Welcome to the Port Orford Lifeboat Station, a place where history and heroism meet the rugged beauty of the Oregon coast. Established in 1934, this station was more than just a lifeboat station; it was a crucial part of a network dedicated to saving lives along the treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean. Constructed on a 280-foot-high cliff above Nellie’s Cove, the station was the brainchild of Julius Yuhasz and Arvid Olson. It featured a comprehensive setup, including a house for the officer-in-charge, barracks, a garage, and a lookout tower, all designed to support the brave surfmen who patrolled this hazardous stretch of shore.
As you wander the grounds, imagine the surfmen of the past negotiating the daunting 532 steps—famously known as “The Stairs of a Thousand Tears”—to reach their boathouse. These men were part of a proud tradition dating back to 1871, when the U.S. Life-Saving Service was formed. By the time this station opened, they were already seasoned veterans in the art of maritime rescue. They showcased their skills in several shipwrecks in the late 1930s and early ’40s, saving lives without a single casualty.
World War II brought new challenges and responsibilities. The station’s personnel swelled to over 100, with guardsmen patrolling the beaches and watching for enemy threats. In 1942, the station’s crew played a critical role in rescuing survivors from the U.S. Tanker Larry Doheny after it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. This was also the year when the infamous Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita dropped incendiary bombs over the Oregon forests, marking the only enemy bombing on the U.S. mainland during the war.
After being decommissioned in 1970, the station found a new lease on life as part of the Oregon State Parks system in 1976. Thanks to the efforts of the Point Orford Heritage Society, the site has been preserved and transformed into a museum, opening its doors to the public in 2000. Today, visitors can explore the museum housed in the former crew quarters and walk the scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of the Oregon coast. The Port Orford Lifeboat Station is more than just a place; it’s a living testament to the bravery and dedication of those who served here.
