Bailey Beach - Hidden Gem of the Oregon Coast

Bailey Beach is a hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest just a few miles north of Gold Beach. It stretches for 3 miles south from the Otter Point to the Rogue River North Jetty.

Bailey Beach was named after the Bailey Ranch which included a fair portion of the land along the coast. The ranch belonged to the Irish immigrant Charles H. Bailey and later to his son Charles Bailey Jr.. Charles Bailey Jr. served as a county assessor, then as a county sheriff, and later as a Curry County judge. He was also a president of a local bank for 20 years. He died in 1939 at the age of 75 after the horse he rode knocked him against the barn and fractured his hip. Complications after the injury became fatal.

The north part of the beach is more secluded due to the access point being much less accessible. This sandy beach with Otter Point towering over its north edge with a sea cave at the base is a perfect spot for enjoying breathtaking views, beachcombing, fishing, clamming, and much more!

Rough River mouth attracts anglers, especially for fall salmon runs. Clamming is a popular activity here too. Bailey Beach is considered one of the most popular clamming beaches on the Southern Oregon Coast.

The south part of the beach, also called Rogue River North Jetty, is open for street-legal vehicles. Four-wheel drive is recommended since the pathway to the beach lies through low dunes. While it is legal, only a few people drive here.

There are multiple access points at the south end of Bailey Beach. Traveling north from Gold Beach right after you pass Rouge River Bridge you can take Old Coast Road, and follow it to the gravel and sand road. There are a few undeveloped roads spur from it taking you to the beach.

Parking at Otter Point State Recreation Site gives you the best view of the area and access to a very secluded portion of this beach. There are no signs off Highway 101 to Otter Point, hence the viewpoint and north Bailey Beach are not crowded at all. Once you drive on Old Coast Road, you will see a sign toward Otter Point State Recreation Site. Keep in mind that the last quarter mile to the parking is a narrow dirt road with no room for RVs and trailers.

You will have to take 0.65 miles Oregon Coast Trail to Bailey Beach. The first 0.4 miles are pretty much a flat surface while the last 0.25 miles are a steep, but easy walk down.

Please be VERY CAREFUL at this location since there are no barriers and guardrails. Because of that, Otter Point can be dangerous, especially for pets and children.