Gold Beach & Beyond on the Southern Oregon Coast

Gold Beach and its surrounding area are a fantastic destination for any outdoors enthusiast with of all interests. The name of the town comes from the gold mining past. The gold was discovered in sands near the mouth of the Rouge River. The Gold Rush ended many years ago, but the name stuck to the present times.

Situated on the Southern Oregon Coast, Gold Beach offers numerous of outdoor activities, including jet boat trips, hiking, fishing, windsurfing, and rockhounding. In addition to outdoor adventures, the area features attractions such as Prehistoric Gardens, various museums, and delightful restaurants.

Gold Beach Attractions - Things To Do & See

Kissing Rock & South Beach

Kissing Rock, a prominent rock formation visible upon entering Gold Beach from the south, is a notable landmark. While there are several stories about the origin of its name, the most popular account is that it was a favorite meeting spot for local couples.

Explore the South Beach, also known as Hunter Creek Beach, located near Kissing Rock. Don’t miss the Beach Treasure Hunt, an annual festival reminiscent of Finders Keepers Glass Floats Event in Lincoln City. This exciting event allows you to hunt for hidden treasures along the beach.

From early February to the end of April, the three-mile stretch of coastline between the South Jetty of the Rogue River and just south of Kissing Rock transforms into a beachcomber’s paradise. During this period, glass art floats are hidden above the high surf line in beach grass and driftwood. Visitors can keep one float, and if it’s tagged, you might win a prize. Check with the Visitor Center for more details.

Besides the artisan treasures, the Gold Beach is popular among rock and mineral collectors for opportunities to find agates, jaspers, petrified wood, and fossils.

Gold Beach and its surroundings boast several beautiful beaches, each worth exploring: South Beach, Buena Vista State Park, Myers Creek Beach, Pistol River State Park, Bailey Beach, Ophir Beach, and Nesika Beach.

Otter Point State Recreation Area

Otter Point State Recreation Area is a hidden gem of the South Oregon Coast. Featuring unique sandstone formations set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, this park is a must-visit. Although it’s not marked on Highway 101, you can reach it by taking Old Coast Road, about 5 miles north of Gold Beach.

Hiking trails lead from the south parking area to Bailey Beach and from the north parking area to Agate Beach and the sandstone formations.

Discover the rich history of the South Coast at the Curry Historical Museum. The museum features a realistic reconstruction of a miner's cabin, photographs, a Native American display, and various artifacts that bring the region's past to life.

29419 Ellensburg Ave, Gold Beach, OR 97444

Jerry's Rogue River Museum & Gift Shop is located in the harbor area at the southern end of the Rogue River Bridge. The museum offers a glimpse into local history with its extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia. The museum chronicles the history of the region, including freight, travelers, and the fishing industry of the early 1900s.

29985 Harbor Way, Gold Beach, OR 97444

Shipwreck of the Mary D. Hume

The Mary D. Hume, a steamboat with a unique history, was built in 1881 and became the longest-serving vessel on the Pacific Coast. After 97 years of service, the boat was retired in 1977 and restored to serve as a museum. However, in 1985, the Mary D. Hume accidentally sank in the Rogue River and has remained on the shoreline since then.

It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

29980 Harbor Way, Gold Beach, OR 97444

Prehistoric Gardens is a unique prehistoric museum set in the coastal rainforest on Highway 101 featuring 23 life-sized dinosaurs models. This is a self-guided tour where you can see real size creatures of the past.

36848 US-101, Port Orford, OR 97465

Rogue River Jet-Boat Ride

The Rouge River Jet-Boat Ride is arguably the best way to explore the river. Approximately 50,000 people a year embark on this thrilling adventure, and for good reason.

During your river cruise, you can enjoy breathtaking views, observe wildlife, and learn about the river's flora and fauna. The tour also covers the history of the area, including the lives of Native Americans and the gold mining era. There are three types of exploration trips offered: 64-mile, 80-mile, and 104-mile routes. Tours typically run from May through October.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is a 12-mile narrow stretch of rugged coastline with over 10 scenic coastal viewpoints, several pocket-shaped beaches, and offshore sea stacks. You can explore this picturesque route by car or by hiking the Oregon Coastal Trail.

Hiking

Hikers can enjoy the famous 40-mile Rogue River Trail from Foster Bar to Grave Creek Boat Ramp along the river section designated as Wild and Scenic. This is a lodge-to-lodge or camp-to-camp trail, so you can hike lightly. Lodges are reasonably spaced apart, so extended hikes are unnecessary. You can also start and end your hike at various points along the trail if you prefer a shorter trek.

Frances Shrader Old Growth Trail is an easy 1.5-mile loop trail through old-growth coniferous forest. The trailhead is located 10 miles up the Rogue River east of Gold Beach.

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Myrtle Tree Trail is a 0.25-mile hike winding uphill with 200 feet elevation gain. This trail leads to the world's largest myrtlewood tree, standing about 88 feet tall and 42 feet in circumference. The trailhead is 10 miles upriver east of Gold Beach.

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Fishing

With a variety of fish species including salmon, steelhead, cutthroat trout, and sturgeon in the river, as well as cod, lingcod, snapper, and perch offshore, you can fish in this area year-round. Check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for current rules and regulations.

Gold Beach and its vicinity have one of the highest numbers of professional fishing tour guides in the state due to the numerous fishing options available.

Rockhounding

Beaches, as well as river banks, allow you to go for a treasure hunt to add to your collection a variety of interesting rocks and minerals. You can find beautiful material here including agates, jaspers, petrified wood, fossils, and serpentine.