The Compass Rose

Do you have a sense of adventure? In your dreams, do you explore the seven seas in search of new horizons? If the answer is yes, then take a deep breath and step in to one of the most spectacularly beautiful natural environments in the world. The Compass Rose is located just north of Port Orford, on the south coast of Oregon. It is bounded by the wild Pacific Ocean to the west, the serenity of Garrison Lake to the south, and the beautiful Coastal Range to the east. Whatever your interests might be, there is something here for you. Hikers can take advantage of the local Oregon Coast hiking trails. As an official site on the Oregon Coast Birding Trail, we welcome you to enjoy the marsh and shore birds that are so plentiful here. Paradise Point Beach is just a short walk down the driveway, perfect for beachcombing or whale watching.

There are many interesting places to visit, including Cape Blanco, with its beautiful lighthouse, and the historic Hughes House. The Port Orford Lifeboat Station and hiking trails are located near the center of town. The town of Bandon is twenty-five miles to the north, home to the world-famous Bandon Dunes Golf Course. If you head south along the Pacific Coast Highway, which is a beautiful ride in itself, you will come to Gold Beach, famous for the Rogue River Jet Boat Rides.

Take yourself away from the stress of a busy life. Enjoy a hearty, freshly cooked breakfast in our dining room, or out on the porch when the weather is fine. Relax and enjoy the view of Garrison Lake and Mt. Humbug, or walk down to the beach to enjoy one of our spectacular sunsets. The rest of the world will seem miles away.

Each morning, we will provide you with a fresh, home-cooked breakfast from our professional kitchen.

 The selection will change daily, and the selection for the following day will be posted in the dining room the evening before. When the weather is fine, you will have the option to eat out on the porch. Peaceful views of Garrison Lake and the marsh are available from there. Some of Doug's specialties include many varieties of pancakes and French toast, quiches and omelets, breakfast casseroles, and his famous (in our family) version of baked oatmeal. In addition to the main course, we will provide a buffet which will contain both hot and cold cereal, fruit, muffins or bagels, toast, juice, and of course, plenty of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa.

When the weather is fine, you will have the option to eat out on the porch. Peaceful views of Garrison Lake and the marsh are available from there. We do not have any facilities for guests to cook their own meals. There is a small refrigerator and microwave in the dining room which you can use, and wine is available for sale. For lunch or dinner, there are several restaurants in town, as well as in Bandon or Gold Beach. We will have menus which you will be able to look at. Please let us know if there is anything that you do not like or can not eat.

One of the Most Spectacularly Beautiful Natural Environments in the World...

Port Orford Bay Welcome to Port Orford, Oregon

Spectacular ocean views characterize downtown Port Orford, Oregon. Located on the southern Oregon coast, 27 miles north of Gold Beach, Port Orford is on one of Oregon's only true ocean harbors. Being one of the oldest town sites in Coos and Curry counties, it has a long history as a fishing and lumber port. Fishing boats can't be moored in the harbor due to it being unprotected from southerly winds. So, a daily activity at the harbor is hoisting fishing boats in and out of the wild ocean waves on a converted log boom.

The gigantic rock promontory of Battle Rock dominates the waterfront shoreline. As the site of an historic battle between the first landing party of white settlers and local native Americans, Battle Rock was a key location in Port Orford's history. This battle is reenacted each 4th of July in Port Orford's Jubilee Celebration. Now part of Battle Rock State Park, there are trails to the beach, as well as a trail to the top of the Rock for a windy, gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean.

The Elk and Sixes rivers are well known throughout the Pacific Northwest for their fall and winter steelhead and salmon fishing, as well as trout, in season. Located just a few miles north of Port Orford, both rivers have produced record size Chinook salmon. Float trips are available on the Elk and Sixes rivers.

Wind surfers have discovered the strong ocean winds at Floras Lake, which has made it a popular windsurfing location. Ocean surfers ride the waves at Hubbard Creek and Battle Rock State Park.

A hike up the three mile trail to the top of Humbug Mountain rewards you with impressive vistas of the Oregon coast. The hike through the lovely virgin forests include groves of the rare Port Orford cedar. The strong, durable wood was used in plane construction during World War II. For the less hardy, Humbug State Park has a picnic area, as well as a trail that leads to the black sands of Humbug Beach.

Cape Blanco State Park is located 11 miles north of Port Orford. The 1,880 acre park is next to Oregon's oldest and highest lighthouse, built in 1870. The Coast Guard owns the lighthouse and makes it available to visitors through an agreement with the Bureau of Land Management. Visitors can enjoy the black sand ocean beach, fishing, hiking, and picnicking.

Near Cape Blanco, the restored Hughes House, built in 1898, is operated by the state of Oregon as a museum. This two story Victorian house is open for tours Thursday through Monday during May through September.

Excerpt from http://www.el.com/to/portorford

From the north:
Take U.S. 101 south to mile marker 299. Just before coming into Port Orford, the speed limit will drop to 45mph. Immediately after this, turn right onto Paradise Point Road. You will be heading west for approximately .8 mile. Make a right turn onto Gull Road (unpaved). Bear right into the first driveway on the right. Go all the way to the house, where parking is available.

From the south:
Take U.S. 101 north to mile marker 300. As you leave Port Orford, the speed limit climbs to 45mph. You will cross over the marsh, and immediately after this, turn left onto Paradise Point Road. (see above)

The closest airports are North Bend (about one hour's drive north of here), or Crescent City, California (about an hour and a half drive to the south of here). Eugene is a three-hour drive, located to the northeast.