About
Blacklock Point is a designated Marine Conservation Area
Marine Conservation Area regulatory restrictions vary by site. Blacklock Point is designated as such to educate, monitor, and apply ecosystem-based management to conserve the ecological structure of the rocky habitat species facing effects of changing climate.
There are no changes to the existing statewide harvest regulations for fish, invertebrates, or plants.
Features
Key Resources
Relatively undisturbed rocky intertidal communities. Harbor seals and California sea lions use rocky areas near the tip of Blacklock Point to haul out. A portion of the upland is a pygmy pine forest and the area was used historically as a sandstone quarry.
Site Uses
Use of the area is relatively low due to the remote nature of the site and includes sightseeing, hiking on the adjacent Oregon Coast Trail, fishing from shore and some tidepooling.
Access
A 1.5 mile-long trail (one way) through forest from the Cape Blanco airport to the point then a climb down a steep slope to the intertidal area. The gravel trailhead parking area can be reached by turning off HWY 101 a few miles south of the small town of Denmark, across from Pacific High School. There is a small sign pointing to the airport, turn on Airport Road, and go past the cranberry bogs (total driving distance off 101 is approximately 3 miles). The road ends in a barrier for the Cape Blanco Airport. There is limited parking near the sign for Blacklock Point, or by following the small gravel road to a larger parking area. Follow the main trail and signs to Blacklock Point. Trail access by way of the Boice-Cope County Park is also possible.
Management
Site Management
Floras Lake State Natural Area is an undeveloped OPRD property, which is part of Area 4 (Southwestern Oregon), and the Cape Blanco Management Unit. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages the ocean shore recreation area. OPRD is developing a Trail Investment Plan to identify priority projects to improve the visitor experience and protect the special resources found in the Natural Area. Learn more about the Floras Lake Trail Investment Plan here.
Blacklock Point was designated as a Marine Conservation Area in 2024. The original site proposal can be found here: Blacklock Point Marine Conservation Area Site Proposal, 2020.
Regulations
No special restrictions, follow statewide ODFW harvest rules.
Ownership
- Submerged and submersible (intertidal) lands: Department of State Lands;
- Offshore rocks above Mean High Water: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
- Upland above MHW and dry sands beach areas and uplands: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
