Outdoor Adventure

Catch a wave on Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast: year-round swell, dramatic headlands, and far fewer crowds. From reef and point setups to user-friendly beach breaks, you’ll find room to paddle out and views for days—favorites include Battle Rock, Hubbard Creek, Nesika Beach, and Brookings’ Sporthaven.

Port Orford — Battle Rock
South-facing beach; NW winds can blow offshore. Best when variables align. Level: Advanced (unless very small). Hazards: Heavy shorebreak. Access: Park at Battle Rock City Park. Facilities: Restrooms.

Hubbard Creek (Port Orford)
Finicky sandbars with hollow peaks left/right. Level: All. Hazards: Very cold water; occasional crowds. Access: Dirt pullout east of Hwy, just south of bridge. Facilities: None.

Nesika Beach
Beachbreak that blows out with NW wind; can be excellent when glassy or with light S wind. Level: All. Access: Park near the rest area. Facilities: Bathrooms.

Brookings — Sporthaven Beach
Jetty-sheltered; works on NW–S swell; forgiving peaks over sand. Level: All (watch low-tide dredge). Hazards: Crowds. Access: Free beach parking; RV parking across the street. Facilities: Showers, restrooms.

Quick note: Water is cold year-round—bring appropriate rubber and always check local conditions, tides, and advisories before you go.

Experience the thrill of kiteboarding and windsurfing on Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast, where steady coastal winds and stunning scenery make for world-class conditions. 

Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint—internationally recognized and home to the prestigious International Windsurfing Tour—offers adrenaline-pumping ocean action for experienced riders. 

Just north, Floras Lake near Langlois provides a more protected environment ideal for beginners and intermediates, with expert instruction available through Floras Lake Windsurfing & Kiteboarding. 

In Port Orford, adventurous spirits can take to the waves with the dramatic backdrop of Battle Rock and Cape Blanco. Whether you’re chasing high-speed excitement or learning the ropes, the South Coast delivers unmatched wind and water adventures.

Ride the Wild Rivers Coast: remote canyons, lush forests, and clear, free-flowing water. The Rogue, Chetco, and Illinois offer everything from mellow family floats to heart-pounding whitewater—day runs and multi-day expeditions with big scenery, wildlife, and starry riverside camps.

Rogue River Outfitters (classic, Wild & Scenic)

• Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Adventures — Multi-day (3–4 nights) camping trips on the Wild & Scenic Rogue (~40 miles) plus day runs (Class II–IV).

• Northwest Rafting Company (NWRC) — 4-day, ~38-mile Rogue trips with optional inflatable kayaks and canyon hikes; fun, guide-driven experiences.

• Orange Torpedo Trips (OTT) — Half-day to multi-day options, from Class IV Nugget runs to lodge/camp trips; flexible and family-friendly.

• Noah’s River Adventures — Day trips and longer Rogue excursions, from scenic floats to splashy whitewater—great for first-timers and families.

Illinois River (remote & rugged, spring only)

• Momentum River Expeditions — 4 days/31 miles through the Kalmiopsis; Class IV–V (incl. Green Wall), small groups, wilderness camping (Apr–May).

• Northwest Rafting Company — ~4 days/32 miles on a pristine, technical run; guided, fully outfitted Class IV/V adventure (spring window).

Quick planning note: Cold water is year-round—dress for conditions. Book with permitted outfitters, and always check flows, weather, and access updates before you go.

Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast is a hiker’s haven, where the trails are as diverse and breathtaking as the landscapes they traverse. Stretching from the California border to the southern edge of Washington, this region offers a network of year-round trails that wind through towering redwood groves, ancient coastal forests, windswept headlands, and along dramatic ocean bluffs. 

Whether you're seeking a peaceful nature walk, a heart-pumping backcountry trek, or a chance to hike a stretch of the famed Oregon Coast Trail, there’s something for every level of adventurer. 

Highlights include the awe-inspiring vistas of Cape Sebastian, the natural bridges and hidden coves of Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, and the lush river valleys near the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. Here, every trail leads to discovery, solitude, and the kind of beauty that stays with you long after you’ve left the path behind.

Cycling along U.S. Highway 101 is a bucket-list experience for avid bicyclists, offering sweeping ocean views, forested hillsides, and charming coastal towns along the way. 

On Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast, riders will find a variety of scenic routes that suit all skill levels—from leisurely beachside cruises to challenging climbs through the Coast Range. 

The southernmost coastline of Oregon is a cyclist’s paradise, with popular segments including the Port Orford to Gold Beach stretch, the Wild Rivers Scenic Bikeway near Brookings, and gravel adventures through the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. 

Whether you’re bikepacking the coast or enjoying a day ride, the South Coast’s beauty and tranquility make every mile memorable.

• Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway

Horses love surf and sand—and when your horse is happy, you know you’re in for a memorable ride. 

Along Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast, riders can experience the magic of galloping beside crashing waves, trotting through towering forests, or exploring peaceful coastal trails with panoramic views. 

Whether you're bringing your own horse or joining a guided ride with a local outfitter, the variety of landscapes—from open beaches to rugged headlands—makes every outing unforgettable. 

