Cape Blanco

Cape Blanco is the western-most point in Oregon and home to the oldest continuously operated lighthouse in Oregon. If you find a copy of William Sullivan's Hiking Oregon's History (http://www.amazon.com/gp/associates/link-types/marketplace.html?t=atlasquest-20&asin=0961815272), he tells you the story about the Hughes house, the lighthouse, and even some of the geology of the area. Very interesting stuff!

Directions

To drive there, head four miles north of Port Orford on Highway 101 and turn west at a Cape Blanco State Park sign towards the lighthouse. There's lots of hiking trails in the park, but head for the last, large parking lot about a half-mile short of the lighthouse.

Clue

First, find and follow the South Cape Trail. From the point where the trail becomes a tunnel through the trees, count an additional 40 steps to a small 'trail' on the left. There are mounds of dirt on each side of it parallel to the main trail. The trail doesn't go far--maybe four steps before you reach the end of it! I've heard reports that this 'trail' may have become overgrown which will make your job much more difficult--but they're lies! Behind the mound of dirt on the left side of this 'mini-trail', under a bunch of sticks, lies the Cape Blanco letterbox.

Hike Length: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 10 feet