What to do on the People’s Coast
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Charleston Marine Life Center
CMLC: Part Aquarium, Part Museum, All Discovery. Located on the edge of the harbor in Charleston, Oregon, the CMLC is an exciting place of discovery for all ages. The CMLC’s aquaria, displays, artwork, and views reveal the hidden and remarkable diversity of life off Oregon, from the coast to the deep sea. From the Center’s windows, watch fishing boats unload their catch, and seals, sea lions and birds a few feet away. Walk under whale skeletons, reach into a tidepool touch tank, get face to face with an octopus and a wolf eel, and watch video from deep reefs and undersea vents. Enjoy the many interactive displays and opportunities to explore specimens, and learn about ongoing research. The CMLC is part of the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, the marine science field station of the University of Oregon.
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Columbia River Maritime Museum
Six galleries, the Great Hall, and the Lightship Columbia interpret the Pacific Northwest's rich maritime history. Visitors of all ages can experience what it's like to pilot a tugboat, participate in a Coast Guard rescue on the Columbia River Bar, and live in Astoria during the height of salmon fishing. Explore marine transportation from the days of dugout canoes, through the age of sail, to the present. Watch a dramatic 12-minute film introducing the history of life and commerce on the Columbia River, including the dangerous work of the Bar and River Pilots. Walk the bridge of a World War II warship, marvel at the 44-foot motor lifeboat plowing through a wave in a rescue mission. Participate in interactive and hands-on exhibits. You can board the Lightship Columbia, a National Historic Landmark, that once guided ships to safety at the mouth of the Columbia River.
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Florence Events Center
Florence boasts a rare combination of scenery, cuisine and culture and the Florence Events Center is in the middle of it all! This 21,000 square foot facility annually hosts events ranging from ballet to blues and everything in between. The Events Center is home to the Last Resort Players theatre company and the Seacoast Entertainment Association's annual concert series. FEC also hosts three outstanding annual events: the Florence Festival of Books in September; the Celebrate Arts juried art show in November; and the Winter Folk Festival in January. Contact the Event Center to host your next event or private party. Planning something outdoors, or off site? No problem, the Event Center has a full rental inventory available to throw a world-class party or wedding including catering!
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Port Orford Lifeboat Station Museum
Port Orford Coast Guard (Lifeboat) Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 29, 1998. 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. See the 36-foot self-righting motor lifeboat number 36498 on the grounds. Visit the museum in the former barracks/office building. 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. The 36-foot boat came into use during the 1930’s and generally had a three-man crew. U.S. Coast Guard 36′ motor lifeboat 36498 served at the Port Orford Lifeboat Station until the station ceased lifeboat services in 1964. She came home to Port Orford in early 2000.
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The Hawthorne Gallery
The Hawthorne Gallery located at 517 Jefferson Street (Hwy 101) in Port Orford represents the artwork of the talented Hawthorne family as well as many other outstanding contemporary artists. Brothers Chris and Gregory have created a unique showcase for the arts with the stunning backdrop of Battle Rock Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Come browse the colorful works of art ranging from glass to bronze to paintings to ceramic sculpture. We promise you will be amazed at the collection. Open 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm. Call 541-366-2266 for more information.
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The Hughes Ranch
Visit the restored 1898 Victorian farmhouse built for pioneers Patrick and Jane Hughes. After operating a successful dairy ranch for more than thirty years, the couple was able to pay pioneer builder Pehr Johan Lindberg to design and build the comfortable, two-story home. You can learn about ranch life more than 100 years ago and about the couple’s seven children, one of whom was a longtime keeper at Cape Blanco Light Station. Free tours are provided April through October each year. You can also visit the nearby Pioneer cemetery or enjoy miles of hiking trails at Cape Blanco State Park.
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Tillamook Forest Center
Find Yourself in the Forest at the Tillamook Forest Center. Are you ready for fun and adventure in the forest? The Tillamook Forest Center, Oregon's forest visitor and education center, beckons from the lush green landscape from the northern Coast Range. The Tillamook Forest Center is FREE and its exhibits and programs showcase the legacy of the Tillamook Burn and the public spirit behind the monumental reforestation effort which led to the Tillamook State Forest of today. Discover the power of fire through our award-winning film Legacy of Fire, the miracle of the salmon lifecycle, and the resilient, dynamic and productive nature of forests. Climb the 40 foot tall replica fire lookout tower where you can learn about the life of a lookout. Then stroll out onto the suspension bridge and peer into the rushing waters of the Wilson River.
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2nd Street Gallery
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4th Street Studio & Gallery
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9th Street Gallery
Brought to you by OCVA in association with Travel Oregon & Wildernet
