Curry: Coastal Trails, Beaches and History

A trip to Curry can focus on a variety of interests: coastal trails and viewpoints, forests, historic sites or activities on the water.

Coastal Trails and Viewpoints

At Cape Blanco State Park, more than eight miles of trails lead to beaches, ocean-view overlooks, fishing spots on the Sixes River and the lighthouse. Built in 1870, Cape Blanco Lighthouse is the oldest standing lighthouse on the Oregon coast. A visit to the park therefore combines a distinctive landmark with a long history of lighthouse keeping.

Highway 101 runs through the 12-mile-long Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor between Brookings and Gold Beach. Turnouts offer picnic areas, viewpoints and trailheads that connect to an 18-mile section of the Oregon Coast Trail. From Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint, a one-mile hike leads to views of the rugged coastline and Oregon sunsets. Natural Bridges in the corridor is accessible via a short path; this striking rock formation consists of seven natural bridges and blowholes.

Harris Beach State Park offers several trails, miles of sandy beaches, rocky outcroppings and views of sea cliffs. Bird Island near Harris Beach, also known as Goat Island, is a National Wildlife Sanctuary and a nesting site for puffins. Activities in the day-use area include picnicking on the beach.

Dunes, tide pools and a river system shape the landscape at Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint. The area attracts waterbirds and shorebirds and is suited to birdwatching. The viewpoint is also a windsurfing spot where several national championships have been held. At Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor, parking areas more than 200 feet above sea level offer sweeping coastal panoramas. A 1.5-mile walking trail leads through a Sitka spruce forest to the lower areas of the cape.

Hiking and Experiencing Nature

The Oregon Coast Trail passes through Humbug Mountain State Park. Within the park boundary, the old road surface serves as the trail; there is also a 5.5-mile loop trail to the summit of Humbug Mountain. The park is open year-round for day use and camping. Trail conditions can change, so check the latest advisories before setting out.

Otter Point State Recreation Site has walking and hiking trails with views of beaches and unusual sandstone formations shaped by wind and waves. At Alfred A. Loeb State Park, visitors can fish, swim, raft and walk the Riverview Nature Trail. The northernmost stand of redwoods in the United States is accessible from there via the Riverview Nature Trail and the one-mile U.S. Forest Service Redwood Loop.

Activities on the water are also part of what Curry County has to offer, including clamming and crabbing, as well as freshwater and saltwater fishing. Scenic boat trips upriver offer another option. Which of these activities you want to shape your stay can be a helpful starting point for planning your trip.

History and Culture

The Crew Quarters at Port Orford Heads State Park is a museum featuring a 36-foot motor lifeboat, historic artifacts and interpretive displays about the station’s history. The park preserves the site of the Port Orford Lifeboat Station, established by the Coast Guard in 1934. It provided rescue services along the southern section of the Oregon coast until 1970. Three trails in the park are named Tower, Headland and Cove.

Gold Beach became the county seat of Curry County in 1858. In the early 1850s, miners named their coastal settlement “Gold Beach” after discovering gold in the sand at the mouth of the Rogue River. Built in 1898, the Patrick and Jane Hughes House is a significant surviving example of a large, prosperous ranch and dairy operation run by Patrick Hughes and his family.

Prehistoric Gardens offers information about the Mesozoic Era, known as the Age of Reptiles. This geological era spans the period from 251 to 65.5 million years ago. Alongside its historic sites, it offers another perspective on Curry: in addition to landscapes and hiking trails, there are places where history and natural history take center stage.

Discover more destinations: Gold Beach, Port Orford, Brookings, Harbor, Langlois, Tillamook County, Multnomah, Linn

For the main travel overview: Oregon.