About

Cape Blanco is a designated Marine Research Area

Marine Research Area regulations vary by site. These areas are designated to maintain the natural systems, to support scientific research and monitoring while maintaining ecological integrity. At Cape Blanco, sport harvest of most invertebrate species is limited, and scientific/educational take is monitored by a permit program. Sport fishing is allowed, and commercial fishing is prohibited. No collection of marine aquatic vegetation except by scientific research permit from OPRD. 

Features

Key Resources

Diverse, rich intertidal habitat; harbor seal haulout and pupping areas; rocky subtidal habitat including offshore kelp beds.

Site Uses

Uses of the area include scientific research, sightseeing, sport fishing from shore, clamming, photography, sightseeing from the lighthouse viewpoint (especially whale watching) and tidepooling.

Access

There is a trail from Cape Blanco State Park on north side with access across the beach on the south side of the headland.  Access to the north end of the cape is via a short dirt portion of the Oregon Coast Trail (approximately 0.2 miles) from the Cape Blanco Lighthouse/viewpoint gravel parking area at the end of the Cape Blanco Highway (approximately 5.5 miles west of HWY 101, 5 miles north of Port Orford).  Access to the south end of the cape is from the day use parking area south of the campground loop.  Instead of following the Cape Blanco Highway to the end, turn left at signs to the campground, drive around the campground loop and follow the sign to the beach.  From the beach access parking area it is a approximately 0.9 mile walk across the beach to the beginning of the rocky shore on the south side of Cape Blanco.

Management

Site Management

Upland areas are managed as Cape Blanco State Park.  Cape Blanco State Park is part of OPRD Area 4 (South-Western Oregon) and the Cape Blanco Management Unit.  Oregon Parks and Recreation Department manages the ocean shore recreation area.

Cape Blanco was designated as a Marine Research Area. The original site proposal can be found here: Cape Blanco Marine Research Area Site Proposal, 2020.

Regulations

No take of shellfish and other invertebrates**. Site boundary: Intertidal along the north and south sides of the cape extending to encompass all rock along the headland up to the sand beaches of the north and south sides.

** Clams, Dungeness crab, red rock crab, mussels, piddocks, scallops, and shrimp may be taken. 

Ownership

• Submerged and submersible (intertidal) lands: Division of State Lands;
• Offshore rocks above Mean High Water: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
• Upland above MHW: Bureau of Land Management;
• Dry sands beach areas and nearby uplands: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Management Plan

Feedback Opportunity: Rocky Habitat Site Management Planning

The Oregon Coastal Management Program is Seeking Feedback on
Rocky Habitat Management Plans

OCMP facilitated a two-part public workshop series in 2024 and 2025 to help inform the development of area-based management plans.  OCMP has finished drafting the plans following the workshops in 2024 and 2025. The Plans, informed by coastal communities, will provide a framework to support activities within Marine Conservation Areas, Marine Research Areas, and Marine Gardens near Cannon Beach, Netarts, Depoe Bay, Newport, Coquille, and Port Orford.  Learn more about the process on the About Rocky Habitat Planning page.  

Public Comment Opportunity on the Site Management Plans: 

Read the Draft Plans:

• • Ecola Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
  • Chapman Point Marine Garden Management Plan
  • Cape Lookout Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
  • Fogarty Creek Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
  • Cape Foulweather Complex Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
  • Blacklock Point Marine Conservation Area Management Plan
  • Cape Blanco Marine Research Area Management Plan

Your feedback is important. OCMP is especially interested in feedback on:

• Chapter 2: Site Management Strategies
• Appendix H: Recommended Implementation Actions Table

When commenting, please reference specific page numbers and section headers. You’re also welcome to suggest additional writing, graphics, images, or links that could enhance the Plan.

Email comments to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the title of the plan in the subject line.

Mail comments to: ATTN: Andy Lanier, OCMP-DLCD, 635 Capitol St. NE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97301-2540.