Last Updated: June 20, 2026
Gold Beach was our first stop in Oregon after leaving the Redwoods in northern California. We were looking forward to a rugged coastline with sea stacks — those dramatic pillars and arches of rock that rise from the surf — and the Oregon coast delivered beyond our expectations.
Gold Beach, Oregon
It seemed to rain every day, but there were always breaks in the storms for a walk on the beach. It was wonderful to be the only ones out there — just Sandy, Jake, and the sea stacks.
Gold Beach Four Seasons RV Resort
We stayed at Four Seasons RV Resort, a wonderful small full-service park right along the Rogue River not far from Gold Beach. The owner is entertaining — we spent hours exchanging stories. He put us in one of the premier river sites and, because he was planning to add gravel to the pads, didn’t book anyone near us. We felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.
Waking up to the sound of the Rogue River every morning was a genuine treat.
Cliff Swallows were busy building nests under the eaves of the RV park structures — a sure sign of spring on the Oregon coast.
An Osprey was working the river daily. It proved more successful than a nearby fishing boat.
A Rufous Hummingbird made regular appearances — one of the most fiercely territorial hummingbirds in North America, and one of the most striking.
Other than a lot of birding and locals fishing every day, this jet boat operator went flying by a couple of times a day. The Rogue River jet boat tours are one of the signature Gold Beach experiences.
Rhododendron were in spectacular full bloom — the Oregon state flower putting on its best spring show.
The Mary D. Hume was built and launched in Gold Beach in 1881. She had 97 years of active commercial sea service — the longest for any commercial vessel on the Pacific Coast. She now rests on a sand bar at the mouth of the Rogue River, providing shelter for marine life.
The coastline drive south of Gold Beach was stunning. Jake enjoyed every off-leash moment of it.
Hardly anyone else around. These are the moments you travel for.
Wild iris bloomed along the coastal bluffs — another reminder that spring on the Oregon coast is something special.
Just north of Gold Beach is Port Orford, a small harbor town perched dramatically on a headland. We stopped at Redfin for lunch — excellent fish tacos and stunning ocean views.
The view from the restaurant was remarkable — a crescent beach with sea stacks directly below. Port Orford is the westernmost incorporated city in the contiguous United States and well worth a stop.
Coos Bay, Oregon
We stayed at the Oceanside Beachfront RV Resort at Coos Bay and enjoyed fish tacos from their food truck for lunch one day. The park had full service and good wifi, and we slept wonderfully with the sound of the waves breaking just steps away.
A beachfront site meant stepping outside directly onto the coast trail.
A short walk through tall grasses brought us to a completely deserted stretch of beach.
Jake really enjoyed his off-leash beach walks here — the beach was wide, flat, and seemingly endless.
Jake was also a reliable spotter of interesting things washed up by the tide.
Plenty of flowers — and plenty of showers. But the Oregon coast in bloom more than compensates for the rain.
Newport, Oregon
Newport sits at the mouth of Yaquina Bay and is one of Oregon’s most vibrant coastal towns. The historic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse — decommissioned in 1874 and now a museum — watches over the rocky coastline.
We stayed at Pacific Shores Motor Coach Resort, a luxury Class A motorcoach resort. Our site faced the Pacific Ocean directly — one of the finest RV sites we’ve ever had.
We only stayed a week. It would have been wonderful to spend the entire summer season watching the daily — if not hourly — changes in weather, tides, and surf.
Jake loved the opportunity to run and explore — although he sprained a leg running on the tide shelf rocks. It’s hard to keep that crazy dog down!
He was a reliable spotter for interesting finds along the tideline.
We took every break in the weather for a walk. This is the rocky shelf where Jake sprained his leg — he was moving at full Great Dane speed and didn’t negotiate the rocks as gracefully as he thought.
We had an early dinner at Local Ocean Seafoods — their catch comes directly off these boats and it shows. Incredibly fresh. They even grew a few artichokes outside the restaurant door.
Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area is a collapsed sea cave just north of Newport near Otter Rock — a dramatic bowl-shaped rock formation where the ocean surges in through two openings. Even though the tides weren’t perfect for our visit, we still saw impressive waves crashing inside. The effect is most dramatic at high tide.
