Pistol River State Park: A Coastal Playground for Windsurfers and Wanderers

Pistol River State Park also known as Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint is tucked between the Pacific Ocean and Pistol River, 9 miles south of Gold Beach.

The beautiful coastal river winds its way through grassy dunes and striking rock formations before finally emptying into the ocean.

In 1856, this site was the location of a decisive battle during the Rogue River Indian War.

According to local accounts, the river was named after a pistol lost by a soldier during the fighting.

Today, Pistol River Beach and river are popular for a variety of recreation opportunities including windsurfing, beachcombing, wildlife watching, and rockhounding.

Windsurfing

This area is one of the best locations in Southern Oregon for ocean windsurfing. Consistent north winds blows almost daily from May through September, making this stretch of coastline one of the windiest spots in Oregon.

The powerful combination of wind and waves has made the Pistol River area one of the world’s premier windsurfing destinations.

The national windsurfing tournament, the Pistol River Wave Bash, is held annually in June at Myers Creek Beach, part of Pistol River State Park.

The national windsurfing tournament Pistol River Wave Bash has run in June annually at Myers Creek Beach that is a part of the Pistol River State Park.