Gold Beach earns its name: This city has more golden, sunny days than many others on Oregon’s coast. Enjoy its beautiful beaches and charming downtown, which attract visitors year after year.
The community was originally named Ellensburg in honor of Ellen Tichenor, daughter of a sea captain. In the early 1850s, miners renamed it Gold Beach after discovering gold in its sands. A few years later, the gold disappeared and salmon fishing became the area’s primary source of income.
Gold Beach is located in the heart of America’s Wild River Coast. This 101-mile (162-kilometer) stretch down Highway 101 is riddled with gushing rivers leading to the Pacific Ocean. See the end of the mighty Rogue River at Gold Beach.
Ride a jet boat along the historic mail boat route. Beginning in 1895, when road access did not exist, boats delivered mail to isolated towns upriver. Gold Beach continues this tradition today, making daily mail deliveries to Agness, a tiny town located 32 miles (52 kilometers) inland. Ride along the river in style and enjoy nature as you follow in the footsteps of Oregon pioneers.
One of the most famous routes in the United States, Highway 101 serves as the main road through Gold Beach. Drive along America’s entire West Coast on this north-to-south highway, which travels through Washington, Oregon and California. The Isaac Lee Patterson Bridge, part of Highway 101, has been taking drivers over the Rogue River since 1932. This beautiful art deco span connects the town with neighboring Wedderburn.
Explore miles of sandy beaches along the Pacific Ocean. Go salmon fishing or whale watching. Enjoy views of the rugged coast from Cape Blanco Lighthouse.
Gold Beach is part of Oregon’s “banana belt.” Expect mild weather throughout much of the year. It rarely gets too hot or too cold regardless of the season.
Drive from Gold Beach to the California border in less than 45 minutes. Brookings is about 30 minutes south and Port Orford is about 30 minutes north.