With cool ocean breezes and quiet paths, horseback riding here is not just a pastime—it’s a soulful connection to the land, the sea, and the spirit of the coast.

• Horse Camping in Pistol River

• Horse Riding in Gold Beach Ranger District

From the dramatic cliffs of Cape Blanco to the tide-washed shores of Harris Beach State Park, Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast is a treasure trove for agate hunters and beachcombers alike. 

Known for its abundance of large, high-quality agates, this stretch of coastline offers a rewarding experience with every tide. The variety of sea glass here is unparalleled—deep cobalt blues, soft greens, and rare purples glinting in the sand. 

Keep your eyes open for Japanese glass fishing floats, delicate sand dollars, and even the occasional piece of ambergris. 

Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious wanderer, every beach stroll holds the promise of discovery.

Keep your eyes on the horizon—along Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast, you’re never far from a whale sighting. 

Whether you're hiking a bluff, cruising Highway 101, or enjoying a coastal stroll, the sight of a spout or fluke breaking the surface is always a possibility. 

Thousands of gray whales migrate past the coast each year, with peak viewing in winter and spring. Designated whale watching sites from Port Orford to Brookings are often staffed by trained “Whale Watching Spoken Here” volunteers during migration seasons, ready to share their knowledge and help you spot these majestic creatures. Bring your binoculars—you never know when a whale will wave hello.

Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast is a forager’s paradise, where land and sea offer up an ever-changing feast for the senses. 

Along the shore, dig for clams or drop a crab pot into the surf for fresh Dungeness. Inland, the forest floor bursts with wild edibles—morels, chanterelles, matsutakes, boletes, truffles, and milkcaps peek from beneath the trees, while trails are lined with native berries, wild mint, onions, carrots, and even fiddlehead ferns. 

Whether you’re gathering your own harvest, browsing local farmers’ markets, or dining at a restaurant that sources fresh from the coast, you’ll taste the region’s untamed flavor in every bite. Here, foraging isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with the rhythms of the land.

• Crabbing and Clamming

• Wild Mushrooms

• Tidal Estuaries

• U-Pick Blueberry Farm

• Edible Wildberries of southern Oregon

From the Chetco to the Elk River, Oregon's Wild Rivers Coast offers avid hunters the opportunity to chase elk, deer, bear, cougar, turkey, grouse, wild boar and more.

• Big Game Hunt

• Game Bird/Waterfowl

• Fishing

From ancient redwoods to wave-battered sea stacks, Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast is a photographer’s dream—where every turn offers a frame-worthy scene. 

Golden hour paints the beaches in soft light, mist drifts through towering evergreens, and dramatic cliffs plunge into the Pacific with cinematic flair. 

Whether you're capturing the iconic arches and secret coves of Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a storm rolling in over Cape Sebastian, or wildlife along the Rogue River, the opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime shots are endless. 

Bring your lens and your sense of wonder—this coast doesn’t just beg to be photographed, it insists on it.

Gold Beach earned its name from the gold once panned out of the black sands along its beaches. Even today, curious visitors can still try their luck.

Beaches
From Gold Beach to Port Orford, black-sand deposits once yielded rich amounts of gold and platinum. The Sixes River near Cape Blanco was also home to the Madden Mine and other productive sites.

Chetco River
North of Brookings, the Chetco’s headwaters were dotted with mines like Frazier, Golden Eagle, and Golden Dream, known for both placer and lode gold.

Illinois River
Historic mines along the lower Illinois River produced gold with copper as a byproduct.

Lobster Creek
Ten miles east of Gold Beach, Lobster Creek still produces nuggets and fine gold at the “Old Diggins,” though most areas are claimed and require permission.

Rogue River
From Marial to the coast, the Rogue’s gravel bars, benches, and terraces offered abundant gold. Near Agness and Saddle Peaks, mines like Mammoth, Marigold, and Paradise were among the richest.

Sixes River
The South Fork and nearby creeks supported extensive placer mining. The Big Ben and Combination mines produced gold with traces of lead and silver. Today, the BLM maintains a recreational mining area at the old Sixes ghost town.

Pans are available at the Rogue Outdoor Store in Gold Beach and the Chetco Outdoor Store in Brookings.

Beyond gold, the beaches of Curry County are also treasure troves of fossils and unique rocks—everyone goes home with something special.

This working port is home to the only 'dolly dock' on the West Coast, where vessels are launched and retrieved using a crane. 

The boats are then housed on homemade dollies when not on the water. Catch glimpses of the fishermen bringing in their catch, or sit awhile and watch the Pacific storms come in and take hold of the coast!

There’s something mysterious in the air along Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast—literally. 

Curry County ranks among the top in Oregon for reported UFO sightings, with 67 encounters per 100,000 residents. Whether it's the vast, unspoiled skies, the magnetic pull of the Pacific, or just our wild spirit, strange lights and flying oddities have long been part of local legend. 

Come pitch a tent beneath a blanket of stars, where the Milky Way shines bright and stories flow as easily as the tide. Just be warned—if one of those stars starts to move or blink back at you… you might not be alone out there.