As you drive along the storied coast of Oregon, stop to visit Wedderburn and Gold Beach. Beachcomb for hours along Gold Beach’s long stretch of sand, hike in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and explore the gorgeous Otter Point State Recreation Area.
At Otter Point, otherworldly sandstone formations frame views of the Pacific Ocean. Follow trails to cliffside vantage points and hidden, sandy beaches. The whole park feels like a secret, in fact, with no signage directing you to it. Head north out of town along Old Coast Road and you’ll see a trailhead along the way.
Wedderburn and Gold Beach offer some of the best biking on the coast. Begin at Collier H. Buffington Memorial Park in Gold Beach and bike along the south bank of the Rogue River to Lobster Creek or Agness, then back again.
Alternatively, cycle the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway along the water, past cranberry bogs, basalt sea stacks and incredible ocean views.
The area welcomes avid birdwatchers, who come for the wide variety of northwest species living in ocean, river and forest habitats. Set along the Oregon Coast Birding Trail, the area has bald eagles, ospreys, blue herons, snowy egrets, peregrine falcons and countless other feathered friends.
While in Wedderburn and Gold Beach, try the popular pastimes of crabbing and clamming. Locals will be happy to help you learn, whether you’re looking for Dungeness crab or razor clams. Check the tide tables and review the Department of Fish and Wildlife website for red tide warnings and other pertinent info before you go crabbing or clamming on your own.
Find Wedderburn and Gold Beach along the coastal highway. The two communities are connected by the Isaac Lee Patterson Bridge. There is a small municipal airport in Gold Beach.
Whether this is your final travel destination on the Oregon coast or a hub for exploring more broadly, be sure to give Wedderburn and Gold Beach your attention.
