Otter Point & Agate Beach (Otter Point State Recreation Site)

• Otter Point State Recreation Site is a hidden gem near Gold Beach
• Amazing views and access to secluded beaches make this a must-visit spot

PhotographingHiking OregonTidepool ExploringAgate Hunting



Otter Point State Recreation Site is a hidden gem of the South Oregon Coast near Gold Beach. Amazing views from Otter Point and access to secluded Agate Beach and Bailey Beach make this a must-visit spot for any outdoor enthusiast. Bailey Beach is located south of Otter Point and Agate Beach is to the north.

Otter Point is a headland sitting high above the ocean with a variety of sea stacks and two sandy beaches beneath it. Otter Point boasts fantastic views of beaches, the mighty pacific with dramatic waves breaking against the large and small sea stacks.

In addition to breathtaking views, Otter Point is a fantastic wildlife viewing spot. Rocks below are home to a variety of sea birds including oystercatchers who reside here all year long. Other birds like black turnstones make it home from fall to early spring. Also, you can often see sea lions and sometimes even whales!

There are two hiking trails - Otter Point Trail and Oregon Coast Trail. Otter Point Trail provides an easy 0.5 miles out-and-back hike. It will take you from Otter Point State Recreation Site parking to Otter Point. A part of Oregon Coast Trail leading to Bailey Beach is 0.65 miles path. The first 0.4 miles are pretty much a flat surface while the last 0.25 miles are a steep.

Agate Beach is easily accessible from the northeast part of the parking area. It is short, just about 100 yards, but a rough walk down; so, be very careful. It tends to get slippery in wet weather and you will have to cross a narrow wood-plank bridge sitting 8 feet above the creek.

Agate Beach, as the name suggests, is a fantastic place to find those minerals along with jasper and petrified wood. It can be a very productive spot because this beach is low-use.

There are no signs off Highway 101 to Otter Point, hence the viewpoint and beaches 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.

Please be VERY CAREFUL at this location. Otter Point is made of rock, sand, and clay so it can be unstable in some areas, especially at the edges. Also, there are no barriers and guardrails. Because of that, Otter Point can be dangerous, especially for pets and children.



Otter Point & Agate Beach (Otter Point State Recreation Site)
The trail to Otter Point
Otter Point & Agate Beach (Otter Point State Recreation Site)
Bailey Beach view
Otter Point & Agate Beach (Otter Point State Recreation Site)
Sea stacks
Otter Point & Agate Beach (Otter Point State Recreation Site)
The Agate Beach view

Otter Point State Recreation Site | General Description

Open: Year-round for day use
Managed by: Oregon State Parks

Amenities: None
Activities: Beachcombing, rockhounding, tidepool exploring, & nature viewing

Day-use fees: None
Usage: Low

Accommodations: Lodging in Gold Beach

Otter Point State Recreation Site is located:

  • 5 miles north of Gold Beach
  • 159 miles west of Medford.



Adventures Nearby



Directions to Otter Point State Recreation Site

From Highway 101 in Gold Beach,

  • Take Highway 101 north for 5 miles
  • Turn left at Highway 101 milepost 324 onto Old Coast Rd
  • Follow Old Coast Rd for 0.5 miles
  • You will see a sign towards the Otter Point parking, turn left at the dirt road
  • Follow the dirt road for 0.2 miles until you reach the parking.

Get Google Map Directions



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