Gold Beach, Oregon

It's a very uncrowded beach on the Southern Oregon Coast.  This is due to the fact that it is very far from a large population density area. This beautiful beach has miles of sand to explore. The further north you go on the beach, the less crowded it will beach. This is also an occasional surf sp...

One of many magical nooks and crannies to explore all along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Thunder Rock Cove sits between the iconic (and more popular) Natural Bridges and Secret Beach.  The hike to the cover overlook is an easy .75 mile hike down from the Thunder Rock pull-off tha...

Starting out at the pullout on the highway across from the Humbug Mountain State Campground, follow the winding trail up through the forrest to the top of the mountain. There is a nice bench at the top for a snack (or a beer).  The hike is fairly long and demanding, but isn't too steep due to th...

The Rogue River is famous the world over for rafting and for its Steelhead runs, possessing a dramatic undeveloped canyon untouched by road and man, and being one of the Original 7 Wild & Scenic Rivers designed by Congress. And not only is it fantastic for rafting but entire sections are perf...

The Steelhead run on the Rogue River is famous the world over and for good reason. Like anywhere, local guides are the gatekeepers to the right spot and should be contacted accordingly.  Steelhead run December through March and Chinook April through Fall, with Coho making an appearance in the lat...

The Port Orford Heads State Park comprises a drastically pronounced peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean from the southern Oregon coast, providing breathtaking views both north to the Cape Blanco Lighthouse and south to Humbug Mountain and beyond. The Port Orford Heads Trail is the main l...

Harris Beach State Park on the Southern Oregon Coast and about a quarter mile north of the town of Brookings, Oregon features a variety of campsites, including yurts, full RV hookups, and even a hiker/biker camp for individuals hiking the Oregon Coast Trail and/or biking the PCH.  From either the...

The Marine Garden at Harris Beach State Park is one of the 7 designated Marine Garden's on the Oregon Coast where the ecosystem is protected and the collection and disturbance of tidal flora and fauna is prohibited. Interpretive hikes and guides are available through the State Park system, as are...

This vista point is located in Southern Oregon, near the coastal town of Brookings.  Arch rock is just off the 101 freeway and is a cool stop if you are passing through. The main rock arch is located directly west.  It's a great place to stop during road trips for a picnic lunch.

Located at the state's westernmost tip and perched over the Pacific Ocean, the Cape Blanco Lighthouse was built and 1870 and features views up and down the rugged Oregon Coast. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, tours cost $2 for adults (free for youth 15 and younger). Tours: April-Oct. 31...

Walker Road is one of the places where parts of Star Wars IV: A New Hope were filmed! It's a beautiful site in the Redwoods with an extra amount of huge, leafy ferns. Once you turn onto Walker Road, it's a quick drive through the redwood trees and ferns to the Smith River at the end. There are a ...

The Wild and Scenic Section of the Rogue River is a hidden secret in the Pacific Northwest. This virtually untouched 34-mile section boasts some of the most pristine and secluded scenery in Oregon. Bald eagles, osprey, and black bears are frequently (if not always) spotted along the way. This bea...

The Bandon State Natural area is a wide, mostly undeveloped section of the South Coast that is perfect for beachcombing, exploration, and fat tire biking with fun driftwood for tricks and jumps along with large flat shallow areas extending far out into the ocean.  Sure you will get wet and always...

Marked with adequate signage, parking for the Stout Grove Trailhead is off Highland Hill Road, a road through the south end of the park. It's a narrow, dirt road so be cautious traveling through the state park. Pit toilets are available in the parking area. The trail is a .6-mile loop. It is wide...

Bandon, Oregon, located on the Southern Oregon coast, is about 90 miles north of the California border and about five hours south of Portland. In other words, it's just far enough away so that it has not become a touristy, seaside destination. And that's good news for all of us.This sleepy seasid...

First, check in at the Crescent City Ranger Information Center in Crescent City to pick up your free backcountry permit and get permission to park your car at the Crescent City Beach Education Center off of Enderts Beach Road. This is the safest place to park at due to numerous car break-ins at t...