82 VISITTHEOREGONCOAST.COM You can also hike and raft here in the midst of the wilderness. Many anglers also come to Gold Beach to fish for lingcod and rockfish. Rent crabbing equipment at the Rogue Outdoor Store and try your luck, or grab a shovel and dig for razor clams in the sands of Bailey or Meyers beaches. If you’re staying in town, check out unique lodgings like the boutique Wildflower Inn or cottages at Turtle Rock RV Resort, both close to the beach. Sate your appetite with fish and chips at Barnacle Bistro or take home fresh filets from Fishermen Direct Seafood. Get your caffeine fix at Blissful Coffee & More, located right next to Jerry’s Rogue Jets, or First Chapter Coffee House, which often hosts fun events. Sample the award-wining Pistol River Pale at Arch Rock Brewing Company. Enjoy comfort food at the Port Hole Cafe in the harbor, gluten-free options at Old Agness Store or fine dining at The Landing North. Featuring a series of graceful arches spanning 1,898 feet (578.5 m), the C.B. McCullough-designed Rogue River Bridge was constructed in 1931. Learn more about the bridge and the entire area at Gold Beach Books & Art Gallery, where you’ll find an outstanding collection of regional titles. The Curry Historical Museum features cultural and natural-history exhibits. Beachcombers will also enjoy trolling the black sands of Gold Beach for agates, jasper, petrified wood and jade. Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor, located about 6 miles (9.7 km) south of Gold Beach, rises 500 feet (152.4 m) above the sea and has jaw-dropping views of the coastline, as well as hiking trails and picnicking areas. During the Gold Beach Visitor Center Annual Glass Float Beach Treasure Hunt in April, search for tagged blownglass floats hidden on the beaches between the Rogue River jetty and just below Kissing Rock. Families will also enjoy walking the wide and easy Francis Shrader Old Growth Trail, a 1-mile (1.6-km) loop through a lush, forested area. Part of what’s known as Oregon’s “banana belt,” this section of the Southern Coast is known for its mild climate, even when it’s raining elsewhere in the state. What keeps the fog at bay is also what draws wind- and kitesurfers: the breezes. Depending on conditions, you’ll likely see colorful sails soaring near Meyers Creek and on the Pistol River. In June windsurfers from around the world descend for the Pistol River Wave Bash, a stop on the International Windsurfing Tour. The Rogue River Myrtlewood Shop sells handcrafted cutting boards and other items made from this unique tree, native only to the Southern Coast. HIke the Myrtle Tree Trail to see them up close. BROOKINGS-HARBOR A pleasant climate is one of the many draws on this part of the Coast, where weather patterns drive out the fog and damp to make way for blue skies; it’s not uncommon to enjoy a 70-degree day in January or February. Be sure to stop at the Travel Oregon Welcome Center at Crissey Field State Recreation Site GOLD BEACH Though it was a gold rush that enticed prospectors and settlers during the mid-1880s, today travelers come to Gold Beach for access to the renowned Wild and Scenic Rogue River, unspoiled beaches, and wilderness trails. A classic Oregon Coast experience is a scenic river trip into the federally protected Rogue River wilderness with Jerry’s Rogue Jets and historic mail-boat tours. These tours began in 1895 and continue to delight passengers with tall tales, abundant wildlife and great dining. Round-trip excursions range from 64 to 104 miles (103 to 167.4 km). Tours run daily from May 1 through October 15, and reservations are a must. The site of the first salmon cannery in Oregon, Gold Beach remains a year-round hub for anglers. Among the numerous guides is Humble Heron Fly Fishing and Fine Art, a conservation-focused company that leads trips up and down the Rogue and Umpqua rivers. Several lodges along the river in the town of Agness — including Lucas Lodge, Singing Springs Resort and Cougar Lane Lodge — offer guided fishing trips and meals in the summer. Jerry’s Rogue Jets COURTESY OF JERRY’S ROGUE JETS
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