Gold Beach, OR Road Trips

Gold Beach Visitor Center, 94080 Shirley Ln, ☏ +1 541-247-7526, toll-free: +1-800-525-2334, [email protected]. W-Su 9AM-3PM. (updated Dec 2021)

Scenic drives. Well of course there's the coast. The stretch of US 101 between Gold Beach and Brookings to the south is considered one of the most "oooooohhh!" and "wow!" scenic drives in the state, and one that’s usually less trafficked than up north. Look for waysides; there are lots of picnic spots and hiking trails. But turn off the highway and you’ll find as much to be amazed by. Considered one of the most beautiful is Floras Lake County Park, off US 101 just north Port Orford. While you’re up here, check out nearby Cape Blanco State Park, the westernmost point in the continental United States, and the Elk River, also marked along US 101. Closer is the Lower Rogue River Highway, County Road 595, that takes you up and into the hills east of Gold Beach. A good map and recommendations from locals is your best bet when in town, because the drives vary with the season. Ask about azalea blooms and spring iris fields. Storm watching. For many people, storms are fascinating, and many visitors come to the coast during the winter to observe the forces of nature strike the coast with high winds and horizontal volleys of rain. But whether you park at the water's edge or watch from an ocean or river front room, the raging surf is an experience you won't soon forget. Weather in Gold Beach is spectacular, dramatic, and unpredictable. Storm watching doesn't necessarily mean pulling on rain gear and leaning into 60 mil-per-hour (100 km/h) winds. In fact, huge waves created by swells from storms still out at sea precede the actual storm.

Bike the Rogue River. Bicycle the scenic and wild Rogue River on the Oregon Coast, then finish off your day and the Gold Beach Brew and Art Fest. Cycle routes begin at Curry County Fairgrounds Hwy 101, Gold Beach, Oregon. The route then follows Jerry’s Flat Road along the south bank with check points at Lobster Creek, 11 miles beyond Lobster Creek, and at Agness. Route retraces itself back to the Curry County Fairgrounds Birding, wildlife, farmlife. In addition to beachcombers, adventure seekers and trailblazers, look who else flocks to Gold Beach: Hutton's Vireo, Greater White-fronted Goose, Common Merganser, American Dipper, Wild Turkey, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Winter Wren, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Varied Thrush, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, Lesser Goldfinch to name a few. How about visiting a fully operational rural farm. GB&K Farm Enterprises established in 1994, this family started their own organic farm adding animals for sale and pure enjoyment. In 2007, after numerous requests from friends to visit their farm, they decided to open it for free public tours to see an actual operating farm. They raise various breeds of sheep, goats, miniature horses, rabbits, produce and eggs, manure and compost for sale. They also have miniature goats and donkeys. Other animals on the farm include llama, alpaca, & chickens. The mix is constantly changing due to sales and births. Ample bus parking available.

Barnacle Bistro, 29805 Ellensburg Ave, ☏ +1 541-247-7799. Open daily for lunch and dinner, serving fish & chips, burgers, hot sandwiches, soups, salads, local fish and seafood specials, beer and wine. The menu changes frequently based on season and what the chef wishes to make. Indoor or outdoor dining. Coffee Dock, 29975 Harbor Way, ☏ +1 541-247-9456. Espresso, coffees, teas, pastries, fresh bagels & breakfast foods. Located at the Cannery Building in the Port of Gold Beach. Cone Amor, 29975 Harbor Way (at the Cannery Building at the Port), ☏ +1 541-247-4270. Hand-dipped ice cream, sundaes & shakes. Cougar Lane Lodge, 04219 Agness Rd, ☏ +1 541-247-7233. Agness. On the east shore of the Rogue River, Cougar Lane is family owned and operated. Cougar Den Cocktail Lounge, Dining Room , and a large deck overlooking the Rogue River, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Crow's Nest Lounge, 29850 Ellensburg Ave, ☏ +1 541-247-6837, +1 541-247-6900. Pizza, burgers, seafood, fish tacso. Ocean view. No minors. Double D's Cafe, 29441 Ellensburg Avenue, ☏ +1 541-247-6565. 8AM-3PM. Suite 6. Breakfast and lunch. Fishermen Direct Seafoods, 29975 Harbor Way, ☏ +1 541-247-9494. Fresh seafood (crab & shrimp cocktails). Nationally acclaimed canned tuna. Happy Days Malt Shop, Harbor Way, ☏ +1 541-247-0402. Authenic soda fountain bar, serving ice cream creations, hamburgers, hot dogs, melts, sandwiches, salads and beverages. Honey Bear Campground, 34161 Ophir Rd, ☏ +1 541-247-2765. Ophir. Steak and German dinners and live entertainment.

Hunter Creek Bar & Grill, 28773 Hunter Creek Rd, ☏ +1 541 247-6100. 11AM-midnight. Small bar overlooking Hunter Creek. Arch Rock Brewing on tap as well as cocktails and canned beer. (updated Jul 2023) Arch Rock Brewing Company, 28779 Hunter Creek Loop, ☏ +1 541 247-0555. Tu-F 11AM-6PM, Sa 11AM-5PM, closed Su-M. Award-winning, hyper-local brewery. Offers tastings, but only offers cans, crowlers, and growlers to go. (updated Jul 2023)

Some places sit right on the main highway, some are reached only by boat or helicopter. Some will serve you meals caught that afternoon or picked from an organic garden, others will steer you in the direction of a favorite tavern or coffeehouse. Prices quoted are for 2 people, 1 bed, 1 night. Properties require at least 24-hour cancellation notice. Azalea Lodge, 29481 Ellensburg Ave. (Hwy 101), ☏ +1 541-247-6635, toll-free: +1-866-381-6635. Wifi available. Beach Resort at Turtle Rock (formerly Turtle Rock Resort), 28788 Hunter Creek Loop, ☏ +1 541-247-9203, toll-free: +1-800-353-9754. Wifi available. Clear Sky Lodging, 29350 Clear Sky Lane, ☏ +1 541-247-9941. Gold Beach Inn, 29346 Ellensburg Ave. (Hwy 101), ☏ +1 541-247-7091, toll-free: +1-888-663-0608. Wifi available. SureStay Plus By Best Western Gold Beach, 29232 Ellensburg Ave. (Hwy 101), ☏ +1 541-247-7066, toll-free: +1-800-541-0947. Wifi available. Beachcombers Inn, 29266 Ellensburg Ave. (Hwy 101), ☏ +1 541 247-6658. wifi available. Ireland's Rustic Lodges, 29330 Ellensburg Ave. (Hwy 101), ☏ +1 541-247-7718, toll-free: +1-877-447-3526. Wifi available. Jot's Resort & Condominiums, 94360 Wedderburn Loop, ☏ +1 541-247-6676, toll-free: +1-800-367-5687. Wifi available. Motel 101 (formerly Sand Dollar Inn), 29399 Ellensburg Ave. (Hwy 101), ☏ +1 541-247-6611, toll-free: +1-866-726-3657. Wifi available. Motel 6, 94433 Jerry's Flat Rd., ☏ +1 541-247-4533, toll-free: +1-800-759-4533. Wifi available. Oregon Trail Lodge, 29855 Ellensburg Ave. (Hwy 101), ☏ +1 541-247-6030.

About 28 miles (45 km) from Brookings Oregon on Highway 101, and from Port Orford.