Jet boat the ‘Historic Mail Boat Route’ just as Rogue River pioneers have done since 1895, when road access did not exist. We are one of the few remaining Mail Boats in the nation, and still deliver the mail to Agness, 32 miles upriver, on a daily basis. No whitewater here. Just a beautiful day on the Rogue River spotting wildlife, sharing history, and family fun.
All tours leave from the Port of Gold Beach, located on the southern shore of the Rogue River. Tours will begin loading 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure time, so please arrive a minimum of 20 minutes in advance.
The Historic Mail Route tour will have a bathroom break 1.5 hours after departure, and a meal break in the town of Agness (2 hours from departure).
Provided meal at Cougar Lane Lodge is a BBQ Plate that includes Ribs, Pulled Pork, Brisket, Muffin, Baked Beans, & Coleslaw. (Vegetarian options available upon request at lodge).
Brookings Harbor Options:
Ocean Kayak Fishing Tour
Join us for outstanding fishing on the Southern Oregon Coast. We provide the kayak, gear, and guides on all of our fishing trips in Brookings.
Ocean Kayaking
Join South Coast Tours for a salt water paddle via the mouth of the Chetco River.
Gold Beach Options:
Scenic Flatwater Paddle on the Rogue River
Join South Coast Tours for a scenic paddle down a beautiful, calm stretch of the Rogue River.
Port Orford Options:
Orford Heads Snorkeling and Kayak Tour
Get a unique view both above and below the surface on this incredible kayaking and snorkeling combo tour.
Whales and Wildlife Boat Tour
Marine Reserve, Whales and other Wildlife by boat!
Craggy bluffs, secluded beaches, and offshore rock formations await visitors along the 12 ocean-hugging miles of Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor, located between Brookings and Gold Beach along Highway 101.
This stretch of the highway features one turnoff after another, each with access to picnic areas, viewpoints and trailheads that connect an 18-mile segment of the Oregon Coast Trail.
There are a couple of ways to experience this park: pick a trailhead and spend the day hiking one of the sections, or stop at each parking area and explore its features.
Here are some highlights to help plan your trip:
Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint: A mile-long hike leads to breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and photo-worthy Oregon sunsets. The Cape is also an excellent spot for whale watching in fall and spring.
House Rock Viewpoint: A memorial commemorates Samuel H. Boardman, the first Oregon State Parks superintendent and the park's namesake. The 4-mile trail between Cape Ferrelo and House Rock offers many side trails to secluded beaches.
Whaleshead Beach: This oceanfront picnic area has gorgeous views and an easy, flat path to the beach.
Natural Bridge: Follow a short trail to one of the best viewpoints in the park — the seven iconic arch rocks and blowholes known as Natural Bridges. Here you'll find a memorial to Dr. Samuel Dicken, who first envisioned the Oregon Coast Trail.
Arch Rock: From the paved parking lot, a short path leads to an overlook featuring a series of offshore sea stacks and islands.
Whether you hike all 18 miles or just 1/4 of a mile, take a moment to consider the multitudes who have walked the same worn path for millennia: Native Americans, explorers, gold seekers and settlers.
Best Local Tidepool Areas
Before you go, check the local tide times! The tidepooling will be best at low tide, use this site to figure out the perfect time to go.
https://aquarium.org/visit/tide-chart/
Myers Creek – Travel 7.1 miles south from the Gold Beach Visitor’s Center on Hwy. 101 to Myers Creek beach. This beach stretches south from the base of Cape Sebastian. Park at one of many overlooks and easy access points. The numerous rocks make for good tidepooling.
Whiskey Creek – (Boardman State Park) – Approximately 14 miles south of the Gold Beach Visitor’s Center on Hwy. 101. Park in the gravel lot at the Boardman State Park sign. It’s a bit of a hike down to the beach but worth it. The rocky beach to the north lends itself to some first-rate tidepool exploration.
Lone Ranch Wayside – (Cape Ferrelo) – Located 4 miles north of Brookings (Approximately 23 miles south of the Gold Beach Visitor’s Center), this area has ample parking, rest rooms and easy access to the beach. Large numbers of rocks of various sizes are scattered about the beach. There is an excellent inter-tidal area out on the cape to the north of the parking area.
Rocky Point – 23.5 miles north of the Rogue River Bridge (turn left on gravel road just past the 305 mile marker). This inter-tidal area consists of a large boulder field surrounded by a gently sloping beach. It has easy access and provides good viewing opportunities.
Salmon Run is a championship course designed as much by nature as by man. Where enthusiasts and purists alike will find a challenge for every club in their bag. A course that carries you along the path of spawning Chinook and Steelhead — and carries your game to a whole new level. Embrace the challenge and enjoy nature’s splendor.
Six distinct links courses have been conceived in harmony with the natural environment. They combine with all the essential elements to reveal a new golf experience every time you play. The soul of the game resides here. Players walk. And at the end of the day, gracious hospitality comforts each guest like a warm, friendly embrace.
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to fill your time with the best a place has to offer — at least according to the locals — here’s a rundown of not-to-miss hits. Check the links for more information on what to do while you stay in Gold Beach.
5 Day Itinerary
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park’s 10,000 acres are managed cooperatively by the National Park Service and California State Parks, as are Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, and Redwood National Park. A World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, Redwood National and State Parks protect 45 percent of California’s remaining old-growth redwoods—an area almost four times the size of Manhattan Island.