Pistol River State Park: Playground for Windsurfers and Wanderers

Pistol River State Park is tucked between the Pacific Ocean and Pistol River, 9 miles south of Gold Beach. The beautiful river follows its winding path through grassy sand dunes, stunning rock formations, and finally enters the ocean.

This place was the site of a decisive battle in 1856 during the Rogue River Indian War. As suggested, the river received its name after a pistol that was lost by one of the soldiers during the fierce battle.

Today, Pistol River Beach is 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. The consistent north wind blows almost every day from May to September that makes this stretch of the coast one of the windiest spots in Oregon. The combination of wind and wave powers make the Pistol River area the world’s premier surf spot.

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.

Pistol River Rockhounding

One of the most popular rock-collecting spots is the large gravel bar in a short distance north of the bridge at milepost 339. Big chunks of white quartz, red brecciated jasper, and green jasper are abundant year-round. Agates range from small to larger clear pieces, sometimes showing banding — and occasionally, you might even find carnelian.

Pistol River: Rockhounding Adventures on the Southern Oregon Coast

There is no camping allowed at the Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint. The nearest lodging is in Gold Beach and Brookings.

Lodging in Gold Beach

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Gold Beach

Lodging in Brookings

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Brookings

Open: Year-round from sunrise to sunset
Managed by: Oregon State Parks

Activities: Windsurfing, hiking, rockhounding, scenic viewpoints

Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None

Pistol River State Park is located:

• 11 miles south of Gold Beach
• 144 miles west of Medford
• 198 miles southwest of Eugene.