Family Activities in Gold Beach
Gold Beach is not just a destination for adventurers; it's also a haven for families seeking memorable experiences and shared moments amidst Oregon's coastal splendor. From educational attractions to thrilling outdoor adventures, here are some of the best family-friendly activities to enjoy in Gold Beach:
Rogue River Jet Boats: Embark on a Rogue River jet boat excursion for an exhilarating ride through scenic landscapes and wildlife habitats. Skilled captains provide informative narration along the way, highlighting local history and pointing out wildlife such as bald eagles and river otters.
Prehistoric Gardens: Step back in time at the Prehistoric Gardens, where life-sized dinosaur sculptures lurk amidst lush coastal rainforest. Follow the winding paths and encounter replicas of dinosaurs in their natural habitats, making this attraction both educational and enchanting for young and curious minds. The roadside attraction is just a short distance north of Gold Beach.
Beachcombing and Tidepooling: Spend a leisurely day at the beach exploring tide pools and searching for shells and agates along the shore. Engage in a scavenger hunt for beach treasures or simply enjoy building sandcastles and soaking up the coastal scenery. You can access the beach right in town at the Gold Beach Visitor Center on the south, and at the South Jetty via the Port of Gold Beach on the north end of town. Sometimes you even see whales close to shore. Amazingly, you can walk the beach the entire distance between the north and south access areas.
Hiking and Rafting: The amazing Rogue River Trail follows the river from Galice, just west of Grants Pass to Foster Bar just north of Agness. Exploring the Rogue River Wilderness on a 40-mile backpacking journey is an unforgettable experience where you will experience abundant wildlife, tour old gold mining claims, and visit Zane Grey’s fishing cabin and retreat, along with several historic lodges along the way. If roughing it isn’t your style, you can make arrangements to stay at the lodges. If walking isn’t your thing, and you aren’t afraid of getting wet, maybe book a guided white-water rafting tour. The river below Agness is much tamer for more leisurely self-guided rafting, kayaking and paddle boarding, but please make sure to wear your lifejacket.
Many shorter hiking excursions are suitable for day trips. A beautiful walking trail leaves from the wreck of the Mary D. Hume whaling ship languishing in the port and heads a 1/2 mile upriver along the estuary to the historic Isaac Lee Patterson Bridge where Highway 101 crosses the Rogue River. Remains of the historic salmon cannery and pilings are visible near the bridge on this paved and mostly level path. Along U.S. Highway 101 are numerous access points for the Oregon Coast Trail. You will be delighted by some of the most stunning ocean scenery on the Pacific Coast. Traveling up the Rogue River, you can hike the short 1/2 mile Myrtle Tree Trail and visit old-growth grove of myrtle wood trees, or hike the Frances Shrader Old Growth Interpretive Trail that provides access to wildflowers and an old-growth Douglas-fir forest. Both of these trails are accessed near Lobster Creek Bridge about 11 miles upriver out of the fog zone.
Spectator Sports: You can watch all kinds of activities from the north and south jetties on either side of the mouth of the Rogue River. During the spring and summer, watch fishermen trying their luck at salmon fishing in the mouth. You can tell the fishing is hot when the river is covered in boats and the sea lions are thick. At the mouth is also a favorite places for local surfers to try their luck. Heading south towards Pistol River, you will find the wind lovers with their boards and kites at a world-class site for the sport.
Whether marveling at marine life in local tide pools, embarking on a thrilling jet boat ride on the Rogue River, encountering dinosaurs at Prehistoric Gardens, or hiking and rafting the Rogue River, Gold Beach offers endless opportunities for family fun and exploration.