost always rainy and windy on the Oregon coast, so be sure to bring rain gear.
This is a steep trail that goes from the Cape Blanco parking lot down to the shore. It is part of Cape Blanco State Park. You can explore tide pools and might catch a glimpse of seals or sea lions. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Length: 0.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Pacific View Trail is also in Cape Blanco State Park. This is an easy walk on the top of the cliff. On clear days, you’ll get spectacular views of Oregon’s rugged coastline. The trail goes through lush areas of ferns and other vegetation. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
This trail starts near the Hughes Historic House. It’s a very flat hike that leads to where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great hike for birding, hiking, trail running, or finding a fishing spot along the river.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
This easy trail is great for hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing. You might spot marine mammals, sea birds, and peregrine falcons.
Length: 1.2
Intensity: Easy
The Sixes River Beach and the Sixes River Estuary offer fishing spots and areas to dig for razor clams. The beach area is also known for catching redtail surfperch and coho and Chinook salmon. Port Orford is good for catching water rockfish, greenling, salmon, and perch. Going offshore offers opportunities for putting out crab pots and fishing for a huge variety of marine fish.
Cape Blanco is the westernmost point in Oregon. As such, it offers unparalleled opportunities for whale watching. Winter (mid-December through mid-January) and spring (late February through May) are the best times to catch the gray whale migration. Other marine mammal sightings are also common here. This area also has a particularly high density of seabirds, including albatross and marbled murrelet.
Cape Blanco State Park offers plenty of picnic tables in a range of areas. Many consider it one of the state's best places for a romantic picnic.
Horseback riding on the beach is an experience like no other. Cape Blanco State Park has a horse camp with new steel pipe corrals. In addition to riding on trails or on the beach, it offers a 150-acre open riding area.
BLM RV camping is an affordable way to enjoy the Oregon coast. There are no BLM spots right next to Cape Blanco, but you have other options nearby. With rates starting at $29 per night, Cape Blanco State Park is an excellent choice for RV camping. They offer back-in sites that range from 31 to 81 feet long with water and electricity. For more amenities, check out Camp Blanco RV Park. It has pull-through RV spots up to 100 feet long with full hookups, high-speed Wi-Fi, and free cable TV. Their sites start at $41 per night.
Finding Bureau of Land Management free camping in Oregon is usually pretty easy. Free dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land unless otherwise noted. Oregon also has many free primitive campgrounds throughout the state. Remember that these sites won’t have any facilities, so be prepared with plenty of water and a way to pack out human waste. You can search "BLM camping near me" for ideas of where to go.
The biggest thing to know about visiting Cape Blanco Lighthouse, or anywhere on the Oregon coast, is to expect rain and high winds. It averages about 141 rainy days each year with a total accumulation of over 75 inches. Average temperatures are in the upper 40s through mid-50s year-round.
Also be prepared for high winds, even when the weather is calm and mild in surrounding areas. If you plan to cook outdoors on a propane stove, be sure to bring some kind of wind block. If you’ll be on the beaches, the wind-borne sand can sting exposed skin.
The rugged beauty of the Oregon coast is something to behold, and staying at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds is one of the best ways to experience it up close and personal. It’s also an affordable option. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace is a set of principles designed to protect sensitive environments while still allowing people to enjoy the natural surroundings. The seven principles are to plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impact, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others. If we all follow these guidelines, the beauty of our country’s wild lands can be enjoyed for many generations to come.
From Port Orford, go north on Highway 101 for 4.5 miles. Turn left onto Cape Blanco Road. This road ends at the Cape Blanco Lighthouse.
Ready to visit Cape Blanco Lighthouse NHS? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