We also did a little wine tasting nearby — a novelty on the Oregon coast, but nothing made the cut for our collection.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a world-class facility — easily comparable to the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla or the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Located right on Yaquina Bay, it features massive Pacific Ocean tanks, an underwater walk-through tunnel, shore birds, sea otters, and seals.
The variety of Pacific Northwest marine life on display was impressive — from delicate tide pool creatures to large open-ocean species.
Allow at least two to three hours — the aquarium is larger than it looks from the entrance, and the outdoor exhibits with the seals and sea birds deserve as much time as the indoor tanks.
Visitor Information
Oregon Coast Aquarium is at 2820 SE Ferry Slip Road, Newport, OR 97365. Phone: 541-867-3474. Website: aquarium.org. Open year-round; admission fees apply (check website for current pricing). Parking is free. Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area is located at 1 Devils Punchbowl Loop, Otter Rock, OR 97369 (about 8 miles north of Newport). Day use is free; no reservation needed. Visit at high tide for the most dramatic wave action. Rogue River Jet Boat Tours — the main operator in Gold Beach is Jerry’s Rogue Jets (jerry’s.com); tours range from 64-mile whitewater trips to 104-mile wilderness runs. Book in advance in summer. Four Seasons RV Resort (Gold Beach): 96526 N. Bank Rogue, Gold Beach, OR 97444; fourseasonsrv.com. Full hook-ups, river sites available. Pacific Shores Motor Coach Resort (Newport): 6225 N Coast Hwy, Newport, OR 97365; pacificshoresresort.com. Class A motorcoach resort with oceanfront sites.
Practical Tips for the Oregon Coast
Pack for rain regardless of season — the Oregon coast averages over 60 inches of rain per year in some areas. Layers, waterproof jacket, and good boots are essential even in summer. Embrace the breaks in the storms — some of the most dramatic coastal light and wave action happens right after a squall passes. Oregon beaches are dog-friendly and most allow off-leash running; always check individual park rules before letting your dog loose. For large motorhomes, Pacific Shores in Newport is outstanding — it’s designed specifically for Class A coaches and is one of the finest coastal RV resorts on the West Coast. Sea stack viewing is best from the beaches south of Gold Beach and around Bandon — plan to visit at low tide to walk closest to the formations. Visit Devil’s Punchbowl at high tide for the most dramatic surge; low tide lets you walk into the cove to see the cave opening from below. Local Ocean Seafoods in Newport is the best seafood restaurant in town — arrive early or expect a wait. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, just north of Newport, is an excellent side trip for birding and lighthouse viewing, not to be missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit the Oregon coast?
Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) offer the best combination of mild temperatures, lower crowds, and wildflowers in bloom. Summer (July–August) is the busiest and warmest, but coastal fog is common. Winter brings dramatic storms and massive surf — many visitors specifically come for storm watching. There is genuinely no bad time to visit, but packing for rain is essential year-round.
Can dogs run off-leash on Oregon beaches?
Oregon has a public access law guaranteeing access to its entire ocean shore, and most Oregon beaches are very dog-friendly. Many beaches allow off-leash dogs, though rules vary by location — some state park day-use areas require leashes. The Gold Beach and Coos Bay areas are particularly well-suited for dogs, with wide, uncrowded beaches. Always check the specific beach or state park rules before letting your dog off-leash, especially near wildlife areas or nesting zones.
Is the Oregon Coast Aquarium worth visiting?
Absolutely — it’s one of the best aquariums on the West Coast. The walk-through underwater tunnel, the outdoor sea bird aviary, the harbor seal and sea otter exhibits, and the massive Pacific Ocean tanks make it a full half-day experience. The aquarium gained fame as the home of Keiko (the orca from the film Free Willy) before his transfer to Iceland. Allow at least two hours; three is better if you want to linger in the outdoor exhibits.
What are sea stacks and where are the best ones on the Oregon coast?
Sea stacks are pillars, arches, and isolated rock formations that rise from the ocean surf — formed when softer surrounding rock erodes away over thousands of years, leaving the harder rock standing. The Oregon coast has some of the most dramatic sea stacks in North America. Top viewing spots include Bandon’s Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint, the beach south of Gold Beach, Cannon Beach (home of the famous Haystack Rock), and the Three Arch Rocks area near Oceanside. Most are best viewed and photographed at low tide.
